At their August 26, 2020, meeting, the Lorain County Commissioners issued the following resolution:
PROCLAMATION on 2020 Overdose Awareness Day, Recovery Month and Suicide Prevention Month
WHEREAS, recovery from substance use disorders and mental illness is an essential part of health and one’s overall wellness; and
WHEREAS, treatment for mental illness, substance use disorders and co-occurring disorders is effective, and people can and do recover in our area and around the nation; and
WHEREAS, September is nationally recognized as both RECOVERY MONTH and SUICIDE PREVENTION MONTH; and we launch this time of national attention by honoring and remembering lives lost to addiction on OVERDOSE AWARENESS DAY on August 31; and
WHEREAS, overdose and suicide are serious public health issues that can have lasting harmful effects on individuals and families; and
WHEREAS, Lorain County supports effective strategies to promote awareness of mental health and addiction concerns of Lorain County residents while also promoting prevention, resilience, and a commitment to social change; and
WHEREAS, this year, the global pandemic presents new stressors that may challenge people who are vulnerable to addiction or mental illness, and the Mental Health, Addiction and Recovery Services (MHARS) Board of Lorain County is offering new and established services and supports to help; and
WHEREAS, any member of our community can learn about risk factors, recognize warning signs and take them seriously, know how to respond to save a life by connecting a loved one or family member to the treatment that will be most effective for them;
NOW, THEREFORE, the Lorain County Board of Commissioners do hereby recognize OVERDOSE AWARENESS DAY on August 31, and recognize September 2020 as SUICIDE PREVENTION MONTH and RECOVERY MONTH throughout Lorain County. We affirm that the people affected by addiction and mental illness are our sons and daughters, our mothers and fathers, our brothers and sisters, and deserving of our love, compassion and support.