Taking Action: Combatting Johnstown's Suicide Crisis

Every year in Johnstown, Ohio, the suicide rate remains a pressing concern, with 15 per 100,000 individuals succumbing to preventable deaths. This rate is significantly higher than the national average, emphasizing the urgent need for action and support within our community. Join us for 0K: The Finish Line Moves in Johnstown, Ohio, where we're tackling the local suicide crisis head-on. We're raising funds to aid those who've lost loved ones or are struggling. Let's unite to prevent further tragedies. Together, we can ALL be Life-Savers.

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Recent News & Articles

Families joining the state in a mission to prevent suicide

Wetzel, a mother, was forced to endure the devastating pain of losing her son, who died by suicide. She says her son struggled with mental health issues, and that she had no idea. Stories like hers are behind a major initiative launched by Governor Mike DeWine, and the aim is to save lives. The Wetzel family also created a foundation focused on suicide prevention. (WSYX)

Suicide is on the rise in Ohio

Over 1,400 Ohioans died from suicide in 2022, the most recent year we have data for. This makes suicide the fifth-leading causes of death for working-age Ohioans, behind unintentional injuries like drug overdose and motor vehicle crashes, cancer, heart disease, and COVID-19. Ohio’s suicide death rate is 15 deaths per 100,000 people, just slightly above than the national rate of 14.5 deaths per 100,000 people.

Suicide prevention program 'Sources of Strength'

The Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services funds it with CARES Act dollars. Preliminary data from the Ohio Suicide Prevention Foundation show Sources of Strength has spread to approximately 180 schools, including 94 elementary schools and 85 secondary schools since 2021. A new Ohio law known as the SAVE Students Act requires all schools to incorporate suicide awareness and prevention into the curriculum by the 2023-2024 school year.

The 0K Foundation’s Mission: Preventing Suicide and Honoring Heroes

In Johnstown, Ohio, there's a special event called "0K: The Finish Line Moves," organized by the 0K Foundation. This event is all about preventing suicide, especially among those who've served in the military, and remembering the brave soldiers we've lost. It's a gathering where people come together not to run or walk, but to stand strong against the tragedy of suicide.

'It's going to be OK' -- Woman whose son died by suicide wants to help others grieving

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WSYX) -- Patch Wetzel and I are standing in her friend Tina’s kitchen, looking at a photo of her late son Jacob, in his snow gear smiling happily at the camera. He’s in the Arctic, where his submarine has poked up through the ice and the crew are stretching their legs.

Together, we can ALL be

Life-Savers!