Trending
WARREN -- The Trumbull County Mental Health and Recovery Board and partner agencies are addressing what they say is a concerning increase in suicide deaths in Trumbull County and is reminding residents that help and support are available.
According to Trumbull County Coroner's Office data, there have been 26 suicide deaths reported this year compared with 12 deaths during the same period in 2025. Of the 26 deaths, 11 occurred in August.
Trumbull County Coroner Dr. Lawrence D'Amico said the increase reinforces the importance of suicide prevention, early intervention and access to mental health and substance use disorder services.
"In my role, I see firsthand the devastation these deaths leave behind for families and loved ones," he stated in a news release. "No one should feel they have to face that kind of pain alone. I strongly encourage residents to take warning signs seriously, check in on the people around them, and know that the 988 Lifeline and local resources exist for exactly this reason."
Daniela Ghizzoni, chairwoman of the Trumbull County Suicide Prevention Coalition, states in the release that "suicide death represents a profound loss for families, friends, co-workers and our entire community. While we cannot always know what leads someone to consider suicide, we do know that reaching out, listening without judgment and connecting individuals with appropriate support can save lives."
The coalition meets on the second Tuesday of the month at 3 p.m. at the Trumbull County Mental and Recovery Board offices and is open to all who want to help.
The release encourages residents to take changes in a person's behavior or emotional well-being seriously. Warning signs may include talking about feeling hopeless or being a burden, withdrawing from others, significant changes in mood or behavior, increased substance use or talking about death or suicide.
If you or someone you know is struggling, help is available.
• Call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
• Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department if there is an immediate danger or life-threatening emergency.
• Contact the Coleman Crisis Center at 330-392-1100 or another behavioral health provider for ongoing support and services.
• Reach out to a trusted friend, family member, co-worker, faith leader or other person who can provide support.
The board also encourages community members to remember that asking someone directly about suicide does not increase the risk of suicide. A simple question such as, "Are you thinking about suicide?" can open the door to an important conversation and an opportunity to connect someone with help.
"We want our residents to know that they do not have to face a crisis alone," said April Caraway, the board's executive director. "There are people who care, resources available, and treatment and support that can make a difference."
The Trumbull County Mental Health and Recovery Board and the Trumbull County Suicide Prevention Coalition "remain committed to working with community partners, behavioral health providers, schools, law enforcement, healthcare professionals, and other organizations to strengthen suicide prevention efforts throughout the county," the release states.
MAHONING
In Mahoning County, the number of suicides so far this year is 24, which is roughly on pace with the 36 suicide deaths last year, said Duane Piccirilli, executive director of the MCMHRB.
The most persistent trend in the numbers is that men, mostly those age 50 and over, still represent a disproportionate number of suicides in the county -- roughly 79%, Piccirilli stated.
"We're looking at trends and trying to see what's there, and right now that's all we know," he said. "Traditionally, we see a lot of the attention on teenagers. They were the high-risk group up until a few years ago, and they still are an at-risk group, largely because of social media."
Youngstown recorded 60 suicides between 2021 and now, while Boardman had 31 and Austintown had 30 in the same time period.