Columbus City Councilwoman Charleta Tavares, who lost her brother to suicide, knows too well the effect suicide can have on a family. Just treating these illnesses can significantly reduce the risk of suicide and can offer some hope and promise for a much healthier future. Proclamations were presented by Michael F. Hogan, director of the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Charleta Tavares, a member of Columbus City Council. May 7-13 is National Suicide Prevention Week. It is the eighth leading cause of death in the United States, with about 31,000 suicides each year.
Suicide is also preventable in most cases.
Fortunately, treatment for depression is highly successful. It is important that people who are considering suicide or know some one who is at risk of suicide seek help. The message for people in crisis is that help is available and treatment works. The Ohio Coalition for Suicide Prevention, the first organization of its kind in Ohio, is a coalition of state legislators, city council members, public health officials, health care providers, suicide prevention experts and faith community activists. There is no typical suicide victim.