S 1246  Resolution, By Shealy
 A SENATE RESOLUTION TO RECOGNIZE SUICIDE PREVENTION EFFORTS IN SOUTH CAROLINA
 IN HONOR OF WORLD SUICIDE PREVENTION DAY.
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   09/02/20  Senate Introduced and adopted (Senate Journal-page 5)

TO RECOGNIZE SUICIDE PREVENTION EFFORTS IN SOUTH CAROLINA IN HONOR OF WORLD SUICIDE PREVENTION DAY.

Whereas, since 2003, World Suicide Prevention Day has been annually observed on September tenth. On this day, individuals and organizations across the world spread awareness and encourage a worldwide commitment to action on suicide prevention; and

Whereas, in the United States, South Carolina ranks twenty-seventh for suicide deaths. Suicide is the eleventh leading cause of death in the State, and one South Carolinian dies by suicide every eleven hours; and

Whereas, aimed at addressing this critical problem, the South Carolina Suicide Prevention State Plan details statewide strategies to implement evidence-based prevention and intervention practices; and

Whereas, representing many communities across the State and nation, the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, the South Carolina Suicide Prevention Coalition, the Department of Mental Health's Office of Suicide Prevention, and other national and local organizations and state agencies are leading the charge in suicide prevention efforts; and

Whereas, as a part of these suicide prevention initiatives, a number of state agencies are actively working to implement employee trainings or adopt Zero Suicide Initiative components. Among these agencies are the Department of Mental Health, Department of Health and Human Services, Department of Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Services, Department of Probation, Parole and Pardon Services, Department of Corrections, Department of Veterans' Affairs, Department of Health and Environmental Control, and Department of Education; and

Whereas, over the past two years, 27,201 South Carolina residents have been trained in suicide prevention across the State. Many trainings have been specifically designed for the LGBTQ+ community, Spanish-speaking residents, senior citizens, teachers, students, parents, and owners and employees of shooting ranges and pawn shops. The State is also working to provide strategies specific to service members, veterans, and their families; and

Whereas, through social media outreach, the Department of Mental Health's Office of Suicide Prevention and the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention have together reached 358,299 followers; and

Whereas, new funding this year will also advance the goals of South Carolina's National Suicide Prevention Lifeline call center for answering in-state calls; and

Whereas, losing one South Carolinian to suicide is one too many, but the many state agencies, organizations, and citizens working together on prevention efforts provide hope for a suicide-free future. Now, therefore,

Be it resolved by the Senate:

That the members of the South Carolina Senate, by this resolution, recognize suicide prevention efforts in South Carolina in honor of World Suicide Prevention Day.