Schuylkill County commissioners on Wednesday issued proclamations marking commemoration of those who have died from overdoses, support those recovering from addiction, and reach out to those who are contemplating suicide.

Commissioners on Wednesday issued proclamations for each effort.

September is National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month.

“It is dedicated to raising awareness, increasing recognition of the early warning signs, and acknowledging those affected by suicide, and connecting individuals with suicidal ideation to treatment services in an environment, where care can be sought and obtained without fear or shame.

“Suicidal thoughts can affect anyone regardless of age, gender, race, orientation, income, level, religion, or background. In the United States, one person dies by suicide every 11 minutes, with over 48,183 deaths by suicide every year. Suicide is the 11th leading cause of death in United States. Schuylkill County has the fourth highest rate in the state of Pennsylvania.

“Schuylkill County is no different from any other community in the country, but chooses to publicly state and place our full support behind every member of our community and understand that we all need the occasional reminder that we were all silently fighting our own battles.

“Schuylkill County commissioners and the Suicide Prevention Task Force of Schuylkill County encourage all residents to take the time to inquire as to the well-being of their family, friends, and neighbors over the next few weeks to genuinely convey their appreciation for their existence by any gesture, they deem appropriate. A simple phone call, message, handshake, or a hug can go a long way toward helping someone realize that suicide is not the answer,” the proclamation states.

Commissioners also acknowledged Aug. 31 as International Overdose Awareness Day.

Between 2018 and 2022, 338 people in the county died of drug overdoses, said Elaine Gilbert, administrator of the county offices of Mental Health/Developmental Services/Drug & Alcohol Services.

On Aug. 31, Human Services staff will provide Narcan and harm reduction supplies such as locked medication boxes and bottle caps to those who drive up to the front of the courthouse, Laurel Boulevard, between 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., said Prevention Specialist Diane E. Rowland.

Small purple markers will be placed on the front lawn of the courthouse, one commemorating each person who died of an overdose in the county between 2018 and 2022.

The courthouse will be lit in purple lights that night to mark the commemoration.

“We recognize the purpose of International Overdose Awareness Day as remembering loved ones, lost to overdose, and ending the stigma of drug related deaths; and we resolve to play our part in reducing the toll of overdose in our community, which claimed the lives of more than 5,000 individuals in Pennsylvania last year together with countless more affected forever; and we affirm that the people affected by overdose are our sons and daughters, our mothers and fathers, our brothers and sisters, and are deserving of our love, compassion, and support,” the proclamation said.

A third proclamation marks National Recovery Month.

“Behavioral health is an essential part of health and one’s overall wellness. Prevention of mental, and substance use disorders works, treatment is affective, and people recover in our community and around the nation.

Preventing and overcoming mental, and substance use disorders is essential to achieving healthy lifestyles, both physically and emotionally. We must encourage relatives and friends of people with mental health and substance use disorders to implement preventive measures, recognize the signs of a problem, and guide those in need to appropriate treatment and recovery support services.

The Schuylkill County Drug and Alcohol Program is locally sponsoring National Recovery Month during September in an effort to raise awareness to the fact that recovery is for everyone: every person, every family, every community, and to help more people with lived experience, achieve and sustain recovery,” the proclamation states.