Talbot County Council proclaims September as suicide prevention month; behavioral health providers urge ongoing community check‑ins

Talbot County Council unanimously approved a proclamation declaring September 2025 “No Matter What, You Matter” Suicide Prevention Month and urged residents to support accessible behavioral health services.

The proclamation, read into the record by the county secretary, cited national and state suicide statistics and local school survey results: 16.8% of middle school students and 17.2% of high school students in Talbot County reported having seriously considered suicide, the text said.

The nut graf: For All Seasons, a community behavioral health and crisis center, used the proclamation presentation to remind residents that suicide prevention requires ongoing attention and access to care. The organization said it offers therapy, psychiatry, crisis support, education and outreach, including open-access hours and statewide telehealth, regardless of ability to pay.

Bethany Dorman, chief executive officer of For All Seasons, said the campaign’s focus this year is that “I’m fine is not the end of the story,” and urged people to take extra seconds to check in when someone answers “I’m fine.” “A simple conversation can make all the difference,” Dorman said.

Alexis Seipp, identified as vice chair of the board of trustees for For All Seasons, described the organization’s open-access program and its seven regional offices. Sharon Peppa Kai, identified in the meeting as a school superintendent and member of For All Seasons’ board, emphasized that adults working in schools also need support and encouraged deeper questions than a passing “how are you?”

Council members thanked the presenters and asked about new risks. Councilman Stepp asked whether artificial intelligence (AI) has influenced suicidal behavior among local youth; Dorman said the organization is researching AI’s role, is in contact with local media about the issue, and is planning community training on how AI shows up in help-seeking. She said AI can provide information or comfort but is not a replacement for therapy and that the organization will offer training and resources on the topic in coming weeks.

The council moved and seconded the proclamation and the secretary recorded the vote: Callahan, Stepp, Milke and Haight voting aye.

The presentation closed with contact information for For All Seasons: the group’s website forallseasonsinc.org and a local phone line (410) 822‑1018, provided during the remarks.

Ending: Council members reiterated support for the organization’s work and the presenters thanked the council for the proclamation and ongoing collaboration.