Suicide Prevention Comes to Muskingum County

Organizations are working to prevent suicides in Southeastern Ohio.

Almost one and a half times the number of suicides occurred in Muskingum County last year. Suicide prevention coalitions from Muskingum and surrounding counties presented a tailgate party to teach the community about suicide prevention.

"It’s mostly middle aged men or women which was sort of a change we felt it was due to the economy, we wanted to do something for our community to make them more aware and to help them help us prevent suicides," said Muskingum County Suicide Prevention Coalition Member Dr. Vicki Whitacre.

The message of the event was support. It is important for the person in need to know there is a network to be a part of, so they don’t feel alone. Clinical psychologist and guest speaker Bryce Lefever says anyone who is isolated should be contacted and anyone who feels isolated should reach out.

"All we can do is prevent. We can’t do anything after the fact so we want to get every problem when it’s small and that way we prevent a lot of heartache," said Captain Lefever.

To learn more about how you can prevent suicide visit www.ohiospf.org.