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Albemarle declares September 2024 National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month; local gun-safety groups accept proclamation
Summary
The Albemarle County Board of Supervisors proclaimed September 2024 as National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month and heard local advocates emphasize lethal means safety, 988, and community supports during an acceptance by Moms Demand Action.
The Albemarle County Board of Supervisors on Sept. 4 proclaimed September 2024 as National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month and received remarks from Kathy Pales of Moms Demand Action. The proclamation cites CDC statistics and encourages community awareness of suicide risk factors, safe firearm storage and the 988 National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
Kathy Pales, who accepted the proclamation on behalf of the local Moms Demand Action chapter, highlighted the link between firearms and fatal suicide attempts and listed common prevention tools, saying, "Most people who attempt suicide do not die unless they use a gun...However, when a gun is involved, that figure skyrockets to 90 percent." Board members from across the county thanked advocates and highlighted local initiatives including the HEARTs first-responder alternative-response team and the school board’s firearm-storage resolution.
Supervisors urged broader public awareness and coordination with local behavioral-health resources. The board approved the proclamation by roll-call vote.
