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Suicide Prevention Coalition

The mission of the Summit County Suicide Prevention Coalition is to reduce the number of deaths by suicide in Summit County especially in the identified high-risk populations such as youth, middle-aged men (ages 25-44) and the elderly.

Summit County Suicide Dashboard

The County of Summit ADM Board aggregates suicide data in conjunction with the Summit County Medical Examiner's Office for the latest statistics of the Summit County Suicide Dashboard.

Mini-grants available for suicide prevention activities

Suicide is preventable and everyone has a role to play to save lives and create healthy and strong individuals, families, and communities. 2022 was Summit County’s worst year for African American suicide deaths and the African American male suicide rate in Summit County was 31.6%.  As a result, proposals that prioritize African American suicide prevention will receive priority. Organizations actively working to reduce suicide in the community can apply for suicide prevention mini-grants for up to $5,000. Grant funds will be awarded on a first come, first served basis and may be used to support prevention initiatives that focus on increasing awareness and reducing incidents of death by suicide. Additional information can be found from the CDC on Prevention Strategies and in their guide Preventing Suicide: A Technical Package of Policies, Programs and Practices.

Funds will be available for 2023 until expended. All proposals will receive formal approval at our monthly Board of Directors meeting, except for the months of August and November as no meetings are scheduled. Funding for this grant will be awarded on a reimbursement basis once invoices and proof of payment are submitted. ADM cannot process any invoices until after there has been formal approval by the ADM Board of Directors. Once the proposal is approved, you will receive an award letter explaining the fiscal and reporting requirements.  

Every year lives are lost to suicide in our community.

The Coalition offers free training and consultation for community groups to raise awareness of suicide as a public health issue and to educate the public about how to recognize and respond to someone who needs help. To arrange for an educational program on suicide prevention, contact preventsuicide@admboard.org or call 330-376-9494 x211.

If you are in crisis, please call the local crisis line at 330-434-9144 or the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 9-8-8 or 1-800-273-8255.

Do you know if someone is at risk for suicide? Learn the warning signs.

The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline oversees the following initiatives:

988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline offers professional initiatives lists some campaigns going on to address a range of help. multiple initiatives to raise public awareness and further the field of suicide prevention

Strength After was created by the Lifeline's subnetwork, the Disaster Distress Helpline. Strength After's mission is to provide a hub to share stories of hope and recovery encompassing all types of natural and human-caused disaster, and serve as a resource for other survivors and responders that may be trying to cope and move forward themselves.

#BeThe1To is a campaign through the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline urging people to help someone or be the one to save a life. Learn how to stay connected during times of physical distancing including how to talk to someone about suicide virtually.

You Matter is a safe space for youth to discuss and share stories about mental health and wellness, created and administered by the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. You Matter blog posts are written by a rotating Blogger Council of individuals between the ages of 13-24 that are passionate about suicide prevention and mental health.


Have you lost someone to suicide?

The Suicide Bereavement Support Group at Portage Path Behavioral Health is currently accepting new loss survivors. Survivors Support Group Information (PDF)

Portage Path Behavioral Health - In Person

340 South Broadway
Akron, Ohio, 44308
United States of America

Second and fourth Tuesday of the month from 6:30 to 8:00 pm (*Masks Required*)

The facilitator is a peer & mental health professional who has attended American Foundation for Suicide Prevention's Facilitating a Suicide Bereavement Support Group training. 

Additional information

No specific demographic

No preregistration is necessary. People can register as they attend a meeting.

Serving Summit and neighboring counties.

Have questions? Reach out to:

Amanda Marunich
amarunich@portagepath.org
330-434-1214


Coalition information and materials:

Media Guidelines for Reporting on Suicide or Related Topics


Additional Suicide Prevention Resources

The Summit County Suicide Prevention Coalition was established in December of 2005 in an effort to coordinate local resources, increase awareness of suicide as a public health problem, and educate our community to better recognize when someone they know may be suicidal. The Coalition is made up of committed volunteers from all walks of life including professionals in the areas of health care, mental health, addictions, social services, clergy, education, as well as community members, some of whom have survived the loss of a loved one to suicide, who want to help prevent the tragedy of suicide.

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