Title
Proclamation Declaring September 2024 as "National Recovery Month In Los Alamos" (Accepted by Los Alamos County's Social Services Manager Jessica Strong)
Body
WHEREAS, Los Alamos County’s Social Services division, together with the Los Alamos County Health Council, are working to raise awareness about issues related to mental health and substance use disorders during the month of September to reduce the stigma surrounding these critical topics; and
WHEREAS, mental health and substance use disorders impact millions of people throughout the United States, with public health officials estimating one in four adults will experience these types of disorders in any given year and that these disorders impact families, friends and communities, transcending all demographic boundaries, of which Los Alamos County is not immune; and
WHEREAS, according to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (A.F.S.P.), suicide is the second leading cause of death among individuals between the ages of 10 and 34, with more than 48,000 people dying by suicide annually in the United States, making it a significant public health issue and consequence of untreated mental health or substance use disorders; and
WHEREAS, it is possible to live a full and healthy life in spite of experiencing mental health and/or substance use disorders, with personal, professional, and community supports in place to support recovery efforts; and
WHEREAS, Los Alamos County Social Services Division and the Los Alamos County Health Council are planning outreach and events in September and the following months to promote the 988 crisis line, expand resources in our community and region to address mental health issues, and promote the availability of Narcan to help prevent opioid overdoses; and
WHEREAS, strong collaborations with local organizations such as Los Alamos Family Council, Los Alamos JJAB, Los Alamos Public Schools, and Self-Help, as well as many others, and vital connections with local churches, medical providers, and others, help ensure we are creating a strong safety net to help provide hope and resources to as many people as possible; and
WHEREAS, Los Alamos County publicly places its full support behind those who work in the field of mental health, substance use, education, and law enforcement personnel, who work every day to help people facing mental health and substance use challenges to recover and thrive.
NOW, THEREFORE, on behalf of the Council for the Incorporated County of Los Alamos, I do hereby proclaim the month of September 2024 as
"NATIONAL RECOVERY MONTH IN LOS ALAMOS"
And I call upon all residents to seek mental health and suicide prevention resources online and through the Social Services office at 1183 Diamond Drive, Suite E, and to participate in events promoting mental health awareness and recovery events scheduled throughout September at SALA;
AND FURTHERMORE, I strongly encourage individuals experiencing a mental health crisis to call the nationwide crisis line at 988, use the crisis text line at 741741, call 911, or go to the nearest hospital.