2022-137 2022-137
Resolution Declaring September "National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month"In The
Town Of Wappinger
At a Regular Meeting of the Town Board of the Town of Wappinger, Dutchess County,
New York, held at Town Hall, 20 Middlebush Road, Wappingers Falls, New York, on
September 12, 2022.
The meeting was called to order by Richard Thurston, Town Supervisor, and upon roll
being called, the following was recorded:
✓Vote Record-Resolution RES-2022-137
Q Adopted Yes/Aye No/Nay Abstain Absent
❑ Adopted as Amended Richard Thurston Voter Q ❑ ❑ ❑
❑ Defeated William H.Beale Voter Q ❑ ❑ ❑
❑ Tabled Angela Bettina Seconder Q ❑ ❑ ❑
❑ Withdrawn Christopher Phillips Voter Q ❑ ❑ ❑
Al Casella Mover Q ❑ ❑ ❑
The following Resolution was introduced by Casella and seconded by Councilwoman
Bettina.
WHEREAS; September is known around the United States as National Suicide Prevention
Awareness Month and is intended to help promote awareness surrounding each of the Suicide
Prevention resources available to us and our community. The simple goal is to learn how to help
those around us and how to talk about suicide without increasing the risk of harm; and
WHEREAS; Suicidal thoughts can affect anyone regardless of age, gender, race, orientation,
income level, religion, or background; and
WHEREAS; According to the CDC, each year more than 41,000 people die by suicide; and
WHEREAS; Suicide is the 10th leading cause of death among adults in the US, and the 2nd
leading cause of death among people aged 10-24; and
WHEREAS; Town of Wappinger, NY is no different than any other community in the country,
but chooses to publicly state and place our full support behind local educators, mental health
professionals, athletic coaches, pack leaders, police officers, and parents, as partners in
supporting our community in simply being available to one another; and
WHEREAS; local organizations like Suicide Prevention Services (SPS) and national
organizations like the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) are on the front lines of a
battle that many still refuse to discuss in public, as suicide and mental illness remain too taboo a
topic to speak on; and
WHEREAS, every member of our community should understand that throughout life's struggles
we all need the occasional reminder that we are all silently fighting our own battles; and
WHEREAS, I encourage all residents to take the time to inquire as to the wellbeing of their
family, friends, and neighbors over the next few days and to genuinely convey their appreciation
for their existence by any gesture they deem appropriate. A simple phone call, message,
handshake, or hug can go a long way towards helping someone realize that suicide is not the
answer.
NOW, THEREFORE, be it resolved that we, Supervisor Richard L. Thurston and the
Wappinger Town Board, do hereby proclaim the month of September 2022, as National Suicide
Prevention Awareness Month in the Town of Wappinger, NY.
The foregoing was put to a vote which resulted as follows:
RESULT: ADOPTED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Al Casella, Councilman
SECONDER: Angela Bettina, Councilwoman
AYES: Thurston, Beale, Bettina, Phillips, Casella
Dated: Wappingers Falls, New York
9/12/2022
The Resolution is hereby duly declared Adopted.
JOS P P. PAOLONI, TOWN CLERK
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