Ohio’s number of suicide deaths increasing since 2021

According to research by the Ohio Department of Health, the number of people dying by suicide is starting to increase.

According to their latest research on suicide trends and demographics, deaths increased in 2021 by eight percent over the previous year to 1,766.

The data means that five Ohioans die by suicide daily, and one youth dies every 34 hours, explained by ODH director Bruce Vanderhoff.

“Suicide is a human tragedy, and any increase is deeply concerning,” Vanderhoff said. “This emphasizes the importance of Governor DeWine’s efforts to prioritize expanding Ohio’s mental health services. We all need to pay attention, recognize when someone is struggling, and know where they can turn to for help.”

This year’s deaths remained below the 10-year high of 1,836 in 2018.

Dial 988

Read more about The Suicide Prevention Plan for Ohio, a blueprint for providing resources and aligning efforts to prevent suicide.

One of the first steps was implementing the new 3-digit 988 National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline in 2020.

The number has been used more than 10,000 times by callers each month since it was implemented by the department and is expected to grow even more.

For more information on the initiatives in place to reduce and prevent suicides among high-risk populations, visit bepresentohio.org and lifeisbetterwithyouhere.org

If you or someone you know is in crisis, contact the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by dialing 988 or 911 in case of an emergency.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Follow Mahoning Matters on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.