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Every month, a dedicated group meets to tackle a critical mission: preventing suicide. The Columbiana County Suicide Prevention Coalition brings together a diverse group of voices from behavioral health professionals to suicide attempt survivors and family members who have lost loved ones. By combining professional knowledge with personal, lived experience, members work together to reduce stigma, promote hope, and connect local families with real help.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) data shows rural suicide rates are nearly double those in major cities. Living in a rural community like Columbiana County means we face real hurdles: fewer local doctors, longer drives for care, and a deep culture of keeping our struggles to ourselves. While we can't change our geography, we can change how we show up for each other.
With Suicide Prevention Month coming in September, coalition members are planning to take a down-to-earth approach by bringing hope directly into everyday spaces. Look around town, and you'll see their efforts in several places: at the kitchen table, where food pantries and pizza shops are sharing information on the free, 24/7, 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline; at local gun shops, where coalition members are providing suicide prevention materials to help patrons connect to support; and in church pews, where faith leaders are sharing bulletin inserts to help congregations spot suicide warning signs. The coalition is also reaching out to local tattoo shops in hopes of partnering on fundraisers, turning creative spaces into places for honest dialogue and community support.
"Suicide prevention is everyone's responsibility," coalition members emphasize. "Whether someone is a healthcare provider, teacher, family member, business owner, pastor, friend, or neighbor, we all have a role to play in recognizing warning signs, offering support, and helping connect people to the care they need."
The Columbiana County Suicide Prevention Coalition brings together behavioral health professionals, suicide attempt survivors, grieving family members, and caring neighbors on the first Monday of every month. Our work is strongest when it reflects the people who live here. If you want to help break the silence around mental health in our county, we'd love to have you join us!
To inquire about becoming a member, please contact Coalition Coordinator, Lynsi Beagle, at lbeagle@ccmhrsb.org or 330-424-0195.
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If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. You are not alone, and there is support available right here in Columbiana County.
-- CALL OR TEXT 988: Reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline 24/7 for free, confidential support for yourself or someone you are concerned about.
-- CRISIS TEXT LINE: Text "HOME" to 741741 to connect with a Crisis Counselor.
-- EMERGENCY: If there is an immediate risk of harm, please call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.
This article is brought to you by the Columbiana County Suicide Prevention Coalition. To learn more about our resources, local initiatives, or how to get involved, please visit https://tinyurl.com/Suicide-Prevention-Coalition and follow us on Facebook @ColumbianaCountySuicidePreventionCoalition.