Irondale mayor proclaims September 2025 as Suicide Prevention Month; local advocate urges use of 988

Mayor James D. Stewart Jr. read a proclamation designating Sept. 1 through Sept. 30, 2025, as Suicide Prevention Month in the City of Irondale, citing national and state statistics included in the proclamation and calling for increased awareness and access to mental‑health services.

The proclamation text (as read at the meeting) cited 2023 national figures, noting that in 2023 "49,000 individuals died by suicide" in the United States and that suicide rates increased approximately 36% from 2000 to 2023. The document also referenced the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention and called on local institutions to recommit to prevention efforts.

The mayor then invited Nick Tyler (identified by the mayor as the invited speaker) to share brief remarks. Tyler told the council that suicide is a preventable public‑health issue and urged the community to use the 988 crisis line: "988 is a humongous resource. Just like 911, if you have an emergency, if you have a mental health emergency, 988 is a huge resource," he said. He added that 988 offers calling, texting and chat options and has accommodations for people who are deaf or hard of hearing.

Tyler also referenced recent Alabama data during his remarks: "Last year alone ... we had over 860 people die by suicide in Alabama," and he said Jefferson County had lost 55 men to suicide in the recent period he cited. The mayor and council thanked Tyler and asked residents to check on one another and use crisis resources in moments of need.

No formal vote was required for the proclamation; the mayor presented it and the council received the presentation. Council members and the mayor encouraged residents to learn warning signs and to use available supports.