Tuscarawas County reports decrease in suicide deaths

Tuscarawas County officials reported suicide deaths decreased from 21 in 2024 to 18 in 2025, following a coordinated local prevention effort launched last year.

In March 2025, county leaders announced efforts to address rising suicide rates after Tuscarawas County’s rate reached 22.9 deaths per 100,000 residents, above Ohio’s rate of 15.5 per 100,000. The Healthy People 2030 national target is 12.8 or fewer suicide deaths per 100,000 people.

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, providing an opportunity to update residents on local suicide prevention efforts.

During 2025, 60 community members completed Question, Persuade, Refer suicide prevention gatekeeper training. Five local professionals attended the Stark Suicide Symposium to learn evidence-based prevention strategies. Nearly 400 suicide prevention mailers were distributed through the Tuscarawas County Courthouse to families experiencing domestic challenges, and hundreds of 988 Crisis Lifeline and ManTherapy.org materials were distributed at local events and organizations.

The Tuscarawas County Suicide Prevention Task Force continues to work with the Ohio Suicide Prevention Foundation and Life Side Ohio to expand efforts in 2026 and beyond. Current initiatives include developing partnerships with firearm retailers, shooting ranges and hunting organizations to promote suicide prevention awareness and responsible firearm safety messaging.

“While we are encouraged to see a slight decline in suicide deaths over the past year, 18 deaths are still far too many,” said Natalie Bollon, executive director of the ADAMHS Board of Tuscarawas and Carroll Counties. “We remain committed to leading countywide efforts focused on awareness, prevention, and access to care. Partnerships with healthcare providers are helping identify individuals at risk earlier, and plans are underway to host an expanded suicide prevention event later this year. If you or someone you know is struggling, help is available by calling 988 or 330-343-1811, or by visiting Rapid Care Behavioral Health in New Philadelphia.”

Tuscarawas County Health Commissioner Katie Seward said continued prevention efforts remain important.

“For as long as suicide continues to impact our families, friends, coworkers and neighbors, our work must continue,” Seward said.

Of the 18 suicide deaths among Tuscarawas County residents in 2025, 17 involved males and one involved a female. Identified contributing factors included recent domestic or relationship-related challenges in 39% of cases and a recent serious or declining health diagnosis in 28% of cases. Officials said 72% of suicide deaths occurred among people age 50 and older.

Tuscarawas County Coroner and Tuscarawas County Health Department Medical Director Dr. Jeff Cameron said suicide remains a significant public health concern.

“In recent years, my office has continued to see a growing number of suicide deaths involving men,” Cameron said. “As a community, we must continue reaching out to those around us and reinforce that seeking help is a sign of strength. Every life matters.”

Current prevention initiatives include free Question, Persuade, Refer trainings, ManTherapy.org resources and the work of the Tuscarawas County Suicide Prevention Task Force. The task force includes four subcommittees focused on local trends involving men age 50 and older, firearm-related suicides, relationship or domestic issues and life-altering health diagnoses.

Businesses and organizations interested in hosting Question, Persuade, Refer training may contact the ADAMHS Board at 330-364-6488.

Those in crisis or supporting someone in crisis may call or text 988. For more information about suicide prevention efforts in Tuscarawas County, call the ADAMHS Board at 330-364-6488.