by NAMI Wood County community programming manager, Brianna Snow, Med, LPSC, OCPSA and Courtney Rice, LISW-S, OCPSA from NAMI Wood County and the Wood County Suicide Prevention Coalition.
THE WOOD COUNTY SUICIDE PREVENTION COALITION is dedicated to raising awareness of the effects of suicide and suicide prevention in the community. Mental health conditions can be treatable and support is available, preventing stigmas, as they can create a barrier to someone seeking treatment.
The coalition continues to support community members who have lost a loved one to suicide.
On Tuesday, June 9, the coalition unveiled a new awareness campaign to promote the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline within local parks in partnership with the Wood County Parks District, City of Bowling Green Department of Parks and Recreation, City of Rossford Department of Parks and Recreation, and the Wood County Alcohol, Drug Addiction and Mental Health Services Board. The campaign features 30 signs in the parks promoting the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.
Ohioans who are experiencing a mental health or addiction crisis, including family members, can call, text or chat the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline to reach a trained specialist who can offer help and support.
The easy-to-remember three-digit number, 988, provides 24/7 free, confidential support to Ohioans. 988 is a direct connection to compassionate, accessible care and support for anyone experiencing mental healthrelated crises.
About Wood County Suicide Prevention Coalition The coalition is a community of citizens from diverse backgrounds who are resolved to save lives. It pursues coordinated strategies to educate and increase awareness that suicide is a public health problem, not a private shame. The group is committed to increasing public understanding of depression, mental illness, and alcohol and drug abuse as treatable health conditions, not as signs of personal weakness. The coalition desists from fear, ignorance and stigma around mental health, all of which prevent people from seeking and finding help in times of great personal distress.
These signs serve as a visible reminder that support is always available and reinforces our community's commitment to mental health, safety and connection. In Wood County, one of the most common risk factors for suicide is isolation. By placing this information in public spaces, the coalition hopes to reduce stigma, increase awareness of crisis resources, and make it easier for individuals and families to reach out during moments of distress. This campaign is funded by the Ohio Association of County Behavioral Health Boards, the Ohio Department of Behavioral Health, and the Wood County Alcohol Drug Addiction, and Mental Health Services Board.
Snow can be reached at 419-3520626, extension 104 or send an email to BriannaS@namiwoodcounty.org or visit, namiwoodcounty.org. The office is at 1250 Ridgewood Drive, Bowling Green. ✲
