SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – The South Lake Tahoe City Council will recognize September as Suicide Prevention & Recovery Month with a proclamation at the start of its September 8 meeting at 9 a.m.

Angie Reagan of Access Tahoe and Peace, Love, Tahoe is inviting community members, people with lived experience, survivors of loss, people in recovery, providers, businesses, organizations, advocates, friends, families, and allies to gather and accept the proclamation together.

Reagan said the proclamation is not intended to represent an exclusive list, and hopes it can continue bringing together people and organizations across our community who care about preventing suicide, supporting recovery, reducing stigma, strengthening connection, and helping people feel that they belong.

Suicide numbers in mountain towns like South Lake Tahoe show the need for suicide prevention services, mental health services, education, and awareness.

According to the Colorado School of Public Health, mountain and rural communities, ski towns specifically, have significantly higher rates of suicide compared to the national average (14.0 per 100,000). Destinations such as Telluride and Aspen in Colorado and Alta and Snowbird in Utah have up to two to three times as many suicides as the national average.

Olympic Alpine Skier Bode Miller produced the film, Paradise Paradox, in 2023. It highlighted mental health in mountain towns. The Paradox: People living in these scenic resort locations appear to have dream lives, but many face extreme isolation, high living costs, and a lack of local health resources.

Experts cited in the Colorado report cited the social makeup of these communities as a contributing factor to mental health conditions and suicide. The transient nature of resort communities results in people having to regularly rebuild their support systems.

The film highlights that there are solutions, grassroots fixes, such as new community clinics, school counselors, and breaking local stigmas by encouraging open conversation

If you or anyone you know is in crisis. call the Suicide Hotline at 988.

City of South Lake Tahoe Proclamation
Recognizing September 2026 as “Suicide Prevention and Recovery Month”

Whereas, the health and well-being of the citizens of South Lake Tahoe are of utmost importance to the prosperity and quality of life in our community; and

Whereas, suicide and other deaths of despair, which include deaths related to drug and alcohol abuse, are major public health issues that impact people of all ages, genders, and backgrounds, with devastating effects on families, friends, and entire communities; and

Whereas, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the United States, underscoring the critical need for comprehensive mental health care and proactive intervention; and

Whereas, the observance of Suicide Prevention Month in September provides an opportunity to raise awareness, educate the public about suicide prevention, and promote mental health resources that can save lives; and

Whereas, recovery from mental health and substance use disorders is possible with the appropriate support and treatment, helping individuals lead fulfilling and productive lives; and

Whereas, Recovery Month is celebrated nationally in September to increase awareness and understanding of mental health and substance use disorders, and to celebrate those who have embarked on the journey of recovery; and

Whereas, the City of South Lake Tahoe is committed to supporting initiatives that promote mental health, prevent suicide, and provide recovery resources to those in need; and

Whereas, through collaborative efforts with healthcare providers, educators, community organizations, and concerned citizens, we can work together to foster a culture of understanding, compassion, and resilience.

Now, therefore, the City Council of the City of South Lake Tahoe does hereby proclaim September 2026 as “Suicide Prevention and Recovery Month” in South Lake Tahoe and encourage all citizens to take steps to increase awareness and to extend compassion and support to those affected by mental health and substance use disorders.