I have been in schools back to back trying to spread the message of suicide prevention. Talking about suicide prevention in schools is so important because it reduces the stigma of a topic that teachers sometimes do not cover. It provides students with the necessary tools for helping themselves, or a loved one, who may one day face suicidal thoughts or depression.
I hear too many times from people who have lost a loved one to suicide that they wished they knew the warning signs, for if they did their loved one might still be here today. Hearing from survivors after suicides confirms how important my job is.
The sad reality is that this position may not exist after 2009. Due to The Ohio Department of Health no longer funding intentional injury grants, the program is facing elimination unless we fund funding elsewhere, which doesn’t look like it is going to happen. I have been writing grants left and right, however, I have had no luck.
I encourage you to spread the message of how important our program is, and if you know someone who may be able to donate to, or fund, the suicide prevention program to give MHA a call. This program really does save lives.
--Ashley Shaw
Suicide Prevention Coordinator
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