Mayor Wilson and Salt Lake County Elected Officials Sign Joint Proclamation for Suicide Prevention and Awareness Month
SALT LAKE COUNTY, Utah — Mayor Jenny Wilson, the Salt Lake County Council, and the county’s independently elected officials signed a joint proclamation today naming September 2026 Suicide Prevention and Awareness Month. All 18 of the county’s elected leaders put their names on it.
Mayor Wilson asked every elected office in the county to sign the proclamation together, and she credits Treasurer Sheila Srivastava with driving the effort from the start. The Mayor wants every resident to know that help is available right now, at no cost, by calling or texting 988.
What the numbers show
Utah’s suicide rate reached 19.5 deaths per 100,000 residents in 2024, the 7th highest in the nation. Utah lost 665 residents that year, close to two deaths a day. Emergency rooms saw about 15 more visits each day for suicide attempts. Suicide is the second leading cause of death for Utahns ages 10 to 44. Across the country, 48,824 people died by suicide in 2024.
Utah youth are especially at risk. Nearly 23 percent of high school students have seriously considered suicide, 18.5 percent have made a plan, and 9 percent have attempted it.
The people who do this work
Under Mayor Wilson’s direction, Salt Lake County invests in behavioral health services so residents in crisis always have somewhere to turn. County behavioral health staff, school counselors, first responders, faith leaders, and survivors carry that work every day and support the families suicide touches. The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention Utah Chapter has been a steady partner in that effort. Treasurer Sheila Srivastava organized this year’s countywide recognition and gathered support from every elected office.
“So many families in Salt Lake County have been impacted by suicide,” said Mayor Jenny Wilson. “Signing this proclamation together tells residents that they are not alone and that this county will keep standing behind the services that keep people safe. Please learn the warning signs, check on the people around you, and share 988 with anyone who needs it.”
— Mayor Jenny Wilson, Salt Lake County
“I have seen what suicide does to families in this county, and I have seen what happens when someone gets help in time,” said Salt Lake County Treasurer Sheila Srivastava. “That is why I pushed for this proclamation. I am grateful to Mayor Wilson for bringing every elected office to the table and to each official who signed it. Talking about this openly is how we keep people alive.”
— Sheila Srivastava, Salt Lake County Treasurer
How to get help
The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline offers free and confidential support 24 hours a day. Residents can call 988, text 988, or chat online at 988lifeline.org.
Join the walk on September 5
Mayor Wilson invites residents to the Out of the Darkness Community Walk on Saturday, September 5, 2026, at Veterans Memorial Park in West Jordan. Check-in begins at 9:00 a.m. and the walk starts at 9:30 a.m. Registration is free at afspwalks.donordrive.com/SLC. The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention Utah Chapter hosts the event.
The signed proclamation is attached to this release.
Appendix
Suicide Prevention Month Proclamation
