Mercer Island City Council issued four proclamations at its Sept. 3 regular meeting related to several social and health causes: National Recovery Month, National Preparedness Month, Hunger Action Month and Childhood Cancer Awareness Month.

According to the proclamations:

* “National Recovery Month is an opportunity to celebrate all people that make the journey of recovery possible and spread the message that prevention works, treatment is effective, and recovery is possible.”

* In the National Preparedness Month realm, “The city encourages all Islanders to: Understand the hazards specific to Mercer Island and the Puget Sound; create a plan that includes a household communications plan, alternative shelter options, evacuation routes, and accommodations for special needs; sign up for emergency alerts to receive urgent messages and updates from the city of Mercer Island and King County; build a kit that includes supplies that will last for 7-14 days after a disaster; and practice your plan with your family.”

* “Hunger Action Month highlights the community spirit of giving and calls upon the residents of Mercer Island to join efforts throughout the month of September to support YFS (Youth and Family Services) food security efforts and help ensure no Islander goes hungry.”

* During Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, the city encourages all residents to: “’Go Gold’ by wearing gold, displaying gold ribbons, and participating in activities that promote awareness and support for childhood cancer research and the affected families; support local initiatives and organizations dedicated to helping children with cancer and their families; educate themselves about the signs and symptoms of childhood cancer to promote early detection; and advocate for increased funding and research for childhood cancer treatments and cures.”