Lake County proclaims Sept. 10 World Suicide Prevention Day; local coalition urges outreach

The Lake County Board of Commissioners on Sept. 10 adopted a proclamation recognizing Sept. 10, 2025, as World Suicide Prevention Day.

The resolution, moved and seconded by the commissioners and approved by recorded voice vote, opened with remarks from David Schick of the Lake County ADAMS Board, who thanked the county for previous overdose-awareness recognition and tied overdose prevention and suicide prevention to expanded behavioral-health care and community supports. "These 2 observations really go hand in hand because we know that some overdose deaths are actually suicide attempts, and both can be prevented with strong, accessible behavioral health care and the right support systems around those individuals and families," Schick said.

Sandra Tenkew, identified as a community outreach specialist with the Lake County Suicide Prevention Coalition, told the board the coalition is working to share information and connect people in crisis to resources. "We want community members, our families, our friends who are suffering greatly to know that they are not alone and hope is available," Tenkew said. "We have lost far too many Lake Countians to suicide, and these deaths are preventable."

Commissioners who voted on the proclamation indicated support during the meeting; the clerk recorded affirmative votes from the three commissioners present.

The board and the speakers framed the proclamation as part of broader efforts to increase awareness and reach people who may be struggling but who are not currently connected to services. County leaders and coalition members said the recognition helps families and providers who work on prevention and recovery.