Suicide prevention is goal of 3-year plan to improve health in tri-county area

CANFIELD — Preventing suicides is one of the primary goals of a new three-year plan to improve the general health of residents in Columbiana, Mahoning and Trumbull counties.

The results of The County Community Health Assessment & Planning Initiative, a year-long effort by a 27-member steering committee of community leaders, was unveiled today. Development of the plan was facilitated by Kent State University’s College of Public Health.

The steering committee, made up of public health, hospital, mental health officials; representatives of community organizations such as the United Way of Youngstown and the Mahoning Valley and Help Hotline Crisis Center officials; Youngstown State University personal; and other community leaders, with input from two sub-committees, set five priorities in the form of questions.

They are: “How can we reduce violence and harm in the community; how can we ensure access to physical and behavioral health care; how can we educate and promote healthy behaviors; how can we ensure access to healthy foods and physical activity, and how can we protect the environment from harm and ensure a greener Mahoning Valley.”

For the complete story, read Friday's Vindicator and Vindy.com