WOSU Public Media is participating in the national initiative “Facing Suicide” that harnesses the power of public media to destigmatize the topic of suicide and equip friends and family to take appropriate action when someone close to them may be at risk.
Watch PBS’ Facing Suicide documentary.
Amplifying the documentary’s messaging around awareness, help and hope, WOSU will conduct two free interactive online training courses for journalists, journalism students and professors focused on suicide and suicide prevention reporting.
Informing various aspects of the project are leading suicide prevention organizations including the National Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention (Action Alliance), the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP), the Jed Foundation (JED), and Suicide Awareness Voices of Education (SAVE).
The series is a nationwide initiative funded by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB).
Facing Suicide Ohio Stories
4-H Focuses On Mental Health
4-H is about more than just raising farm animals, it also boasts programming that develops life skills. 4-H Educators Jami Dellifield and Amanda Raines from The Ohio State University Extension (Hardin County) discuss how they worked together to create Your Thoughts Matter: Navigating Mental Health, a project book for teenagers with the express purpose of allowing them to discuss feelings and raise mental health awareness. 4-H participant Grace Collins speaks to how these conversations have been one of the most rewarding parts of her 4-H experience.
Talking About Suicide To Prevent Suicide
Changing how we talk about suicide and openly discussing issues related to mental health are methods of suicide prevention. Colleen Hendon, Program Manager at The Ohio State University’s College of Public Health shares tips on talking about this subject to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health.
Ohio State University’s Mental Health First Aid
Much like CPR can help those who are not medical professionals save lives, Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) trains individuals to help others experiencing a mental health crisis.
In the wake of multiple deaths by suicide in the youth population, Stark County Mental Health and Addiction Recovery (StarkMHAR) and Stark Parks partnered to create a one-mile mindfulness walk at Petros Lake Park. The walk features ten stations designed to promote mental health and self-care while enjoying nature.
Daniel Bennett, a Prevention Program Manager for Lifeside Ohio shares the importance of safe gun storage. He explains how many suicides, especially among youth, are impulsive acts. Small steps related to safe gun storage can curb impulsive thoughts and prevent suicide.
How To Report On Suicide Webinars
Writing the Suicide News Story
Originally Aired on Wednesday, September 21, 2022
View the webinar agenda and resources
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Join Nerissa Young, journalist and associate professor of instruction in the E.W. Scripps School of Journalism at Ohio University, and John Ackerman, Suicide Prevention Clinical Manager for the Center for Suicide Prevention and Research at Nationwide Children’s Hospital for a conversation on reporting on suicide. How do you report on suicide responsibly and in a manner that reduces harm?
Taking Care of Yourself After Taking Care of Business: The Aftermath of Trauma for Journalists
Originally Aired on Wednesday, September 28, 2022
View the webinar agenda and resources
After covering difficult topics, what are strategies to cope with the aftermath? Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Anne Saker, retired from the Cincinnati Enquirer, will share her experiences covering health care, suicide and trauma and how she survived a decades-long career on the front line of journalism. Saker was part of the Enquirer’s team that earned the 2018 Pulitzer in local reporting for “Seven Days of Heroin,” a chronicle of the region’s opioid crisis.
Bailey Fullwiler, MSSA, LSW, a licensed community social worker and independent grief consultant, for Mental Health America of Ohio will also join to share resources within the community that support journalist mental health. Nerissa Young, journalist and associate professor of instruction in the E.W. Scripps School of Journalism at Ohio University will lead the discussion.
Participants who complete both sessions will receive a certificate of completion.