Portage County Suicide Prevention Coalition 
Meetings: Third Thursday of each month
Time: 3 p.m to 4:30 p.m.
Location: Mental Health & Recovery Board of Portage County
155 E. Main St., Kent, Ohio 44240
Phone: 330-673-1756
In Portage County, a community coalition was established in 2003 to create and maintain an educational program to increase awareness of preventing suicides. The program received its initial funding through a grant from the Ohio Department of Mental Health.
The Coalition's mission is to offer training and provide education and prevention tools to schools and people of all ages in Portage County. The Coalition will also be working to reduce the stigma of suicide and depression by providing presentations to local groups.
Click here for a map.
Coalition encourages reaching out to those who are vulnerable
Often people are afraid to approach a person who seems depressed. Individuals in "gatekeeper" jobs--people who are in contact with the public--are often afraid of doing more harm than good if they talk openly about suicide. It is a myth that talking to someone about his or her thoughts about completing suicide will make it happen.
However, gatekeepers are in a good position to spot individuals who might be at risk. Gatekeepers include: family members, teachers, counselors, law enforcement, juvenile justice, primary care physicians, social workers, school personnel and faith community members.
Back to top
Community agencies open their doors with treatment options
The Coalition recognizes that suicide is a sensitive subject and seeks to provide information and tools for anyone who may encounter a person considering suicide. The group's goal is to increase awareness so that more community members will be able to identify the signs and guide individuals to help.
Back to top
Members of the Coalition
The Suicide Prevention Coalition of Portage County has members from the following agencies, institutions and community groups:
Townhall II
Portage County Coroner's Office
Mental Health & Recovery Board of Portage County
National Alliance on Mental Illness Portage County
Children's Advantage
Coleman Professional Services
Family & Community Services, Inc.
Kent Police Department
Kent City Schools
Ravenna Police Department
Robinson Memorial Hospital
Portage Co. Board of Developmental Disabilities
Portage County Sheriff's Department
Portage County Department of Job & Family Services
KSU Health Services
KSU School of Nursing
KSU Counseling Center
KSU Adult Counseling, Health & Vocational Education Dept.
Portage County Juvenile Court
Survivors of Suicide
KSU Counseling & Human Development Center
Back to top
How to contact the Portage County Suicide Prevention Coalition
To become a member of the Portage County Suicide Prevention Coalition or to schedule a speaker or free training session:
Call the Mental Health & Recovery Board of Portage County, 330-673-1756, or send email to mhrbpc@gwis.com.
Back to top
Suicide Prevention Resources in Portage County
24-hour Emergency Suicide Prevention Services
24-hour, 330-296-3555
24-hour, 1-877-796-3555 toll free
24-hour, 330-678-4357
24-hour, 1-866-449-8518 toll free
Counseling, links available here
330-678-3006
1-866-449-8515
330-673-1347
1-800-673-1347 toll free
330-296-5552
330-677-4124
330-672-2487
330-569-5418
Back to top
|
