Resources Available to Support Veterans and Prevent Veteran Suicide in Ohio
Author: Brian Heckman
On Friday, September 12th, Walsh University (WU) in North Canton hosted a Push-Ups for Veterans Suicide Awareness event to shine a spotlight on veterans’ mental health.
WU touts, “Every day, 22 veterans lose their lives to suicide—a reminder that the wounds of service are not always visible. Together, we can learn, reflect, and prepare to support those who have given so much.”
Veterans and their quality of life are extremely important to Damey and me. Primarily, because I am a veteran. Secondly, because we own Home Helpers Canton, and we strive to make life easier for seniors and veterans every day. Lastly, because we understand that veteran suicide is a serious problem in Ohio and across America.
September is Suicide Awareness Month, so Damey and I have chosen to share resources that are available to support veterans and help prevent veteran suicide in Ohio.
Ohio has a higher veteran suicide rate than the national average, even though resources are available from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and Ohio-based organizations to provide immediate help and long-term support.
Veteran Suicide Statistics in Ohio
In 2021, 242 Ohio veterans died by suicide. For veterans under age 45, suicide was the second-leading cause of death.
Firearms were used in 65.3% of veteran suicides in Ohio in 2021.
In Butler County, veterans die by suicide at four times the rate of non-veterans.
Data from 2019 shows 257 veteran suicides in Ohio, with a rate of 33.7 per 100,000 people. This compares to a non-veteran adult suicide rate of 19.1 in Ohio and a national rate of 31.6.
The national rate of suicide is higher among veterans for all age groups compared to the general adult population.
Risk Factors and Challenges
The transition to civilian life can be especially challenging for veterans, contributing to higher suicide risks. These risk factors include:
Difficulty transitioning: More than 40% of veterans report high levels of difficulty with this process, and they are five times more likely to experience suicidal thoughts.
Mental health issues: Many veterans struggle with conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), traumatic brain injury (TBI), depression, and anxiety.
Access to care: Stigmas around asking for help can prevent veterans from getting the care they need.
Military sexual trauma (MST): Survivors of MST may be at higher risk for mental health struggles.
Lack of understanding: Over 80% of post-9/11 veterans believe the public does not understand the problems they face after leaving the military.
Suicide Prevention Resources in Ohio
Immediate crisis support is convenient and available 24/7/365. If you or a loved one is having suicidal thoughts, seek help immediately through one or more of the following resources:
Veterans Crisis Line: Provides free, confidential support 24/7. Connect with a qualified responder who is often a veteran themselves.
Call: Dial 988 and select 1 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
Text: Send a message to 838255.
Chat: Use the confidential Lifeline Chat or VeteransCrisisLine.net/Chat.
Ohio Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: The standard 988 lifeline is also available for anyone in distress.
National Alliance for Mental Illness (NAMI) Stark County offers support and education specifically for veterans, service members, and their families at NAMI Homefront.
Reach out to a close friend or loved one.
Contact a minister, spiritual leader, or someone in your community of faith.
Make an appointment with your doctor or a mental health professional
Call 911 if you think you might hurt yourself or attempt suicide!
If you know someone is feeling suicidal or has attempted suicide, it is best to have someone stay with them to ensure they remain safe.
At Home Helpers, our compassionate caregivers are available 24/7/365 to support you or a veteran you love. Whether facing the effects of a traumatic event, living with PTSD, or simply in need of extra care at home, we’re committed to providing comfort, dignity, and dependable support right where it’s needed most.
Damey and I gladly offer a FREE consultation at your convenience to assess specific needs and determine ways we can help make life easier.
Home Helpers® Canton, OH, is Veteran-owned and operated. We are honored to have received the Home Care Pulse – Best of Home Care® Provider of Choice Award, the Shooting Star Award (2011), and multiple Platinum awards for the superior level of care we provide. We are Certified Senior Advisors and members of the Home Care Association of America, Alzheimer’s Association, and International Franchise Association. Additionally, we were ranked in the Top 500 Franchises by Entrepreneur Magazine in 2019.
Home Helpers® Canton is Making Life Easier™ every day for male and female seniors in Stark County, Portage County, and portions of Summit County including the communities of Akron, Alliance, Canton, East Sparta, Hartville, Jackson, Massillon, Navarre, North Canton, Randolph, and surrounding areas. 330.892.9329
Sources:
Walsh University
NAMI Stark County