Ohio officials announce suicide- prevention initiatives

Associated Press

COLUMBUS

State officials are hoping more research, access to round-the-clock crisis hot lines and efforts to end the stigma of suicide will help reduce the hundreds of lives lost when people kill themselves each year in Ohio.

Several programs were announced Thursday, including more resources for survivors, increased training for people who work with at-risk individuals, adding text message support for hot lines, and continued support for the Ohio Suicide Prevention Foundation.

The efforts – announced by a group of health, mental health, addiction services and Medicaid officials – are part of $2 million set aside by Ohio Gov. John Kasich in the current two-year budget.

Officials say 1,200 to 1,500 people die by suicide annually in Ohio.

Denise Meine-Graham, of Columbus, whose 19-year-old son, Drey, killed himself in 2012, said the No. 1 preventative step people can take is to ask individuals they’re worried about whether they’re thinking about suicide.

Backers of the prevention efforts also plan a campaign to encourage people to be aware of signs of depression and suicidal behavior.