The Columbia County Board of Commissioners on Sept. 10 advanced a proclamation designating September 2025 as World Suicide Prevention Month and Sept. 10, 2025, as suicide prevention day in Columbia County.

Commissioner McGruder read the proclamation, which cited national and state statistics from the National Center for Health Statistics and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and local response figures for 2024.

The proclamation recited that in 2023, 49,316 people died by suicide in the U.S. and that Oregon’s age-adjusted suicide rate in 2023 was 19.4 per 100,000 compared with the U.S. rate of 14.1 per 100,000. The proclamation further stated that in 2024 Columbia County law enforcement responded to 262 behavioral health calls, 92 suicide attempts, 236 suicide threats and 107 overdoses; fire/EMS responded to 193 behavioral health calls, 68 suicide attempts and 151 overdoses.

The proclamation listed local programs and resources and urged use of the 988 crisis line: “If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988, a free resource available 24/7, 365 days.”

A motion to advance the proclamation was made and seconded; commissioners recorded aye votes and the measure moved forward for formal adoption on a subsequent agenda item.