Lorain County Joins Statewide Initiative to Address Men’s Mental Health and Suicide Prevention

Community leaders, mental health advocates, and local partners gathered June 4, 2026, at the French Creek YMCA in Avon to launch a new statewide initiative aimed at reducing men’s suicide and strengthening support systems for those struggling with mental health challenges.

The effort, led by the Ohio Suicide Prevention Foundation through funding from the Ohio Department of Health, will focus on 10 Ohio counties with elevated rates of male suicide: Clark, Cuyahoga, Hamilton, Lorain, Lucas, Mahoning, Marion, Montgomery, Richland, and Summit counties.

According to the Ohio Department of Health, men accounted for 81 percent of suicide deaths in Ohio in 2023, representing more than 1,400 lives lost. The new two-year initiative will focus on men ages 24 to 59 by expanding evidence-based prevention programs, increasing access to training and resources, supporting local partnerships, and reducing stigma around seeking help.

The targeted counties were selected based on data showing a disproportionate impact of suicide among men. In Lorain County, 76 percent of suicide deaths between 2020 and 2023 were among men, accounting for 131 of the county’s 172 suicide deaths during that period. In neighboring Cuyahoga County, men accounted for 72 percent of suicide deaths, representing 552 of 725 deaths from 2020 through 2023.

“Too often, men feel pressure to carry their struggles alone,” said Tony Coder, Director of Statewide Prevention Initiatives for the Ohio Suicide Prevention Foundation. “This initiative is about making sure men know they are not alone, that support is available, and that communities across Ohio are ready to respond with compassion, connection, and practical solutions before a crisis occurs.”

In Lorain County, local leaders highlighted the need to continue focusing on prevention and early intervention. Males are three times more likely than females to die by suicide in the county, and local data show rising concerns among young adults and older adults.

“The stigma surrounding mental health continues to prevent many people from seeking help,” said Rebecca Jones, Chair of the Lorain County Suicide Prevention Coalition and representative of the Mental Health, Addiction & Recovery Services Board of Lorain County. “Our goal is to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and make sure every resident knows that support is available. Through collaboration, education, and community engagement, we can help connect people to care before a crisis escalates.”

Jones also highlighted local resources, including the Lorain County Crisis Recovery Center, the county’s first dedicated 24/7 facility for individuals experiencing a mental health or substance use crisis. The center offers immediate access to stabilization services, peer support, and treatment in a welcoming, recovery-focused environment.

As part of the statewide initiative, Lorain County partners will host several local activities, including a Fishin’ for Free event with Life Side Ohio on June 27 from 9 until noon at Finger Pier and a firearm safety conference designed to foster conversations between suicide prevention advocates, hunters, firearm retailers, and first responders. The county is also forming a men’s mental health subcommittee to support outreach through the Man Therapy campaign.

Brandon J. Wysocki, Director of Youth Services and Community Outreach for American Legion Post 30, emphasized the importance of changing perceptions around mental health among men.

“It’s unfortunate that the stigma around mental health persists, especially for men. Mental health is as crucial as physical health, and discussing it is not a sign of weakness,” Wysocki said. “I’m excited to partner with the Lorain County Suicide Prevention Coalition to provide vital resources for men. Our work aims to save lives and enhance overall wellness, and I’m proud to represent American Legion Post 30 in this important initiative.”

The initiative will also expand access to suicide prevention trainings, including Question, Persuade, Refer (QPR), Mental Health First Aid, and Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST), while promoting resources such as Man Therapy Ohio, Life Side Ohio, and the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.

Community members are encouraged to check in on the men in their lives, learn the warning signs of suicide, and share available resources. Anyone experiencing emotional distress or a mental health crisis can call or text 988 at any time for free, confidential support.