Board proclaims September 2026 Suicide Prevention Awareness Month; staff cite local statistics and resources

The Pinal County Board of Supervisors approved a proclamation designating September 2026 as Suicide Prevention Awareness Month and reaffirming the county’s commitment to prevention, training and outreach.

Public Health Director Marissa Mendoza introduced the proclamation and said suicide is a leading cause of death nationally and affects county residents each year. Corey Wilson, overdose prevention program manager, read the proclamation’s text including statistics the document lists: “Whereas, in 2025, 96 residents of Pinal County died by suicide with the highest number in the 35 to 44 age group,” and noted that 24 of those were veterans. The proclamation references the 988 crisis lifeline and other local resources and urges gatekeeper training and stigma reduction.

Supervisors moved and seconded to approve the proclamation; the motion passed without recorded opposition. The proclamation directs county departments and community partners to promote resources, training and awareness during the month and beyond.