In a recent government meeting, officials highlighted the critical issue of suicide prevention as they recognized September as National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. Commissioner Wagner emphasized the urgency of addressing this public health crisis, citing alarming statistics from the Centers for Disease Control. In 2022, over 49,400 Americans died by suicide, with an estimated 1.6 million attempts. Notably, suicide rates among individuals aged 10 to 24 have surged by 62% over the past 14 years.

Wagner urged the community to engage in ongoing education about suicide risk factors and to promote local resources aimed at prevention. He stressed the importance of destigmatizing mental health discussions to foster a culture of understanding and empathy. Commissioner Worthington echoed these sentiments, sharing personal experiences with suicide that underscored the need for open dialogue about mental health.

The meeting also featured input from Anne Step of Moms Demand Action, who presented statistics linking gun access to suicide rates. Missouri ranks tenth in the nation for gun-related suicide deaths, with a 41% increase in rates from 2013 to 2022. Step highlighted the importance of community resources, such as the 988 suicide and crisis lifeline, which has seen significant usage since its launch but remains underrecognized.

The commissioners expressed their commitment to supporting mental health initiatives and resources in Clay County, aiming to raise awareness and reduce the stigma surrounding mental health issues. The resolution proposed by Wagner received unanimous support from the commission, marking a significant step toward addressing this pressing public health concern.