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Boyle County issues proclamations for overdose awareness, suicide prevention and National Service Dog Month
Summary
At its Aug. 26 meeting the Boyle County Fiscal Court issued proclamations recognizing International Overdose Awareness Day (Aug. 31), Suicide Prevention Month (September) and National Service Dog Month (September). Community advocates and nonprofit representatives accepted the proclamations and outlined upcoming events and resources.
Danville, Kentucky — Boyle County officials on Aug. 26 adopted three proclamations intended to raise awareness of substance-use harms, suicide prevention and the role of service dogs.
Why it matters: The proclamations signal county-level recognition and support for local programs and mark dates and resources available to residents, including an expungement clinic, crisis response services and outreach by Canine Companions.
Overdose Awareness Day proclamation
Judge Trillie L. Bottom read a proclamation recognizing Aug. 31, 2025, as International Overdose Awareness Day in Boyle County. She presented the proclamation to Kathy Miles, identified in the meeting as a local recovery advocate who helped the county achieve a “Recovery Ready” recognition. Miles thanked the court and outlined recent local efforts, including an expungement clinic (scheduled with free dinner) and ongoing crisis-response and EMS investments. Miles said county overdose deaths fell from 17 in 2023 to 10 in 2024, and she detailed community follow-up events planned for the week.
Suicide Prevention Month proclamation
The court proclaimed September 2025 as Suicide Prevention Month and presented the proclamation to Terry Dunn on behalf of the county’s community co-response crisis team. Dunn thanked the court, noted that the team is increasingly fielding crisis calls, and described outreach and awareness efforts. The proclamation mentions 988 as a 24/7 lifeline and cites national guidance and data on suicide rates.
National Service Dog Month proclamation
The court also proclaimed September 2025 as National Service Dog Month. Mark Herrick and Tammy Harrod of Canine Companions, and a volunteer recipient who brought a trained service dog named Violet, accepted the proclamation. Speakers described Canine Companions’ mission to provide expertly trained service dogs free of charge and explained capabilities of service dogs (e.g., button pushing, mobility assistance, hearing support, PTSD interruption). Volunteers and recipients discussed the organization’s training, the application and waitlist process, and how service dogs can help recipients maintain employment and daily independence.
Practical details and local resources
- The overdose-awareness proclamation listed an expungement clinic and a public remembrance and action event with screenings and resource tables; organizers had already reported more than 30 sign-ups for the expungement clinic at the time of the meeting. - The suicide-prevention proclamation noted the 988 Lifeline and invited residents to promote awareness and access to mental-health resources. - Canine Companions representatives said interested people can apply at k9.org and described a typical match, training and follow-up process; volunteers explained that placements are free to qualified recipients.
Ending
The court’s proclamations are symbolic actions that accompany county-funded and nonprofit-supported services, including EMS, the community crisis-response team and outreach events scheduled in the coming weeks.
