Mental health is an essential part of public health—it affects how we feel, think, and act, and can influence how we handle stress, get along with others, and make healthy choices in daily life. Poor mental health can also adversely affect our physical health: depression increases the risk for many types of physical health problems, particularly long-lasting conditions like diabetes, heart disease, and stroke.
Suicide is a serious public health concern that has lasting harmful effects not only for the families it touches directly but also for our workplaces, schools, and communities. The goal of suicide prevention is to reduce the factors that contribute to poor mental health and increase factors that promote resilience.
May is Mental Health Awareness Month
Since its inception in 1949, Mental Health Awareness Month has been a time to focus our attention on the challenges facing countless people living with mental health conditions. It’s also a time for us to celebrate the people in our communities who are on a wellness journey; the road to recovery doesn’t come easily and deserves to be recognized and encouraged.
Franklin County Public Health is proud to aid in this important cause through our dedication to suicide prevention, eradicating the stigma surrounding mental health, fostering public education, and prioritizing the well-being of individuals and families affected by mental illness.
Attend Our Suicide Prevention Event
Join Franklin County Public Health at the Whitehall YMCA for Community Voices Coming Together for Suicide Prevention, a powerful event focused on suicide prevention. This gathering will bring together community members, experts, and advocates to share their voices and insights on this important topic.
The experts we are excited to host during our panel discussion are Gabe Howard from The Inside Bipolar Podcast from Healthline, Dana Brock who is the Outreach Coordinator for Engage Outreach Ministry, and two individuals from Local Outreach to Suicide Survivors (LOSS).
Together, we can make a difference and support those who may be struggling. Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of a meaningful conversation and learn how you can help prevent suicide in our community.
Plus, the event will offer free food from Dos Hermanos and Flavor 91 Bistro, health resources, and engaging trainings for the attendees!
Register for the Community Voices Coming Together for Suicide Prevention Event
This event is supported by, the Franklin County Suicide Prevention Coalition (FCSPC), The Columbus Foundation, and the Alcohol, Drug and Mental Health Board of Franklin County (ADAMH).
Behavioral Health and Addiction Services
At Franklin County Public Health, our Behavioral Health and Addiction Services team works to educate and engage individuals and communities about prevention, harm reduction strategies, and treatment options for substance use disorders. These are key in helping to prevent overdose deaths related to substance use and mental health disorders.
From the Pros
For student athletes, there’s a lot of pressure to perform, to succeed, to balance schoolwork, and to find time for a social life. From the Pros is a campaign that aims to beat the stigma surrounding mental health for student athletes by:
- Letting young people know they are not alone and there are people willing to help.
- Informing loved ones about preventative measures and how they can talk to youth about these topics.
- Share stories from former and current athletes about their experiences with mental health.
Connect folks in need to vital mental health resources.
NARCAN
At least one Franklin County resident dies from an opioid overdose every day. We can help end the epidemic and the stigma by getting NARCAN, a life-saving medication that can reverse an overdose from opioids—including heroin, fentanyl, and prescription opioid medications—when given in time. Small and easy to carry, NARCAN is essential to saving lives. We offer the option of getting NARCAN mailed to you, or for free pickup at specific locations.
Our Partners
We are thrilled to have the support of so many wonderful partners who share our commitment to suicide prevention, educating our communities, and improving mental health. See the links below to discover the work of these great organizations!
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMSA)
Alcohol, Drug and Mental Health Board of Franklin County (ADAMH)