Helpline: 1-800-686-2646 or text NAMI to 741741 namiohio@namiohio.org 1225 Dublin Road, Suite 210, Columbus OH 43215

Read Ohio’s first-ever collaborative suicide prevention plan: Suicide Prevention report FINAL

Message from Governor DeWine:

Dear Ohioans. 

Suicide is devastating for those left behind, including family members, loved ones, friends, and communities. The suicide rate in Ohio has increased over the past decade, and on average, five Ohioans take their own lives each day, according to the Ohio Department of Health. Moments after taking the oath of office, my first action as Governor was to create the RecoveryOhio initiative to ensure that we act aggressively to address the crises of substance use disorder and mental illness and to invest in the health and wellness of Ohio’s citizens. To enhance our understanding of the situation, I created and convened the RecoveryOhio Advisory Council, a group made up of leaders with diverse personal and professional backgrounds. At the onset, I asked the council to provide suggestions on how to improve mental health and substance use prevention, treatment, and recovery support services in Ohio. The resulting “RecoveryOhio Advisory Council Initial Report,” published in March, laid out the recommendations that provide the framework for the efforts we are now undertaking. Today, we are pleased to announce the publication of an important resource to save lives: The Ohio Suicide Prevention Foundation’s “Suicide Prevention Plan for Ohio.” The document presents a strategy that will guide Ohio’s efforts for suicide prevention. The plan was created by a geographically and culturally diverse 33-member writing team of Ohioans from the public and private sector who have professional and personal experience with suicide. Under the direction of the Ohio Suicide Prevention Foundation, the team’s dedication and hard work has resulted in a plan that considers the role each of us must play in preventing suicide until not one life is lost.

Very respectfully yours,

Mike DeWine