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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Coping with the Holidays Guide Available Online
Holidays can be the most wonderful time of the year for many, but it can also be stressful. There are many expectations surrounding the holiday season such as expensive gifts, spending time with friends and families during the pandemic, work parties, etc.
Here are some tips on how to cope with stress during the holiday season from our Coping with the Holidays
- Make time for yourself – Do something you enjoy, such as knitting, painting, or even just watching your favorite show.
- Make a list of everything you need to get done and prioritize each of them. When you start getting overwhelmed, work on the first thing on your “must do” list.
- Be around people who care about you – Having supportive friends and family around can help you in many ways.
- Don’t be afraid to ask for help – Whether it be having your friends help wrap gifts or reaching out to a therapist, make sure to know your needs and acknowledge them.
- Don’t pressure yourself to buy everyone an expensive gift. Thoughtful, low-dollar gifts are perfect when you don’t want to break the bank.
- Take advantage of discounts and clearance items in stores. This is a great way to save money throughout your gift shopping.
Want more tips to beat stress, delicious recipes, and more resources? Check out the Coping with the Holidays
Happy Holidays from all of us at the MHARS Board of Lorain County.
If you need help this season, please reach out.
Text 4hope to 741-741 to talk to a licensed therapist without having to call. The line is open 24/7.
24-hour Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: 988
By: Kaeli Moody
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