(Cass Co.) The Cass County Board of Supervisors has approved a proclamation recognizing September as Suicide Prevention and Awareness Month in Cass County.
Karmen Roland, program director at Cass Health’s Senior Life Solutions, read the proclamation during Tuesday’s Board of Supervisors meeting.
The proclamation notes that more than 49,000 people die by suicide each year in the United States, with an estimated 132 suicides occurring daily. Each suicide directly impacts an estimated 100 additional people, meaning suicide has likely affected nearly everyone in some way.
In Iowa, an estimated 548 people die by suicide each year. The proclamation states that Iowa’s suicide rate of 17.1 deaths per 100,000 people is higher than the national average of 13.7, and that the state’s suicide rate has increased by 48.7 percent over the past 20 years.
The proclamation emphasizes that early intervention and access to quality care are crucial in preventing suicide and managing mental health conditions. It also expresses Cass County’s support for those working in mental health, education and law enforcement.
Residents are encouraged to learn more about mental health, recognize the importance of caring for their own mental well-being and supporting one another, challenge stigma surrounding mental health, seek help when needed and support organizations that provide mental health services and advocacy.
As part of Suicide Prevention and Awareness Month, Cass County residents are encouraged to participate in the 8th Annual Suicide Awareness Community Walk on September 10 at 7 p.m. at Atlantic City Park.
The proclamation also calls on residents to educate themselves and others about mental health conditions, suicide risk, treatment options and available resources, while helping create safe and supportive environments for open conversations about mental health.
The goal is to build a community where everyone feels empowered to prioritize their mental well-being and seek help when needed.
