Daviess County proclaims September 2025 Suicide Prevention and Awareness Month; local provider urges use of 988

Daviess County Fiscal Court on Thursday formally proclaimed September 2025 as Suicide Prevention and Awareness Month and welcomed representatives of River Valley Behavioral Health to accept the proclamation.

The proclamation, read aloud during the meeting, cited national recognition of Suicide Prevention and Awareness Month and urged residents to share resources, reduce stigma and learn warning signs. It referenced the national crisis line, 988, as an immediate resource for people in crisis.

Dr. Lionel Phelps, vice president of population health for River Valley Behavioral Health, thanked the court and described the organization's prevention and crisis-response work. Phelps said suicide is not a distant issue locally, noting "about 900 Kentuckians die by suicide" each year and that veterans experience a higher rate. He promoted prevention programs such as mental health first aid and QPR training and encouraged anyone struggling to call or text 988 for immediate help.

When asked whether discussing suicide could put the idea into someone's head, Phelps said that belief is a myth and that talking about suicidal thoughts often brings relief because it signals someone is paying attention: "So it is a complete myth that's been debunked so many times...if you talk about it...it actually brings them relief." The court acknowledged the remarks and invited the group forward for a commemorative photograph.

The proclamation and remarks do not impose new policy or county obligations; they recognize and promote awareness and local resources. The court did not take further formal action on programming or budgetary commitments at the meeting.