6.1 SR 08-21-2023�,
Elk s �-
River
Request for Action
To Item Number
Ma Tor and CinT Council 6.1
Agenda Section Meeting Date Prepared by
PYesentations Au ust 21, 2023 Katie Porath, RecoYds S ecialist
Item Description Reviewed by
Proclaim September 2023 as Suicide Prevention Tina Allard, Cit�r Clerk
Month Reviewed by
Calvin Pormer, CityT Administrator
Action Requested
Approve, byT motion, a proclamation designating September 2023 as Suicide Prevention Month.
Background/Discussion
Katie ShatuskyT, executive director of Thumbs Up, requested the Cit�T Council proclaim September 2023 as i�lental
Health & Suicide Prevention Month.
The cityT policyT regarding proclamations limits them to those that are on behalf of communityT-based organizations.
This yTear's proclamation includes two additional stakeholders: Shine a Ligh7 (Pronounced Shine a Light) and
O�en Doors for Youth. Both nonprofits make a significant impact on the communityT of Elk River. Shine a
Ligh7 is run byT our hometo`vn hero, Paul Martin, former NHL hockeyT playTer. And Open Doors for Youth, also
located in Elk River, provides free access to counseling and group therapy which are available to vulnerable youth
in our communit�r.
Financial Impact
N/A
Mission/Policy/Goal
Cit�T iVlission
Attachments
■ Proclamation
The Elk River Vision
A 2a�elcolning co�nlnunity 2a�ith T evolutiona� y and spizzted T esou� cefulness, exceptional
se�vice, and coln�nunity engagelnent that encou�ages and ins�iz•es pTo�pe�zty.
rowEREo ar
�I'1 ����
Update�l• January 2023
City of
Elk =�-
RiVer
Proclamation
Designating September 2023 as
Suicide Prevention Month
in the City of Elk River, Minnesota
WHEREAS, Suicide prevention is more important than ever and essential to our overall health; and
WHEREAS, Suicide prevention allows us to open up the conversation about mental health to maintain
relationships, take care of ourselves, learn, take care of our ph�Tsical bodies, respond and adapt to daily life
changes; and
WHEREAS, Suicide prevention is crucial to mental health, and that includes our emotional,
psyTchological, and social well-being; it affects ho`v we think, feel, and act; it also affects ho`v we handle
stress, relate to others, and make choices; and
WHEREAS, The pandemic caused many people to struggle with their mental health and well-being,
especiallyT our children and yTouth; and
WHEREAS, The World Health Organization found that the numbeY of people with depression and
anxiettT `vent up 25% �vorld�vide; and
WHEREAS, There are steps we can all take to educate ourselves and improve our mental health, and
with early and effective treatment, people �vith mental illnesses can recover; and
WHEREAS, Suicide Prevention is critical to the `vell-being of our families, communities, schools,
businesses; and
WHEREAS, All of us have a role to p1a�T in promoting good mental health, and there are a range of
essential communityT resources to promote mental health and `vell-being for all iVlinnesotans; and
WHEREAS, Nonprofits like Thumbs Up, LIVIN Foundation, Shine a Ligh7 (pronounced: Shine a
Light), and Open Doors for Youth p1ayT a critical role in making the conversation okayT and supporting
those who are struggling personallyr oY with the loss of a loved one to suicide; and
WHEREAS, Citizens, government agencies, public and private institutions, businesses, and schools
should commit to promoting good mental health and increasing awareness and understanding of inental
illnesses and ho`v to prevent suicides.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that I, John J. Dietz, MayTor of Elk River, do herebyT
proclaim September 2023 as Suicide Prevention Month.
John J. Dietz, MayoY
ATTEST:
Tina Allard, CityT Clerk