By Jose G. Landa, Copyright 2026 Eagle Pass Business Journal, Inc.
Each September is celebrated as National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month across the United States to draw attention to the significant mental health disease.
Maverick County is not immune from this tragic illness. An average of six people per year died by suicide in Maverick County during a recent five-year period, highlighting the continuing importance of mental health awareness, prevention and access to professional services in the community.
Federal mortality data for 2019 through 2023 show Maverick County averaged six suicide deaths annually and recorded an age-adjusted suicide mortality rate of 10.2 deaths per 100,000 residents.
Texas recorded a rate of 14.0 per 100,000 during the same period, while the United States rate was 13.9.
Although Maverick County’s rate remained below the state and national averages, approximately six lives lost each year represents a significant impact on families and the community.
The numbers are particularly important when considered alongside the availability of mental health services locally.
A 2025 Community Health Needs Assessment by Driscoll Health System reported that Maverick County had approximately one mental health provider for every 2,751 residents. .
The assessment also found that 19.8 percent of adults reported experiencing frequent poor mental health days.
Each suicide reaches far beyond a statistic. The loss can affect parents, children, spouses, siblings, friends and coworkers, while also impacting first responders, healthcare professionals and others who encounter individuals experiencing mental health crises.
September is recognized nationally as Suicide Prevention and Awareness Month, bringing additional attention to suicide prevention, mental health resources and the importance of recognizing when someone may need help.
Locally, the Eagle Pass Support Hub held its annual “Fall Into Hope” Suicide Awareness Walk on Thursday, September 10, 2026, at 6 p.m. at the Eagle Pass Public Library and concluding at San Juan Plaza. The free event was open to everyone in the community, drawing an estimated 800 participants, including children, adults, families, schools, businesses and organizations in this 2026 walk.
The Support Hub has also worked to expand local mental health services, including programs involving students within the Eagle Pass Independent School District.
Suicide deaths alone also do not capture the full scope of mental health crises occurring in a community.
Individuals may experience suicidal thoughts, attempt suicide or require emergency intervention without those incidents appearing in mortality statistics.
That makes access to counseling, behavioral health professionals, early intervention and crisis services particularly important.
Maverick County’s suicide mortality rate may remain below the Texas average, but an average of six lives lost annually serves as a reminder that suicide prevention and mental health awareness remain important local public health concerns.
The September 10 walk provided an opportunity to remember lives lost, support survivors and families and remind those struggling that seeking help is available.
Anyone experiencing a mental health or suicide crisis can call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline for confidential crisis support.
The motto for this year’s suicide prevention walk was “Fall into Hope,” advocating you are not alone. Assistance is just a conversation or telephone call to the national suicide prevention hotline: 988.
