Mayor Wilson proclaims September to be Suicide Prevention Awareness Month

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In accordance with this acknowledgement, we recognize:

Whereas, today we stand in solidarity to honor National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month for those who are no longer with us; those suffering in silence; those feel­ing unseen and unsupported; and those who are fighting moment by moment. We honor your courage and are fighting with and for you; you are important to us and your life matters;

Whereas, we express our heartfelt condolences to those who have to recreate their reality 
to live life with a missing part of them and grieve the loss of a special soul forever. We stand beside you to encourage and uplift you as you grieve;

Whereas, the City of Portland affirms that National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month 
promotes awareness of the importance of tending to our mental health, as it is es­sential; and acknowledges that those living with mental health disabilities are de­serving of care, understanding, compassion, and pathways to hope, healing, re­covery, fulfillment, and inclusivity;

Whereas, September was first declared as National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month in 
2008. Since then, September has been a time to acknowledge those affected by suicide, raise awareness, and connect individuals with suicide ideation to appro­priate professional support services;

Whereas, suicide is a serious public health problem that can have lasting harmful effects on individuals, families, and communities. There are many factors that contribute to suicide; just as there are many factors that can support prevention. The goal of sui­cide prevention is to reduce factors that increase risk and increase factors that promote resilience;

Whereas, places of employment play a vital role in suicide prevention. When colleagues learn and understand signs and symptoms, risk factors, protective factors, and available resources and support, they are more equipped to support in education, prevention, and awareness;

Whereas, the city emphasizes the importance of all employees and community taking time to center themselves and do the things necessary to prioritize their mental well-being.

Whereas, Portland supports suicide prevention awareness as an important social move­ment to support individuals experiencing mental health struggles understand that they are not alone. Raising suicide prevention awareness can help create understanding, increase accessibility to resources, promote awareness, and is essential to intervening and saving lives;

Whereas, we recognize the profound and adverse impacts of being exposed to suicide at­tempts, suicide completion, and the loss of a loved one, colleague, or community member.

Whereas, we all need to feel empowered, confident, and competent to be the ones to reach out when someone is in crisis. If we can connect with someone in crisis, we can help save a life;

Now, therefore, I, Keith Wilson, Mayor of the City of Portland, Oregon, the "City of Roses," do hereby proclaim Suicide Prevention Awareness Month to be in the City of Portland during the month of September 2026 and hereby encourage all community members to check in on their loved ones and support the people around them who have been affected by suicide.