WHEREAS, suicide is a public health crisis affecting individuals of all ages and backgrounds, and in 2023, Virginia recorded 1,230 deaths by suicide, with suicide ranking as the second leading cause of death among individuals aged 10–34 and the fourth leading cause of death among those aged 35–44; and

 

WHEREAS, stigma surrounding suicide and mental health conditions can discourage people from seeking help and can further affect survivors of suicide loss and people with lived experience; and

 

WHEREAS, increasing awareness of warning signs, healthy coping strategies, available support, and the importance of open dialogue about mental health can reduce stigma, encourage early intervention and treatment, and save lives; and

 

WHEREAS, Virginians can access free, confidential emotional support and suicide crisis intervention 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year by calling or texting 988; and

 

WHEREAS, the Suicide Prevention Interagency Advisory Group, jointly facilitated by the Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services and the Virginia Department of Health, coordinates statewide efforts to strengthen suicide prevention across the lifespan; and

 

WHEREAS, the Commonwealth's Community Services Boards provide evidence-based prevention programs, wellness initiatives, and suicide prevention skills training that reduce risk and promote behavioral health; and

 

WHEREAS, Suicide Prevention Week provides an opportunity to raise awareness, promote education and action, honor those lost to suicide, support survivors of suicide loss, and reaffirm our commitment to mental health and wellness for all;

 

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Abigail D. Spanberger, Governor, do hereby recognize September 6–12, 2026, as SUICIDE PREVENTION WEEK in the COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA, and I call this observance to the attention of all our citizens.