Commission celebrates Welcoming Week, recognizes suicide prevention month
LARGO — The City Commission celebrated Welcoming Week and recognized National Suicide Prevention Month at its Sept. 1 meeting, highlighting the city’s commitment to community, connection, and compassion.
Welcoming Week is an annual campaign showcasing communities that strive to be welcoming places for all, including immigrants. This year marks 10 years of Welcoming Week activities hosted by Largo Public Library, which offers programs designed to support and welcome new residents. The library also partners with other Pinellas public libraries for the Household Goods Basket Drive, providing essential items to area agencies that assist newcomers.
Largo Public Library Assistant Director Geri Remming accepted the proclamation and shared the 2026 theme, “Stories We Share: The Courage to Connect.” Visit LargoPublicLibrary.org to learn how to participate in this year’s Welcoming Week.
Commissioners also recognized National Suicide Prevention Month, observed each September, and 988 Day on Sept. 8. The proclamation emphasizes increased awareness of the 988 Florida Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, which offers free, confidential support 24/7 by calling or texting 988. The lifeline connects individuals experiencing suicidal thoughts, mental health crises, or emotional distress with trained crisis counselors.
Legislative Aide Carson King shared briefly about the lifeline’s impact, noting that it has received more than 26 million calls, texts, and chats since its launch in July 2022. He then welcomed Sean Schrader, a member of the board of directors for First Contact, formerly known as 211 Tampa Bay Cares, who accepted the proclamation and expressed appreciation for the Commission’s recognition and continued support.