The Delaware County Board of Commissioners unanimously approved a proclamation declaring September 2025 Suicide Prevention Awareness Month during their regular meeting. The proclamation, introduced by Commissioner Barb Lewis, notes national data and asks local residents and organizations to increase awareness and support services.

The proclamation cites the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, saying suicide is a leading cause of death nationwide, and urges education, access to care and community engagement to reduce stigma and encourage people to seek help.

Steve Brown, communications director at the Delaware Mental Health and Recovery Services Board, said the proclamation represents local collaboration. "Suicide really is the most tragic result of behavioral healthcare challenges and what makes it even more tragic is that it's so often preventable with the right community supports and the right community investment," Brown said. He described the county board and the Delaware Suicide Prevention Coalition as partners in that work.

Brown invited commissioners and residents to a local event: a suicide prevention walk scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 13, on the Jaywalk at Ohio Wesleyan University, with activities from 9 a.m. to noon and a 1.5-mile walk to raise awareness. Commissioners thanked the mental health board and Helpline — identified in remarks as the county's crisis hotline and the home of the coalition — for front-line work.

The board passed the resolution (Resolution 25-687) by voice vote: Commissioners Barb Lewis, Gary Merrill and Jeff Benton all voted "aye." The proclamation was read aloud and commissioners gathered for a photo following the vote.

Commissioners and presenters emphasized outreach and coordination rather than new funding or statutory changes at the meeting; no separate motions directing staff to pursue additional programs were recorded.