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WHEREAS, the City of Pittsburgh recognizes that suicide is preventable and advocates support for evidence-based mental health services based on goals in the National Strategy for Suicide Prevention; and,
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WHEREAS, 90% of the people who die by suicide struggle with diagnoseable and treatable mental health conditions, but often do not receive recognition or treatment for these conditions; and,
WHEREAS, suicide is the 11th leading cause of death in the United States of America, with the Centers for Disease Control reporting over 49,000 deaths in 2022; and,
WHEREAS, Pennsylvania matches that nation-wide ranking of suicide as the 11th leading cause of death, with 1,885 lives lost through suicide in 2021; and,
WHEREAS, we seek to recognize September as Suicide Prevention Month, and elevate local organizations reducing stigma around suicide and mental health and disparate outcomes for marginalized communities; and,
WHEREAS, the Positive Painting Project works with schools and communities to provide opportunities for everyone to create art that expresses their thoughts and feelings, and works toward a future where mental health is openly discussed and addressed with compassion and understanding, where those who struggle can seek help without fear or judgement, and where struggles with depression and anxiety are treated with the same urgency and attention as other diseases; and,
WHEREAS, Steel Smiling bridges the gap between Black people and mental health support through education, advocacy, awareness, and support, and strives to expose every Black resident in Allegheny County to a positive mental health experience by 2030; and,
WHEREAS, Artist Talk Mental Health creates safe spaces for artists to learn and grow in their professional artistry and works towards a greater Pittsburgh region where Black and brown artists have access to mental health and wellness providers, professional development, and tools to build healthy support systems; and,
WHEREA...
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