Bloomington proclaims September Suicide Prevention Month; city highlights new police-led loss response program

Mayor Tim Bussey read a proclamation at the Sept. 8 Bloomington City Council meeting declaring September as Suicide Prevention Month and Suicide Prevention Week and called on residents to work with family, neighbors and leaders to increase awareness and reduce stigma.

The proclamation, presented with representatives from Suicide Awareness Voices of Education and Bloomington Cares, noted that 813 Minnesotans died by suicide in 2025 (as presented in the proclamation text), and it recognized local efforts to expand services and public education. Phil Koosner, president of the board for Suicide Awareness Voices of Education, and other local advocates thanked the city for its partnership and described a new Bloomington Police Department "LOSS" — Local Outreach to Suicide Survivors — initiative. The LOSS initiative is a city pilot that advocates said will provide immediate direct support to people and families in Bloomington who have experienced the loss of a loved one to suicide; advocates said they hoped to scale the program if the pilot is successful.

Council members commended the proclamation and community partners. No formal council action was required; the proclamation is a public recognition and a call to awareness and engagement around behavioral health supports and resources.