September is Suicide Awareness and Prevention Month
Whereas,  suicide is a leading cause of death in the United States; and in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, one person dies by suicide every four hours, making it the second leading cause of death for ages 15-34 and the fourth leading cause of death for ages 35-54;  
 
Whereas,   nearly five million people in the United States have lost a loved one to suicide; and each member of our community is valued and irreplaceable; and talking openly about stress and psychological health builds trust, reduces barriers to care; and enables early intervention; and local and statewide suicide prevention efforts should be developed and encouraged to the maximum extent possible;
 
Whereas,  the Lackawanna-Susquehanna Behavioral Health/Intellectual Disabilities/Early Intervention Program works with community stakeholders to assure that each citizen has access to mental health services and mental health crisis intervention to spread the message that help and resources are available.
 
Whereas,  local and statewide suicide prevention efforts should be developed and encouraged to the maximum extent possible.
 
Now Therefore, We, Jerry Notarianni, Debi Domenick and Chris Chermak, Commissioners of the County of Lackawanna, Pennsylvania, do hereby acknowledge and proclaim September 2022, as:
 
“Suicide Awareness and Prevention Month”
In Lackawanna County

Suicide Prevention 2022 - Copy
Commissioner Jerry Notarianni, Commissioner Debi Domenick, BHIDEI Jessica Chelik, and Commissioner Chris Chermak