Joint Board Matter with Chairman Bulova

July 10, 2018

Madam Chairman,

Suicide is the tenth leading cause of all deaths in the United States. In 2016 Suicide was the second leading cause of death among individuals between the ages of 10 and 34, and the fourth leading cause of death among individuals between the ages of 35 and 54.

The vast majority of suicidal individuals display warning signs. Organizations such as PRS CrisisLink and the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention offer help and raise awareness. Last year PRS CrisisLink answered over 4,000 crisis hotline calls, a 17 % increase over FY 2016. Of those 8 % were actively suicidal. FY 2017 PRS CrisisLink answered over 1200 texts from the Fairfax-Falls Church area, a 36% increase from the year before. Nearly half of the textline volume was from Fairfax County Public Schools students. All you have to do is text 'CONNECT' to 855-11. In addition, the Community Services Board (CSB) has a 24/7 Mental Health Crisis Emergency Service number (703) 573-5679, or you can visit the Merrifield Center at 8221 Willow Oaks Corporate Drive, Fairfax, VA 22031 24/7, 365 days a year.

Regrettably, there is much more that needs to be done. We must continue to raise awareness and let people know that there are organizations to call, to visit or to text that can offer assistance.

Therefore, Madam Chairman, I ask, without objection, that the Board proclaim September as Suicide Awareness Month in Fairfax County, and that the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, PRS CrisisLink, and other partners in suicide prevention be invited to come before the Board on July 31 to accept this proclamation.