Gilbert proclaims September 2025 Suicide Prevention Awareness Month; local advocates speak

The Gilbert Town Council on Sept. 9 proclaimed September 2025 as Suicide Prevention Awareness Month and invited local advocates to speak about prevention and available resources.

The proclamation underscores local and state statistics cited in the document and urges residents to learn warning signs, support local mental‑health initiatives and reach out to those in crisis. The proclamation text noted national and state figures and encouraged education on safe firearm storage as part of prevention efforts.

Jessica Nicely, introduced as the CEO and founder of Wing Toe Family Advocacy Foundation, spoke about her experience losing her father to suicide and about supporting families affected by suicide. “If there’s something that you’re thinking of or struggling with, it can be overcome,” Nicely said. She described the work her organization provides to families facing suicidal behavior and appeals to anyone in crisis to seek help.

Caitlin Kirkham, identified as the clinical director at the Hope Institute of CUSD, said her outpatient center treats people ages 5 and up who are having thoughts of suicide and emphasized the importance of access to resources. “Suicide…it’s affecting our family, our friends, our coworkers, our whole community,” Kirkham said, urging more open conversations about mental health.

Council member Jim Torgerson read the proclamation on behalf of Mayor Scott Anderson. The proclamation text cited figures including: “over 48,000 Americans” who die by suicide annually (national figure in the proclamation), an Arizona suicide rate noted at about 18 per 100,000 and Maricopa County at 20.1 per 100,000 in 2023, firearms involved in roughly 60 percent of completed suicides (proclamation language), and youth survey figures that the proclamation listed (17.3 percent seriously considered suicide; 8.6 percent attempted). The proclamation encouraged residents to learn warning signs and support local mental health resources.

This agenda item was ceremonial; no council vote was required beyond presentation of the proclamation.