In a proclamation, Cumberland County Mayor Allen Foster declared September 2025 as Suicide Prevention Awareness Month in Cumberland County, Tennessee, highlighting the profound impact of suicide, which claims over 1,200 lives annually in Tennessee and is a leading cause of death across various age groups, particularly among youth and young adults.

The proclamation emphasizes that suicide risk can be mitigated through awareness, education, and treatment, noting that suicide prevention is a state priority, supported by Governor Bill Lee and the Tennessee Legislature. It acknowledges the role of the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline in providing free, confidential 24/7 support and the efforts of the Tennessee Suicide Prevention Network (TSPN), a grassroots collaboration aimed at reducing suicide rates by eliminating stigma and educating communities about warning signs.

Mayor Foster urges all citizens to participate in suicide prevention by learning and sharing risk indicators, promoting help-seeking through safe messaging, and utilizing available resources, fostering compassion and support for those affected by this tragedy.