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Ottawa County proclaims September 2025 Suicide Prevention Awareness Month
Summary
The Board unanimously approved a proclamation designating September 2025 as Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, citing Kansas suicide data and encouraging use of 988 and local mental-health resources.
Alyssa Jewell, Education and Outreach Specialist with Central Kansas Mental Health Center, presented a Suicide Prevention Awareness Month proclamation to the Board and reviewed state data showing suicide remains a leading cause of death in Kansas. Jewell noted that "the suicide rate in Kansas continues to rise, with over 500 Kansas residents dying from suicide annually" and that according to Kansas Department of Health and Environment Zero Suicide data suicide is the second-leading cause of death among people ages 25–44 in Kansas. She emphasized that access to care is a protective factor and reminded residents that 988 is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
The Board voted 3-0 to approve the proclamation calling on citizens, agencies, businesses and schools to increase awareness and connect individuals to resources. Commissioner Carla Grund asked whether 988 is available countywide; Jewell confirmed it is available 24/7. The proclamation will be part of the county's outreach during September.
