Allen, Auglaize, & Hardin Counties Suicide Prevention Coalition Debuts Video in Partnership with Lifeside Ohio

We are honored to share our newest video: a powerful message from the Suicide Prevention Coalition of Allen, Auglaize, and Hardin Counties, created in partnership with Lifeside Ohio. This effort was generously funded by the Mental Health & Recovery Services Board of Allen, Auglaize, and Hardin Counties and produced by Lighthouse Communications.

Our coalition worked closely with Lifeside Ohio, an organization focused on promoting safe firearm storage to reduce suicides while respecting the rights of responsible gun owners. This video reflects our shared mission: We are not anti-gun. We are pro-life and committed to suicide prevention.

The truth is stark: According to the 2023 Ohio Department of Health’s suicide report, over half of the suicides in the state of Ohio were completed with a firearm. Our coalition aims to save lives through honest conversation, compassion, and access to practical solutions — like safe storage, mental health services, and community support.

Suicide is preventable, and we hope this video reaches those who need it most.

Special Thanks to Our Participants and Partners:

• Diane Tegenkamp, a longtime coalition member, advocate, and supporter of those grieving a loss to suicide — thank you for courageously sharing your story.

• Dan Harmon and his dog, Duke — thank you for your wisdom as a father, grandfather, veteran, and law enforcement officer. Your work in CIT (Crisis Intervention Training) and CISM (Critical Incident Stress Management) is saving lives.

• Tyler Black, from Johnny Appleseed Metro Park District, for your dedication and for helping place purple 988/HopeLine signs in parks across the district — and for stepping forward in this video.

• Nevan Stolley, Lima Police Officer — thank you for your voice and message on behalf of our law enforcement partners.

• All the Coalition members and the amazing Prevention Awareness Support Services (PASS) staff — your efforts on and off camera made this possible.

  
  

We invite the entire community to watch and share this video. Let's work together to open the door to honest conversations, compassionate support, and lifesaving action.

Need help now? Call or text 988 — the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.