County proclaims September Suicide Prevention Month; staff highlights 988 crisis line and local training

The Lincoln County Board of Commissioners on Aug. 20 proclaimed September 2025 as National Suicide Prevention Month. Sarah Hurd (identified in the meeting as a county public-health representative) briefed the board on local suicide statistics, county training and the federal 988 crisis line.

Hurd told the board Oregon Health Authority data available through early 2022 show an average of about 16 deaths by suicide per year in Lincoln County. She said the county ranks about eighth in the state on burden measures when adjusted for population and highlighted concern for isolated senior residents and the lethality of firearms in suicide attempts. Hurd also reported participation with the Linn‑Benton‑Lincoln Suicide Care Coalition led by Samaritan Health, partnerships to train clinic staff, suicide-prevention classes and school-based behavioral-health services.

She emphasized 988 as a national three-digit resource for mental-health crises and for people who are concerned but not in acute crisis. Hurd said many members of the general public remain unaware of 988 and urged broader outreach. The presentation reiterated county training and outreach efforts, including mental-health first‑aid training at county offices and behavioral-health counselors operating in school-based health clinics.

Commissioner Casey Miller moved the proclamation; Commissioner Walter Chuck seconded it and the board approved the proclamation by voice vote. The board took no regulatory or funding action at the meeting; staff described ongoing training and outreach work and encouraged the public to use 988 when appropriate.