During a recent meeting, W. Shawna Gibbs, director of education and special initiatives at the Alcohol, Drug, and Mental Health Board of Franklin County (ADAMH), highlighted the critical issue of suicide prevention in the community, coinciding with National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. Gibbs reported that in 2022, Franklin County experienced 168 suicide deaths, with alarming trends particularly affecting the African American community and youth. The suicide rate among Black non-Hispanic residents surged by 75% from 2016 to 2020, while the rate for individuals aged 15 to 24 more than doubled during the same period.

Gibbs emphasized the importance of creating safe spaces for open discussions about mental health and the need for community engagement in prevention efforts. ADAMH supports school-based prevention services across all 16 public schools in Franklin County, aiming to equip students with social and emotional learning skills to foster resilience against suicidal thoughts.

Lauren Brumman, the new youth suicide prevention manager with the Franklin County Suicide Prevention Coalition, also addressed the board, underscoring the coalition's commitment to enhancing suicide prevention through education and community partnerships. She noted the coalition's focus on high-risk populations, including youth, older adults, veterans, and marginalized communities.

Both Gibbs and Brumman encouraged community members to participate in QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer) training, which teaches individuals how to recognize and respond to signs of suicidal ideation. They also promoted the 988 suicide crisis lifeline, which has been instrumental in providing immediate support to those in need.

In response to a board member's inquiry about supporting students during the challenging transition back to school, Gibbs reassured that multiple agencies are dedicated to providing mental health resources and support within the Groveport Madison local school district. She highlighted the ongoing collaboration with local counseling services to ensure students receive the necessary help to navigate their mental health challenges.

The meeting concluded with a call to action for community involvement in suicide prevention efforts, emphasizing that every conversation about mental health can provide hope and support to those struggling.