Officials announce plans to combat county’s suicide rates
Sheriff Orvis Campbell
An increase in suicide rates among Tuscarawas County residents in 2024 led to several agencies in the county initiating more preventive measures and awareness of what the average person may do to help decrease suicides.
In 2022 there were 19 suicides of county residents. In 2023 there were 18 suicides, but in 2024 the number rose to 21. In 2024, 100% were males, and 67% were men over age 50. Further, some of the men had experienced a recent relationship issue or significant health concern as contributing factors.
At the time of the conference March 27, there have been four deaths by suicide in 2025.
Every life is important, and time spent with loved ones is invaluable.
“I want to pause and remember that each number, each tick mark that we are talking about is a life, a life that unfortunately ended prematurely,” said Katie Seward, Tuscarawas County health commissioner.
Seward offered her condolences to those who had lost loved ones to suicide.
“It was time that was missed. And I guarantee that every single loved one would have wished for five more minutes. Five more minutes would be a gift,” Seward said.
The theme of the day was hope. Also speaking were Tuscarawas County Sheriff Orvis Campbell, Tuscarawas County Coroner Dr. Jeffrey Cameron and ADAMHS Board Executive Director Natalie Bollon.
While the report dealt with suicide deaths, law enforcement also deals with attempted suicides.
“We’re looking for ways to do more. And when I say we, I mean even the sheriff’s office to do more. Can we go follow up with these individuals,” Campbell said. “If we can get someone to open up to a mental health counselor or to a friend or to me or a deputy, we might be able to offer them solutions they didn’t know about. I don’t know of anyone that hasn’t felt completely overwhelmed at some point, including myself. I think that’s pretty normal, and I think that has to be something that is discussed honestly.”
Campbell recalled a time in his own life when he was overwhelmed.
“When I felt low, it wasn’t just because bad things happened. It was because I didn’t, for that moment at least, think anybody else understood what I was going through,” Campbell said.
Looking back, Campbell recalled the best moments in his life, which revolved around spending time with family and friends.
“The best spots in my life were just simply when I didn’t feel alone,” Campbell said. “I think it’s very important to understand that people nourish other people.”
When people don’t feel alone, they feel hope.
“Bringing a group together of anyone to offer somebody some hope, I think is the key, and that’s what you can do. Don’t feel like you need any training. Invite somebody to lunch. Invite somebody to coffee. Just show up at their house and be involved,” Campbell said.
If you are feeling overwhelmed, don’t be afraid to ask for help. The Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is available 24/7 at 988 for text, calls or chat. A 24/7 crisis hotline is available in Tuscarawas County at 330-343-1811.
The following projects are underway to reduce suicides in Tuscarawas County:
—Suicide Prevention Videos: Two YouTube videos featuring Campbell and one featuring Campbell and Bollon were released to encourage those who are thinking about suicide to seek help. The videos share common suicide warning signs and highlight how to get help. Video links will be shared through social media and YouTube and can be found at youtu.be/
6kr8aX0Mf4U and youtu.be/dupFHns89zs.
—Question, Persuade, Refer trainings scheduled: Community members are encouraged to attend a QPR training. QPR is a suicide-prevention training to help participants learn three simple steps to help save a life from suicide. Trainings last approximately two hours and will be offered at no charge to the public Thursday, April 10 from noon to 2 p.m. and again at 6-8 p.m. at the ADAMHS Board, 119 Garland Drive SW, New Philadelphia. Registration information is available at the Empower Tusc and ADAMHS Board websites and Facebook pages.
—ManTherapy.org: This free website offers a nonthreatening approach to help men struggling with anxiety, depression, thoughts of suicide or just not feeling like themselves. Posters to promote ManTherapy.org are in place across Tuscarawas County, and a local group will meet.
—Suicide Prevention Task Force: The ADAMHS Board and Empower Tusc are working collaboratively with local organizations to address the 2024 trends.
Call the ADAMHS Board at 330-364-6488.