Mayor Teri Johnston and the Key West City Commission have proclaimed this week as National Suicide Prevention Week

Monroe County had the highest rate of suicide in 2018 of all 67 counties in Florida, Commissioner Mary Lou Hoover pointed out. Suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the United States, and the second leading cause of death among individuals between the ages of 15 and 34.

Additionally, suicide is the only leading cause of death in the United States that has increased every year for the past decade.

Hoover noted that State Representative Holly Raschein is working to secure more state resources to provide better suicide awareness “on our little island.” She encouraged the community to become involved by participating in the upcoming Out of the Darkness Walk later this year.

“Organizations such as the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention envision a world without suicide,” reads the proclamation, “and are dedicated to saving lives and bringing hope to those affected by suicide through research, education, advocacy and resources for those who have lost someone or who personally struggle.”

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