Suicide continues to be a serious critical public health issue in Franklin County, highlighting gaps in mental health support and prevention. By the end of the third quarter of 2025, Franklin County had recorded 118 suicide deaths, according to the Franklin County Coroner’s Office.
These numbers underscore the importance of sustained investment in strategies that go beyond data alone to better understand and prevent future loss of life.
To help meet this need, the Suicide Investigation and Postvention Specialist role was created at the Franklin County Coroner’s Office in 2021, with funding provided from the Ohio Suicide Prevention Foundation. The position was cut in May 2025 due to federal funding uncertainty. To ensure continuation of this critical position, the ADAMH Board of Trustees approved $100,000 to fully fund the position for the 2026 calendar year.
The specialist serves two primary functions. First, they conduct interviews with suicide loss survivors to gather detailed information about the life experiences, relationships and mental health of individuals who have died by suicide in Franklin County. Second, they connect surviving loved ones with resources tailored to the unique and complex grief associated with suicide loss.
“Both of these functions allow us to then use the facts of these cases – working with our partners like Franklin County Public Health, ADAMH and others – to try to prevent future losses by suicide,” said Dr. Nathaniel Overmire, Franklin County Coroner.
In addition, the specialist participates directly in investigative work, bringing a unique psychosocial lens to each case. Through comprehensive reports that incorporate interviews, medical records, social media and other sources, the specialist helps identify stressors related to mental health, substance use, social dynamics, employment, education and other life experiences that may have contributed to the individual’s death.
Viewing suicide fatalities through this specialized lens strengthens public health initiatives and informs more targeted, effective community interventions. ADAMH’s investment reflects a continued commitment to collaboration, data-informed decision-making and addressing the suicide epidemic with the depth, compassion and urgency it demands.