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Across the country, suicide rates have risen steadily since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. In Ohio, the tragedy is even larger. While the national rate is 14.3 per 100,000 people, here the rate is 15.4 per 100,000.
To address the problem, state officials have developed the Suicide Prevention Plan for Ohio 2024-2026.
"The heartbreak of losing a family member to suicide is a pain that cuts deep, leaving behind a void that words can't fully capture," Gov. Mike DeWine said.
Ohio Suicide Prevention Foundation and Health Policy Institute of Ohio created the plan, which includes a number of approaches. Workplaces and schools are being urged to better identify those at risk and connect them with mental health resources.
Primary and specialty health care providers are being urged to include routine suicide screenings as part of patients' visits.
And -- this is a big one -- education efforts are being increased on the safe storage of firearms. According to Axios, the majority of Ohio suicides involve a firearm.
Each of us can play a part, even if it is taking steps as simple as safely storing firearms and prescription medications and keeping an eye out for warning signs and talking about 988.