Guest presenter urges crisis-line signage in parks after county data on suicides and overdoses

Kara Brown described a Butler County initiative to post crisis-line signage in parks and public restrooms to raise awareness of the county crisis hotline and to provide an immediate route to help for people in crisis. She told trustees the county funds a crisis line that can dispatch a social worker and a deputy to conduct an assessment and arrange transport to inpatient care, psychiatric services or a hospital as needed.

Brown said county coroner data she requested from the county epidemiologist show 17 suicides and 18 overdoses in parks across the county over the last five years, including one veteran. She said veteran suicides in the county rose to 13 this year compared with seven the prior year and described local coordination with the Butler County Veterans Commission and its liaison Mike Farmer. The presenter said the county is funding a staff position focused on overdose, fatality and suicide reviews specifically for veterans.

Brown outlined outreach tools already in use: physical park signs, window clings for businesses and restroom mirrors, and the national 988 line (which can connect callers to the appropriate local crisis center and has an option for veterans). She told trustees she has placed signs in multiple municipalities and metro parks and is working to add the signs in smaller jurisdictions and businesses that allow window clings.

Trustees asked about coordination with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; Brown said the Butler County Veterans Commission and staff work closely with the VA and that the new veteran-focused review position will increase VA collaboration. No formal action was required or taken by the board on the presentation.