Suicide statistics discussed at Zanesville Rotary

ZANESVILLE, Ohio – Suicide statistics for Muskingum County were discussed at Tuesday’s Zanesville Rotary meeting.

Representatives from the Mental Health and Recovery Services Board were in attendance to talk with the Rotarian’s.

Misty Cromwell, the Associate Director, said there were 13 suicides in 2016 in Muskingum County, which is a 50% increase from 2015.

“This places our county at 15.29% per 100 thousand individuals. The state’s current suicide rate is 13.9%, and the nation is at 13.26%, said Cromwell.”

The board is working to promote a statewide crisis text line. By texting 4-HOPE, or calling 741-741, a person will talk to a trained individual that will connect them to local resources.

A LOSS team is now in the works in Muskingum County. Dr. Vicki Whitacre said these volunteers will have either experienced a loss from suicide or a trained professional.

“They would go to the scene of a suicide to be with the family and support them, and let them know what services are available, said Whitacre.”

The LOSS program is hoping to get launched in Muskingum County next year.