Gwen Rummell Reporting –
Tuscarawas County Commissioners recently approved the creation of a new committee to help prevent future suicide deaths.
The Suicide Fatality Review Committee was established in the Ohio Revised Code and the county commissioners appointed Tuscarawas County Health Commissioner Katie Seward to oversee the committee.
The goal behind the new committee is to identify trends and patterns in suicide deaths to create a plan in reducing numbers according to Seward.
“Suicide is something that is preventable, and I think that while we have done better as a community and just across the board at talking about our mental health and the way that we are feeling, there is still some stigma associated with that, especially for certain groups. One of the things we really want to focus on is letting people know that it’s okay to not be okay.”
The Suicide Fatality Review Committee will begin meeting in July with member representatives from the ADAMHS Board, Tuscarawas County Sherriff’s Office, the Coroner’s office, the Health Department, and other representatives as needed or requested.
Information discussed in meetings will be relayed to the public and community partners after identifying information has been removed. The information gathered can be used to apply for state grants.
For more information about the Suicide Fatality Review Committee or to learn how to volunteer for the Empower Tusc Suicide Prevention Coalition, call 330-343-5555 extension 1560.
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