ASHLAND — The executive director of the Mental Health and Recovery Board highlighted another year of low suicide deaths in Ashland County — in a month surrounded by raising awareness of the issue.
David C. Ross reported five deaths by suspected suicide for the year so far, followed by five in 2024. But the number was more than double in 2023 — with 12 reported suicides across the county.
“The impact, on average, of one suicide death is over 135 folks — to some extent — are impacted by every one suicide death … so in smaller, tight-knit communities like Ashland are more impacted by even one death,” Ross said.
Ross attributed the better numbers in 2024 to efforts spearheaded by the Mental Health and Recovery Board of Ashland County, and others.
For example, the board now offers a support group for those who have experienced loss through suicide.
It also produces a monthly podcast aimed at raising awareness around various mental health topics, and the board provides regular training.
Suicide remains leading cause of death
Suicide continues to be a leading cause of death in Ohio. The state’s Department of Health reported 1,777 suicide deaths occurring in 2023, a 1% decrease from 2022.
Nationally, there were more than 49,000 suicide deaths in 2023. That roughly equates to one death every 11 minutes, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
September is recognized as suicide awareness month, with World Suicide Prevention Day held on Sept. 10 each year.
The Mental Health and Recovery Board of Ashland County will host a number of events throughout September to raise awareness locally around the issue.
One of those events, on Sept. 10, will aim at the board’s replacement tax levy to be on the ballot in November. Visit its website for more information.
The month will be capped in Ashland with the ninth-annual Suicide Prevention and Awareness Walk. The event steps off Sept. 28 at 2 p.m. at Ashland University’s convocation center.