Suicide Free Communities
Call or Text 988 for Crisis Counseling
This Lifeline is available 24/7
TUESDAY
3:00PM - 4:30PM
WE MEET THE SECOND TUESDAY OF EVERY MONTH
(With quarterly in-person meetings in each county)
MEETING LOCATION
Gallia, Jackson, Meigs ADAMH Board, 53 Shawnee Lane, Gallipolis, Ohio 45631
ZOOM
MEETING ID:
890 7276 4901
PASSCODE: GJMSPC
Gallia, Jackson and Meigs Counties have ranked in the top ten as highest counties at risk of suicide in Ohio. Where 9 out of 10 counties are in Appalachia*. With the reported average annual rates of suicide per 100,000 of the population.
THE ISSUES
Many people are still hesitant to discuss suicide due to stigma.
Stigma creates a barrier that prevents individuals dealing with suicidal thoughts, those who have attempted suicide in the past, or those grieving the loss of a loved one to suicide from reaching out for help.
Many people are unaware of available resources.
Individuals can reach out by calling or texting 988 or by chatting at 988lifeline.org for themselves or for a loved one who might require crisis support. The 988 service provides 24/7 access to trained crisis counselors ready to assist those facing mental health- related challenges. This assistance can be valuable for:
Suicidal thoughts
Mental health or substance use emergencies
Emotional distress
And various other reasons to seek help
Need to expand the conversation on lethal means safety
One way to help prevent suicide is called lethal means safety. This means taking away things that someone could use to hurt themselves. This method can be used by people who are having suicidal thoughts or by family, friends, or professionals who care about them. By making it harder to access dangerous items, we can help the person get support, change how they feel, and possibly save their life.
#1 Gallia County 26.8
#3 Jackson County 24.8
#5 Meigs County 22.9
* SUICIDE IN OHIO: FACTS, FIGURES, AND THE FUTURE - MENTAL HEALTH & ADDICTION ADVOCACY COALITION (MHAC),
OHIO ALLIANCE FOR INNOVATION IN POPULATION HEALTH (THE ALLIANCE) AND THE OHIO SUICIDE PREVENTION FOUNDATION (OSPF)
** PRELIMINARY DATA SUMMARY: OHIO SUICIDE DEATHS - AUGUST 31, 2021
To prevent suicide through awareness, education, collaboration, support, improved access to mental health care and community resources.
To collaboratively strengthen efforts in suicide prevention and postvention with the focus on education, advocacy, support and prevention while maintaining respect for the unique qualities and strengths of these Appalachian communities.
to not be ok.
Suicide prevention is everyone’s business
01
Participate in meetings, become a member of a planning committee, volunteer your time, and take on the role of a community leader and advocate. Everyone is invited to join!
02
Get QPR Training - CPR for Suicide Prevention. a free Training for our Community (evidence based). Attend Ohio Suicide Prevention Foundation trainings and webinars.
03
Participate in awareness-raising events - Appalachian Ohio Suicide Prevention
Conference, HOPE Fest, Community Wellness Days, International Day of Survivors of Suicide Loss, educational sessions on efforts locally, state and nationwide.
04
Be part of our postvention support for survivors of attempt and suicide loss. Advocate for support for overdose/suicide fatality review boards and need for funding.
Coalition Coaching
Awareness
Postvention
Events
Data Collection
HOPE Fest
Appalachian Ohio Suicide Prevention Conference
988 Promotion
QPR Training opportunities
Parents and Caregivers
Youth
Youth Serving Organizations
Firearms Retailers
Veterans
Healthcare
Education
Law Enforcement/First Responders
Faith Based Organizations
Media Civic Organizations
Lived Experience
Businesses Local/State Government
Special Population Serving Organizations
The "Talk. They Hear You." campaign by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) helps parents and caregivers start meaningful conversations with their children about the risks of alcohol and drug use. Open, early, and ongoing communication plays a key role in preventing youth substance misuse.
How the Campaign Helps Families
Conversation Guides – Practical tips for discussing underage drinking and drug use.
Interactive Tools – A mobile app and online resources to help parents prepare for these talks.
Fact-Based Prevention – Evidence-based strategies to empower children to make healthy choices.
Start the Conversation Today!
Talking to your child may be easier than you think. By setting clear expectations and listening actively, you can make a lasting impact.
Listen to our featured episode in the What Parents Are Saying podcast to hear real experiences and expert insights.
Learn more and access resources at: SAMHSA’s “Talk. They Hear You.”
The Strategic Prevention Framework-Partnerships for Success (SPF-PFS) initiative aims to prevent underage drinking and strengthen substance misuse prevention efforts. It is a collaboration between the Gallia, Jackson, Meigs Alcohol, Drug Addiction, and Mental Health (ADAMH) Board, local coalitions, Ohio University’s Voinovich School of Leadership and Public Service, and the Pacific Institute for Research and Evaluation.
Expansion of SPF-PFS in 2021
Gallia, Jackson, and Meigs counties joined the initiative through ADAMH funding.
A Prevention Data Committee was formed to assess youth substance use trends.
Community-Based Research and Strategic Planning
Conducted the Ohio Healthy Youth Environments Survey (OHYES!).
Completed a Community Risk Assessment for underage drinking.
Applied Community Coalition Action Theory (CCAT) to strengthen partnerships.
Developed a strategic prevention plan to guide future actions.
Building Coalition Capacity
Funding and resources provided for coalition training and operational structures.
Technical assistance ensured best practices.
Future Goals & Sustainability
Securing long-term funding and expanding outreach.
Enhancing community engagement and strategy adaptability.
This data-driven, evidence-informed initiative empowers communities to proactively address youth substance misuse.
For more details, visit the SPF-PFS SEO website.
© 2025 Gallia-Jackson-Meigs Suicide Prevention Collaborative. All Rights Reserved.