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Richland County Suicide Prevention Coalition
Our Mission and Goals
About Us
United States Statistics
How You Can Help
Join Our Efforts
Hotline Numbers
Our Mission and Goals
To reduce the number of suicides and suicide attempts in Richland County in partnership with the community.
- Educate the public about suicide prevention
- Inform people about the help that is available
- Enlist the support of the community to save lives
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About Us
The coalition was formed with a common belief and concern that not enough was being done in our community to bring the tragedy of suicide to the forefront.
Unfortunately, Richland County is not immune to the silent epidemic of suicide. In 2003, at least 22 people in our county alone lost their lives to suicide, almost double the average for the three previous years. In 2004, the Mansfield Police Department responded to 402 calls of attempted suicide.
The Richland County Suicide Prevention Coalition was formed in February 2004 in response to community concern about the rising number of suicides.
The Coalition meets quarterly at Crossroads Community Church, 1456 Park Ave. West in Mansfield, to share information with our members and the public. Sub-committees meet more frequently to focus on:
- Youth
- Adults
- Media/public education
- Data collection and evaluation
We have developed a Volunteer Speaker’s Bureau to provider educational presentations to the public regarding depression, suicide prevention, and other mental health related topics. Specialized presentations are also available for clergy, teachers, law enforcement, and persons working with older adults. Presentations range from 20 minutes to three hours in length. To schedule a presentation for your organization, please contact the Richland County Mental Health & Recovery Services Board at (419) 774-5811 or richlandmhb@rcmhb.org.
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United States Statistics
- One person dies by suicide every 17 minutes.
- Depression is frequently missed. In persons age 65 or over who dies by suicide:
- 20 percent see a doctor the day they die.
- 40 percent see a doctor the week they die.
- 70 percent see a doctor the month they die.
- Twelve of every 100,000 persons die by suicide.
- Suicide rates are highest for elderly men.
- Suicide is the 3rd leading cause of death for people ages 15-24.
- Many suicide attempts occur under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
- Women attempt suicide more often, but men are more likely to die due to lethal methods.
- Most suicidal persons don’t want to die; they just want the pain to stop.
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How You Can Help
If you think someone may be suicidal, assist him or her in getting professional help.
- Don’t be afraid to ask if they are thinking about suicide. Talking about suicide doesn’t make people suicidal; it gives them the opportunity to ask for help.
- Don’t minimize their pain or feelings of hopelessness. People feeling suicidal don’t believe they have a future.
- Express understanding and concern. The person needs to talk about their feelings.
- Describe to them the specific behaviors and events that worry you. Don’t be afraid to talk about the things they are saying or doing that make you think they are suicidal.
- Stress that their life is important to you and to others.
- Don’t promise confidentiality. You need to do what it takes to keep them safe.
- Help them get professional assistance from a physician, clergy member, hospital, mental health professional, or by calling 911.
- Support them in recovery. Encourage them to connect with a support group and follow through with treatment.
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Join Our Efforts
If you or someone you know would like to join the Richland County Suicide Prevention Coalition; have resources that could benefit the Coalition; would like more information about suicide prevention; would like to organize a presentation, or have a story to share, please contact us at richlandmhb@rcmhb.org or (419) 774-5811.
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Hotline Numbers
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