Discuss, consider and take appropriate action on proclamation recognizing the month of September as "Suicide Prevention Month".

The month of September is national Suicide Prevention Month.  The CDC reported that the national average for suicide was 14.0 per 100,000 and the rate for the State of Texas was 13.4.  The average for Williamson County during the same period was 10.4.  Dedicated groups continue to strive for improvements to the behavioral health system and to help keep Williamson County ranked as one of the healthiest counties in the State of Texas (currently #3 out of 254 counties).  Alan's Hope, the Child & Youth Behavioral Health Committee, the Williamson County Behavioral Health Task Force and Williamson County and Cities Health District with their Healthy Williamson County initiative are continuing their efforts to improve the behavioral health system in the county.  These groups include dedicated professionals from a cross section of fields in our communities, including:  mental health, primary healthcare, social service, education, law enforcement and justice.  Some of the attendees of these collaborative meetings include:  mental health advocates, non-profits, our Local Mental Health Authority, our Federally Qualified Health Clinic, Judges, corrections and law enforcement leaders, County's Emergency Services Department, educational leaders from all ISD's, medical hospital representatives and private behavioral health hospitals.  These groups work together to create a behavioral health system that works effectively, without duplication of valuable resources.  The efforts of these groups helps to reduce the stigma of seeking help. Just as there is no hesitation in seeking help for a heart attack, diabetes or a broken bone, there should not be stigma in receiving help for behavioral health needs.