Lorain County Suicide Prevention Coalition Releases Strategic Action Plan
The Lorain County Suicide Prevention Coalition (LCSPC) is a diverse group of community members whose common goal is to reduce and eliminate suicides in Lorain County. Established in 2009, the LCSPC is comprised of business organizations, healthcare providers, state agency representatives, advocacy groups, survivors, school personnel and faith-based organizations who work together to increase awareness of the warning signs, risk factors and interventions to prevent suicides.
Every three years the LCSPC updates their strategic action plan to stay responsive to the evolving needs of Lorain County and the best practices in suicide prevention. To read the 2025-2027 strategic action plan click Lorain County Suicide Prevention Coalition Strategic Action Plan.
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Lorain County Suicide Prevention Coalition encourages use of 988 Crisis Hotline Coasters in Lorain County Bars
The Lorain County Suicide Prevention Coalition and the Mental Health, Addiction and Recovery Services (MHARS) Board of Lorain County believe mental health resources should be visible where people live, work and socialize. The Lorain County Suicide Prevention Coalition is asking local bars and hospitality establishments to begin using 988 Crisis Hotline coasters as part of a countywide effort to increase awareness and access to lifesaving mental health support. Placing 988 Crisis Hotline coasters in bars provides a simple and discreet way to connect individuals to help at moments when they may be most vulnerable.
Bars are social environments where alcohol use can lower inhibitions and intensify emotions. Having visible 988 information readily available can prompt someone experiencing distress, or a concerned friend, to seek immediate support.
These coasters serve multiple purposes:
• They raise awareness of the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.
• They help reduce stigma around reaching out for help.
• They demonstrate a community’s commitment to suicide prevention and mental health support in everyday settings.
By participating in this initiative, local businesses play a vital role in fostering safer, more supportive communities.
Those interested in learning more about the Suicide Prevention Coalition are encouraged to follow it on LinkedIn or Instagram by searching LCSPC @lcsuicidepreventioncoalition.
“Together, we can ensure help is accessible, visible and available when it matters most.”
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Lorain County Crisis Recovery Center is now open!
The Lorain County Crisis Recovery Center (LCCRC) opened on October 1, 2025, and is located at 6130 S. Broadway Avenue in Lorain, Ohio. The LCCRC is the county’s first dedicated, 24/7 facility for anyone adult (18+) experiencing a mental health or addiction crisis. Using the “Living Room Model” The LCCRC offers 32 treatment beds – 16 for adults needing short-term mental health stabilization and 16 for adults seeking help with substance use crises. Representing a “no wrong door” approach, whether someone is brought in by law enforcement, family or on their own, they will be welcomed and connected to the appropriate care. The facility is a community milestone, demonstrating Lorain County’s commitment to dignity, recovery and second chances.
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Free Overdose Lifeline Trainings Available
Overdose Lifeline training courses are offered for free in Lorain County. These courses are aimed at educating and training the public on addiction, the opioid crisis, combating stigma, harm reduction and more. They are also available for youth and adults. Upon completion of courses, a certificate will be sent to participants, which is valid for three years.
What Courses are Offered?
- The Opioid Public Health Crisis: understanding foundational knowledge of the nationwide opioid public health crisis, solutions and action to take to to reduce the epidemic’s effects, understanding the potential misuse of opioids, risk factors, and suggested prevention and reduction methods.
- Guide to Harm Reduction: convey a working understanding of harm reduction, understanding of harm reduction principles and services, and what it means to practice harm reduction.
- The Brain and the Disease of Addiction: how the brain is affected by substances and how the disease of addiction develops.
- Medication Assisted Treatment: understanding the role of Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) in treating Opioid Use Disorder and understanding MAT as a part of comprehensive medication-assisted recovery.
- Removing the Shame and Stigma of Substance Use Disorder: learn about the consequences of shame and stigma associated with addiction, review reasons addiction is stigmatized, explore solutions to address shame and stigma, identify the shame and stigma, and recognize negative beliefs associated with a person, issue or circumstance often based on assumptions rather than facts.
Why Get Trained?
Accidental overdoses led to 140 fatalities last year in Lorain County. These trainings offer a way to learn about the epidemic and ways to help others struggling with substance use disorder. Addiction is a medical disease that can affect anyone, and it is important for all of us to learn more about it and to remove the stigma surrounding it.
How To Get Started
Contact Jinx Mastney at (440) 434-5711 or JMastney@mharslc.org to request a training for your faith community, school, workplace, civic organization or other group.
Learn more about Overdose Lifeline Training Courses and how to connect HERE.
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LCOAT Family Support Branch Debuts Resource Guide
The Lorain County Opioid Action Team’s (LCOAT) Family Support Branch has created a new resource guide for families affected by substance use disorder.
When a loved one struggles with addiction, we may not know how to help. This guide is designed by family members of those struggling with substance use disorder to make the process of finding help a little easier.
Click here to download the printable It’s OK to Talk About It guide.
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