Youth suicide deaths surge in Ohio as federal cuts hit prevention programs
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Suicide deaths rose sharply among young adults in Ohio and most other states from 2014 to 2024, a new analysis finds.
Why it matters: The numbers underscore the toll of the country's mental health crisis — just as the Trump administration cuts funding for programs designed to help vulnerable groups, like LGBTQ+ kids.
- Research shows these children are at higher risk of self-harm compared to heterosexual youth.
By the numbers: The suicide rate for Ohioans aged 18-27 increased nearly 37% over that 10-year period, the fifth highest increase among all states. The national rate increased by nearly 20%.
- Ohio reported 18.3 suicides per 100,000 young adults, per a new analysis of CDC data from the nonprofit newsroom Stateline.
Taking action: Ohio is currently implementing the Suicide Prevention Plan for Ohio 2024-2026, released in January 2024.
- The plan, developed by the Ohio Suicide Prevention Foundation (OSPF) and Health Policy Institute of Ohio with state funding, offers resources for health professionals, teachers and businesses.
Zoom in: Elsewhere, the Alcohol, Drug Addiction and Mental Health Services Board (ADAMHS) of Cuyahoga County is piloting a new "care response" program involving 988, the suicide prevention hotline that launched in 2022.
- Residents in parts of Cleveland experiencing a mental health crisis are encouraged to call 988 instead of 911 to receive services from licensed clinicians and peer supporters.
Yes, but: In July, the federal government cut funding for 988, which supports LGBTQ+ individuals.
- The line no longer offers the option of pressing "3" to reach someone specifically trained to support the LGBTQ+ community.
What they're saying: "Suicide prevention is about people, not politics," Jaymes Black, CEO of the Trevor Project, a nonprofit providing suicide prevention support for LGBTQ+ young people, said in a statement.
- "The administration's decision to remove a bipartisan, evidence-based service that has effectively supported a high-risk group of young people through their darkest moments is incomprehensible."
If you or someone you know may be considering suicide, call or text the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988. Ayuda disponible en español.