Jefferson County proclaims September 2025 as suicide-prevention month; veterans services and crisis resources highlighted

The Jefferson County Board of Commissioners voted unanimously to proclaim September 2025 as Suicide Prevention Month and to recognize veteran suicide-prevention efforts in the county.

Jonathan Bridal, director of the Jefferson County Veterans Service Office, asked the commissioners to use the month for outreach and described a veterans support network formed with neighboring Clearfield. “It is the twelfth leading cause within the United States of veteran suicide,” Bridal said, and he noted that from 2008 to 2022 roughly 6,000 veterans died by suicide nationwide. Bridal urged residents to check on neighbors and to use the Veterans Crisis Line: “Dial 988, then press 1,” he said, adding that the line is confidential and can connect callers to local assistance.

Why it matters: County officials said the proclamation is intended to increase awareness of veteran-specific and general suicide-prevention resources and to reduce stigma about asking for help. Commissioners voted to adopt the proclamation during the meeting after hearing personal accounts and descriptions of available services.

During public remarks, a speaker identified as Sergeant Major relayed a recent example of outreach: a veteran contacted him via social media expressing suicidal thoughts. The Sergeant Major described contacting the veteran’s family, calling the crisis line and remaining on the line while emergency responders were dispatched. “He went inside there for a week, got himself straight, and now he's doing great,” the Sergeant Major said, recounting that the veteran subsequently entered a local veterans outreach program.

A speaker who said they had previously worked in mental health outlined common warning signs and emphasized that signs vary by person. “Some people might openly ask for help, and some people really might not,” the speaker said, urging routine check-ins with neighbors and acquaintances to reduce stigma.

Commissioners noted the practical steps residents can take when someone is in immediate danger. Commissioners and presenters emphasized dialing 911 if someone is at imminent risk, and using 988 (then press 1) to reach the Veterans Crisis Line for confidential, veteran-specific support.

The proclamation was approved by voice vote. Commissioners and staff also encouraged countywide awareness activities during September and noted ongoing veteran-support partnerships with neighboring jurisdictions.