MISSION, VALUES, GOALS OF THE COALITION

Suicide is the 11th leading cause of death in Ohio, with an average of three deaths each day. A reported 1,200 Ohioans die each year by suicide, yet suicide still carries a stigma as something that should not be discussed. Alternative Paths, in collaboration with many community partners, developed the Medina County Coalition for Suicide Prevention, meant to be a catalyst to bring about change in attitudes and perceptions regarding stigma related to suicide, mental illness, and addiction. Our focus is to become a resource to educate community residents of all ages on how to prevent suicide and support survivors after a death by suicide.

The Medina County Coalition for Suicide Prevention’s mission is to provide the opportunity for allied groups to pursue coordinated strategies to educate, increase public awareness that suicide is a public health problem, and empower people to seek help for themselves and others.

Annually, the Coalition sponsors two major events:

• Youth Suicide Prevention Sticker Contest

• Step Up to Prevent Suicide Community Walk

Details regarding these events can be found on the agency’s events page.