The following is a press release from the Suicide Prevention Coalition of Logan and Champaign Counties:
September is Suicide Prevention Month – a time to come together as a community to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and remind one another that help, hope, and connection are available. Suicide prevention is not just about responding to a crisis; it is about building communities where people feel seen, supported, and comfortable asking for help.
The Suicide Prevention Coalition of Logan and Champaign Counties works throughout the year to strengthen suicide prevention efforts across our communities. September provides an opportunity to bring that work into greater focus, share resources, start conversations, and remind our neighbors that you are never alone in what you are facing.
In 2025, Logan and Champaign Counties lost 12 individuals to suicide. Behind that number are 12 lives, 12 families, and countless friends, coworkers, and community members who continue to feel their absence. Every loss is unique, and every person leaves behind a story. Understanding these losses is an important part of strengthening how we support one another to prevent future tragedies. Over the past three years, in partnership with the Logan County Health District and Champaign County Health District, local stakeholders have come together better to understand these losses through a Suicide Fatality Review Board. These meetings allow us to learn from the experiences of those we have lost, identify patterns and gaps within our system, and use what we learn to create meaningful systemic change and strengthen prevention efforts.
Overwhelmingly, our reviews have shown that individuals were experiencing significant life transitions, declining health, isolation, relationships or family challenges, financial or employment stress, and other circumstances that contributed to increased vulnerability. These findings reinforce that suicide is complex – and that prevention requires all of us to recognize opportunities to connect with someone before they reach a crisis.
How Our Community is Coming Together This September
Throughout September, the Suicide Prevention Coalition will be bringing people together through several local events and opportunities designed to connect, educate, remember, and inspire hope.
Annual Save A Life Color Run 5K
The annual Save A Life Color Run 5K is Saturday, September 12th at the Ohio Caverns in West Liberty, Ohio. Registration begins at 8:00 am. The event will feature a 5K, ½ mile kids’ fun run, and a 1-mile memory loop. The morning will end with a brief remembrance ceremony honoring local lives lost to suicide. This event brings the community together to honor lost loved ones and support suicide prevention. Registration forms can be found on the MHDAS website
QPR Suicide Prevention Trainings – September 2 & 3
Question, Persuade, Refer (QPR) teaches community members how to recognize warning signs, ask directly about suicide, and connect someone to help. These trainings give everyone the tools and confidence needed to make a life-saving difference.
- September 2nd, 2:00 – 4:00 pm
- September 3rd, 5:30 – 7:30 pm
These free in-person trainings will be held at the MHDAS Board office at 1521 N Detroit St, West Liberty, Ohio. Registration links can be found on the MHDAS website under the calendar tab at www.mhdas.org.
Don’t Give Up Sign Rally
The Don’t Give Up Sign Rallies are a visible reminder of hope throughout our community. By taking a simple message of encouragement into public spaces, we can reach someone who may be struggling and remind them that their story is not over. You’re welcome to join us! Whether you stay for a few minutes or the entire event, your presence helps remind others they are not alone.
- Russell’s Point: Corner of Main St. and Orchard Island Rd, Friday, September 4th, 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm.
- Logan County Courthouse: Friday, September 18th, 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm.
- Champaign County Courthouse: Friday, September 25th, 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm.
988 Virtual Shirt Store
The coalition’s 988 virtual shirt store allows community members to wear their support for suicide prevention and spread awareness of the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. To shop, visit this link: https://mhdassuicideprevention26.itemorder.com/shop/home/
Keep the Conversation Going
Life can bring challenges that feel overwhelming, but no one has to navigate those challenges alone. Suicide Prevention Month is about creating a community where people feel comfortable asking for help, where we know how to recognize when someone may be struggling, and where support is available before a crisis becomes a tragedy. To learn more about the Suicide Prevention Coalition of Logan and Champaign Counties, contact Ceci Yelton at [email protected] or 937-465-1045. Coalition meeting and events are regularly updated on the MHDAS Board website within the Calendar tab (www.mhdas.org).
If you or someone you know is struggling, call or text 988 to connect with the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. You don’t have to have the right words. You just have to reach out.
This September, let’s remind one another: Don’t give up. Reach out. Stay Connected. Save a life.
