Men are the most likely demographic to commit suicide statewide.
“They made up about 80% of all suicide deaths in Ohio in 2023 and 2024,” Ohio Suicide Prevention Foundation CEO Tony Coder said.
Coder was in town June 4 for a press conference at the YMCA of North Central Ohio in recognition of June being Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month.
He was joined by Jeff Heck, 33 Forever co-founder and board chairman, and Bob Ball, chief investigator for the Richland County Coroner’s Office.
Tony Coder, Ohio Suicide Prevention Foundation CEO, talks at a press conference Thursday at the YMCA of North Central Ohio.
Coder answered a question about why men are so much more likely to commit suicide.
“It’s about the stigma. Talking about it is really, really hard for men,” he said.
Men also are more likely to use a gun, a more lethal method, to take their own lives. Coder said 1,400 Ohio men committed suicide in 2024.
“That’s a sobering reminder of why this work matters and why we need to keep reaching men before a crisis deepens,” he said.
Statewide initiative seeks to reduce suicide among men
Coder announced a two-year statewide initiative to expand suicide prevention strategies and strengthen community support efforts for men ages 24-59 in counties where male suicide rates are especially high, including Richland County.
“This initiative has to be about more than awareness. It has to be about action,” Coder said. “If we want to save lives, we have to make it easier for men to talk.”
He said men often avoid asking for help, looking at it as a sign of weakness.
Heck admitted he fell into that category when his daughter, Dani, committed suicide in 2019 at the age of 33. He felt he had to be strong for wife Donna and others.
Heck said he didn’t cry over his daughter’s death for a year.
“It wasn’t good for my mental health,” he said. “I don’t recommend that. Do as I say and not as I do.”
As a coroner’s investigator, Ball has dealt with many suicides. He is passionate about the topic.
“One of the most troubling times is to walk in to see a family as an investigator and have them ask you why,” he said, becoming emotional.
While he didn’t have statistics, Ball said suicides among men have been on the rise in Richland County for the last five years or so. He said the coroner’s office can offer resources at 419-774-5868.
Before introducing Heck, Coder thanked Ball for being “such a great partner,” noting that is not the case with many coroner’s offices.
Coder also called suicide a mental health issue that should be treated as such.
Heck and his wife have made suicide awareness their mission. In addition to forming 33 Forever, they have hosted a show about mental health on WMFD-TV.
In November, a new symbol of hope and healing opened as community partners gathered to celebrate the ribbon cutting of Danielle’s Lighthouse, a 10-bed supportive housing and recovery site located at 87 E. First Street in Mansfield.
“I am a suicide loss survivor,” Heck said. “Suicide has what’s called a ripple effect in immediate families, extended families, close friends, acquaintances and then strangers and the community at large.
“On average, over 100 people are affected by one suicide. You don’t know the impact of one loss of life by this terrible means.”
Heck said those who lose someone to suicide are more likely to attempt suicide themselves.
“The closer the relationship, the higher the correlation for risk,” he said.
Heck wants people to know there is no shame in asking for help and noted a number of local resources, including Catalyst Life Services, the Richland County Board of Mental Health & Recovery Services and the local branch of Akron Children’s Hospital.
Coder said calling 988 is another way to get help. The call is anonymous and does not show up on a phone bill.
“Talking to strangers may be easier for some people,” Coder said.
Reaching out is the key, Heck added.
“Please take care of yourselves and the people you care about,” he said.
Reach Mark Caudill at 419-521-7219 or via X at @MarkCau32059251.
This article originally appeared on Mansfield News Journal: Suicide among men topic of press conference at Mansfield ‘Y’
