The Ohio Department of Behavioral Health (DBH) partnered with the Alcohol, Drug Addiction and Mental Health Services (ADAMHS) Board of Tuscarawas and Carroll Counties on Feb. 25 to host Hope in Ohio: Carroll County Community Conversation. The event brought together local providers, educators, first responders, elected officials, and community members to discuss the impact of suicide, reduce stigma, and strengthen prevention efforts across the region.
Natalie Bollon, Executive Director of the ADAMHS Board, welcomed community members and provided opening acknowledgements. DBH Director Tia Marcel Moretti spoke next, highlighting statewide suicide prevention efforts and emphasizing the importance of addressing stigma, especially in rural communities.
Tony Coder, Executive Director of the Ohio Suicide Prevention Foundation (OSPF), moderated a lived-experience conversation with Shannon Ortiz, CEO and Founder of Light After Loss. The discussion focused not only on recognizing warning signs and supporting those who may be struggling, but also on the importance of postvention supports and healing for families impacted by suicide loss.
A State of the County panel brought together leaders from multiple sectors, including Carroll County Health Commissioner Kelly Morris, Weslee Warner of Southeast Healthcare, Dr. Pastor Chuck Wilson Jr., and Shannon Ortiz. The panelists discussed how stigma shows up in small communities, where early intervention opportunities exist, and how relationships within schools, churches, and local organizations can serve as protective factors.
The evening concluded with a youth prevention spotlight featuring local students Owen Ball and Bristol Warner of the Empower Youth Resiliency Team (pictured, top), who shared how young people are promoting connection and resilience among their peers.
Area residents who attended the Hope in Ohio: Carroll County Community Conversation are encouraged to complete the Carroll County Community Assessment to inform next steps, including a gap analysis and recommendations tailored specifically to Carroll County.
