Tuscarawas County suicide rate higher than state average

NEW PHILADELPHIA — Tuscarawas County's suicide rate exceeds the state average, according to recent data released by the Ohio Department of Health. The county's suicide rate per 100,000 people is 16.6, which is higher than the state rate of 13.8.

“This is a staggering statistic that reminds us that we are not immune to tragedy here in Tuscarawas County,” said Empower Tusc Coalition Coordinator Jodi Salvo. “This is a real issue that demands our attention.”

Empower Tusc has a new committee with the sole purpose of focusing on sustaining positive mental health solutions across Tuscarawas County and bringing awareness to suicide prevention. The Suicide Prevention committee consists of community members, mental health professionals, and others devoted to bringing more awareness to mental health and suicide prevention locally. Positive mental health continues to be essential for everyone and is especially vital to children’s development, Empower Tusc said in a press release.

Children’s Mental Health Awareness Week, which continues through Saturday, can pave the way for conversation, action and an opportunity to change perceptions around mental health. The campaign challenges the public to recognize each child’s uniqueness and importance.

A variety of mental health disorders are often correlated with suicide, and according to the World Health Organization, as many as one in six U.S. children ages 6-17 has a treatable mental health disorder such as depression, anxiety, or attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Additionally, half of all mental health conditions start by age 14, but many cases go undetected and untreated.

“Together we can make a significant impact,” Salvo said. “As we break down stigma surrounding mental health, we begin to destroy barriers to help and support. Every conversation and every person reached makes a difference.

For more information on local prevention efforts, visit empowertusc.com.