Morrison County proclaims September Suicide Prevention Awareness Month

Morrison County commissioners on Wednesday adopted a proclamation declaring September Suicide Prevention Awareness Month and urged residents to share messages of hope and information about local resources. Carrie Zach, of the Morrison County Local Advisory Council on Mental Health, presented the proclamation and read data and local outreach steps. The proclamation cites Minnesota Department of Health figures showing 813 suicide deaths in Minnesota in 2024 and notes higher rates in Greater Minnesota than in Twin Cities metro areas. The county board said it supports the Morrison-Todd-Wadena Community Health Board Suicide Prevention Team and the Minnesota North Central Suicide Prevention Coalition and promoted resources including the 988 suicide and crisis lifeline, the peer support warm line at (844) 739-6369, and the Minnesota Farm and Rural Helpline at 833-602-6670. Why it matters: The board and community presenters emphasized that public awareness and local support can reach people at risk and that small acts — a call, a message or a check-in — can change outcomes. Presenters asked commissioners to amplify outreach and noted recent local deaths to illustrate the issue’s immediacy. During discussion, Commissioner Blaine recounted a recent local loss and urged continued community engagement; Commissioner Ramirez urged residents to ask directly if someone seems “not right.” The board approved the proclamation by voice vote after a motion from Commissioner Blaine and a second from Commissioner Moran. Action: motion to approve proclamation (mover: Commissioner Blaine; second: Commissioner Moran); vote: Blaine — yes; Casper — yes; Moran — yes; Ramirez — yes; outcome: adopted. The proclamation lists suggested public activities such as Chalk It Up and social-media sharing and reiterates available crisis contacts. The county and local partners plan visible outreach including a sign-and-wave event on Bank Square and encouraged citizens to participate. The board took no additional formal policy action beyond adopting the proclamation.