Construction Conversations
Construction workers make up only 7% of the population, but 20% of all deaths by suicide yearly.
Construction industry continues to be the ranked alongside the mining industry as the industries with the highest rates of suicide.
According to a 2022 OSHA report, there were 6,000 construction worker deaths by suicide in 2022 compared to 1,000 work-injury related deaths.
For every 100,000 male construction workers, 56 died by suicide in 2022, compared to 32 suicide deaths per 100,000 men in the general population.
Recently we were asked to attend a yearly, mandatory safety meeting with some local construction companies and share information and resources. Local, state and national resources were given to the 80 attendees, all employed in the construction field. Having conversations about suicide are not always easy, but raising awareness of signs and available resources may help save a life.
Four County Crisis and Resource Line
1-800-468-4357 (1-800-Got Help) Offers immediate help and crisis assessments for Defiance, Fulton, Henry and Williams Counties.Also has resources for treatment providers and community outreach programs.
Suicide and Crisis Lifeline 988 A free, confidential service for people who are suicidal or experiencing a mental health crisis. Veterans press 1.
Phone: 815-305-9022 Free screening: https://screening.hfihub.com/ciasp
12th Annual Bake Sale
Students at Liberty Center and Archbold Schools received education about depression, suicide prevention, and ways to access help for mental health needs and emergencies as part of the yellow ribbon initiative. The education program was punctuated by a service project to raise money for the Four County Area Suicide Prevention Coalition.
During the varsity football game between the Tigers and the Blue Streaks at Rex Lingruen Stadium on September 13th, the community donated more baked goods than ever before to the 12th annual Bake Sale Duel. A total of $3,465.71 was donated by Liberty Center fans by the time the game clock ran out. The Blue Streak fans answered with $3,892.41.
The Law Enforcement Teams at the Archbold Police Department and the Henry County Sheriff Departments provided additional manpower, ideas, and a video promoting the Bake Sale Duel. Law Enforcement partners coordinated with the Rivello McDonald’s Group, who generously donated a portion of the proceeds on September 13th at the Napoleon and Archbold McDonald’s locations. The Rivello Group donated a total of $1,280 to the yellow ribbon suicide prevention initiative.
The combined total of all the efforts of these two communities was $8,638.12, which will go a long way in supporting the mental health of area youth.
4th Annual Four County Suicide Prevention Breakfast: A Community Conversation
More than 125 people attended our 4th Annual Suicide Prevention Breakfast event held on September 19, 2024. Participants learned of area resources and efforts in the Four County Area and discovered ways they can get involved. Thank you to everyone who attended and all those who helped organize the event!
Coaster Conversations
The Four County Suicide Prevention Coalition created coasters that were given out at no charge to local establishments who were interested in partnering with us. Our hope is that we can continue to find new ways to spread positive messaging and offer hope and resources to community members. Be on the lookout for more coasters in new designs coming soon!
