Welcome to Monroe County, Ohio

Home Departments Health Department Programs with Community Partners Monroe County Suicide Prevention

Working together to raise awareness to provide resources
and aid to those affected by suicide in the community.

Suicide prevention starts with recognizing the warning signs and taking them seriously. Our coalition works to create a culture that’s smart about mental health. Too many people at risk for suicide do not seek help. We work to find better ways to reach those who suffer, and encourage schools, workplaces, and communities to make mental health a priority. Bringing hope to those affected by suicide. Whether you’ve lost someone or are struggling with suicidal thinking—you are not alone. We bring people who have been affected by suicide out of the darkness, and give them opportunities to help others.

Monthly Meetings
The Monroe County Suicide Prevention Coalition meets the 1st Thursday of each month at
St. Paul's UCC 303 S. Main St. Woodsfield Ohio 43793 at 2:30 pm.

SUICIDE AWARENESS COMMUNITY EVENTS

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MOTIVATIONAL GUEST SPEAKER AMY GAMBLE

“AN OLYMPIAN’S JOURNEY WITH MENTAL ILLNESS”

FORMER OLYMPIAN, AUTHOR, NATIONAL SPEAKER, AND DIRECTOR OF NAMI GREATER WHEELING, WV

An educational talk focused on the common signs and symptoms of mental health conditions, what the risk factors are for mental illness, and personal stories regarding a small-town girl’s life with bipolar disorder.

SILENT WATCH ON SUICIDE AWARENESS DAY
The Monroe County Suicide Prevention Coalition in collaboration with the Monroe County Veterans office held a silent watch on Suicide Awareness Day. The silent watch was held to represent the ever growing number of veterans, first responders and civilians that succumb to suicide each day. Monroe County recognized the day with a live demonstration in front of the courthouse. The event honored those lost to suicide with a visual display of a flag draped casket. A veteran and a civilian respectfully took turns standing quietly by a casket throughout the even from 7 am to 5 pm. The event opened with prayer at 7 am, followed by the reading of the Suicide Awareness Day Declaration at noon. The event ended with prayer and the playing of taps at 5 pm.

ALARMING SUICIDE STATISTICS

Every Day 129 people complete Suicide in the United States

Every Day 22 of these are Veterans

Each Year 243 Police, EMT and Fire personnel complete Suicide

Since 2010 Monroe County has lost 32 people to Suicide

Everyone should be aware of myths and indicators of potential suicide. Feeling like no one cares, and the statement “I wish I were dead” or “I am going to kill myself” are common indicators. 80% of suicide “completers” talk about it before they actually follow through. If you encounter a person making such statements please don’t hesitate to ask them if they are thinking about hurting themselves. A common myth suggests that talking about suicide might cause a person to act. This is not true, it is helpful to show the person you care and take them seriously. Most people want to be stopped. They want to end their pain, not their life.

Please put the crisis # 988 in your phone, you never know when you might need it! For more information please contact Linda Masters at the Monroe County Health Department. 740-472-1677 ext. 10.

The Suicide Prevention Life Crisis #
A network of local crisis centers that provides free and confidential emotional support
to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. We're
committed to improving crisis services and advancing suicide prevention by empowering
individuals, advancing professional best practices, and building awareness.

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