Otter Tail County proclaims September 2025 Suicide Prevention Awareness Month after coalition update

Otter Tail County adopted a proclamation recognizing September 2025 as Suicide Prevention Awareness Month after a presentation from health educator Reese Ellison on Sept. 23.

Ellison told the county board the Partners for Suicide Prevention coalition includes about 20 active members representing human services, public health, veteran services, schools, health care, faith groups and community members. She said Otter Tail County received a Comprehensive Suicide Prevention Grant from the Minnesota Department of Health in 2023 that helped reconstitute the group.

“Our vision is to see an engaged community that is free from judgment and united in fostering hope and saving lives,” Ellison said, listing work since September 2024 that included four QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer) trainings. Ellison said pre‑ and post‑training surveys showed a 59% increase in knowledge of suicide warning signs and how to connect people to help.

Ellison described outreach to youth — including resource bags delivered to Pelican Rapids High School seniors in May 2025 alongside a short talk — and plans for more intensive two‑day ASIST (Assist) trainings aimed at school counselors, faith leaders and other community leaders. She said the coalition is developing mini‑grants for schools, churches and businesses to support local mental‑health efforts.

Commissioner Mortensen moved to adopt the proclamation; Commissioner Sullivan seconded. The board voted unanimously to approve the proclamation.

The board did not adopt additional policy at the meeting; staff and commissioners said the proclamation and continued coalition work are intended to guide future community outreach and training efforts.