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Yavapai County proclaims September as National Suicide Prevention Month; advocates call for outreach
Summary
The Yavapai County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved a proclamation recognizing September 2025 as National Suicide Prevention Month. Local advocates and officials urged reducing stigma, directing residents to the 988 lifeline and local Coalition resources after the county recorded 86 suicides in 2024.
The Yavapai County Board of Supervisors on Wednesday adopted a proclamation declaring September 2025 National Suicide Prevention Month, citing local and national statistics and urging expanded prevention efforts.
Tyler Goodman, assistant county manager, read the proclamation noting that "in 2024, Yavapai County lost 86 people" to suicide and reaffirming county support for the Suicide Prevention Coalition of Yavapai County and crisis resources including 988. Doug Dolan, a board member of MATForce and the county suicide‑prevention coalition, described personal loss and professional work supporting people in crisis. "There is hope, there is solution," Dolan said, and urged residents to seek help and use local providers and crisis lines.
The proclamation text recited national and state figures and encouraged community partners — schools, faith groups, health providers and local agencies — to expand access to mental‑health care, crisis intervention and outreach. Goodman told the board the proclamation aims to "raise awareness, reduce stigma, and promote understanding of mental health challenges." The board recorded the motion and approved the proclamation by voice vote.
Why it matters: County officials and advocates said the declaration is intended to focus local attention on prevention strategies — including outreach, training and connecting residents with 988 and local providers — and to support the county's coalition work and community events such as the Out of the Darkness walk planned for Oct. 11 at Granite Creek Park.
What’s next: The county will continue partnering with the Suicide Prevention Coalition of Yavapai County on education and resource coordination; presenters said they will circulate resource contacts and event details to supervisors and the public.
