Councilmember Albee presented a resolution on Sept. 10 recognizing the Hamilton County Suicide Prevention Coalition in observance of World Suicide Prevention Day. The resolution, read into the record by Councilmember Albee, noted national and state statistics from 2023, described mental-health prevalence and the role of early treatment, and emphasized the importance of limiting access to lethal means.

Representatives from the coalition joined the council at the dais. Carrie Stuttlemeyer, project coordinator at the Hamilton County Mental Health and Recovery Services Board, Rebecca Jones (associate director for Tower House and coalition coordinator), and Linda Gallagher (vice president with the Hamilton County Mental Health and Recovery Services Board) each spoke or were introduced in the chamber.

Why it matters: The resolution highlighted that mental illness affects a substantial share of adults, that half of chronic mental illness begins by age 14, that suicide was a leading cause of death among certain age groups in Ohio in 2023, and that firearms account for a large share of suicides. The resolution urged public education, stigma reduction and community support for mental-health services.

Council action: The body voted unanimously to adopt the resolution on a roll-call vote (Yes from all council members present). Councilmembers offered thanks and recognition to coalition members for their work.

Ending: Council members encouraged residents who are struggling to seek help, and the city formally expressed appreciation for the coalition’s work in suicide-prevention outreach.