PATASKALA, Ohio -- Every day in Ohio, an average of three people take their own lives.
In fact, according to the CDC, for every one homicide in our state, there are two suicides.
Increased numbers in one Central Ohio community have local and state officials coming together.
Local, county and state mental health officials as well as community members are coming together in Licking County to develop an action plan on how to stop these tragedies from happening there. All this on the heals of the second murder-suicide to happen in the county this year alone.
On November 5, Pataskala police made a tragic discovery inside a home on Havens Corner Road: The bodies of 9-year-old Nicolas Eckard and his mother, Robin. Police say both had been shot by John Eckard, before he turned a gun on himself.
That marked the second murder suicide in Pataskala this year, and though it's tragic, it unfortunately is not uncommon.
According to the Ohio Department of Health, there were 1,324 suicides in Ohio last year. So far this year in Licking County, there have been 27. That's up from 12 in 2008.
"We do have an overall increase this year. It appears to be rising," says Wendy Williams, director of the Community Mental Health and Recovery Board for Licking and Knox counties.
Tuesday morning, local, county and state mental health officials met with church and school members to discuss the prevention of any more suicides.
"The problem in a community like this, it affects so many people," says Pataskala Mayor Steve Butcher.
It's a problem Williams says you can't just blame on the sour economy.
"Over all what we see is that about 50 percent of the individuals, there's significant relationship issues, another 25 percent are financial issues and another 25 percent medical."
Officials hope to come out of this meeting with an action plan to inform the community of the services available as well ways they can help.
"Part of what happens is a lot of people see signs of how to recognize someone is having a problem but don't necessarily ask are you OK, is something going on," says Linda Camelo, Program Director for the 211 Crisis Hotline for Knox and Licking counties.
Those in Knox and Licking Counties, who are worried for a friend, loved one or themselves are encouraged to dial 211 for the crisis hotline.
Meanwhile, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is 800-273-TALK.
For additional information, stay with NBC 4 and refresh nbc4i.com -- Where Accuracy Matters.
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