COLUMBUS, Ohio — The nation is facing an alarming rise in gun-related suicides, but the state’s 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline centers could help save lives.
Governor Mike DeWine announced Friday that during its first year, these centers answered approximately 12,000 calls, chats and texts every month. He said he expects that number to grow in the near future.
What You Need To Know
- The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is a 24/7 support network.
- The state government plans to further enhance its impact by increasing the number of mobile response teams equipped with trained counselors.
- Mental health remains a top priority in the state. Gov. Mike DeWine announced that this service is fully-funded under the new operating budget.
“The 988 Lifeline is a 24/7 resource for Ohioans, and it’s already saving lives,” said DeWine, highlighting the crisis line’s critical role as it enters its second year of operation.
DeWine said the state’s government plans to further enhance its impact by increasing the number of mobile response teams equipped with trained counselors. Lori Criss, director of the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, further emphasized the objective of the 988 Lifeline.
“Our aim is to assess each caller’s needs individually, taking into account their current environment and any potential lethal means within their reach,” Criss explained during a news conference Friday morning.
Despite these efforts, the state’s battle against suicide faces a significant obstacle with firearms.
The Ohio Department of Health reported that the rate of suicides involving guns reached a record high in 2021. While statistics for this year have not yet been released, gun suicides continue to challenge Ohio’s overall suicide prevention efforts.
“We’ve seen an 8.3% increase over the previous year, marking the highest one-year increase in over four decades. Whether you term it a crisis or an epidemic, the reality is that firearm suicide is now at a critical level,” said Colleen Creighton, director of the Brady Campaign’s End Family Fire program.
Creighton also stressed the importance of a specific question that every 988 Lifeline responder must ask.
“Do you have access to a gun? Is it nearby?” said Creighton. “By identifying the presence of a firearm during a crisis call, operators can potentially create the life-saving distance needed between an individual and their firearm.”
“Locking and unloading firearms, and securing them safely can significantly help prevent impulsive suicides during a crisis,” Creighton added.
As Ohio grapples with the tough challenge of firearm suicides, DeWine said the role of the crisis line as an essential lifeline is more crucial than ever. He said his administration remains committed to enhancing the service and confronting the complex issue of firearm suicides.
