WHEELING — World Semicolon Day, a day that symbolizes hope and resilience for those facing mental health challenges, is celebrated today. The semicolon, used when an author chooses to continue a sentence rather than end it, represents the decision to persist through hard times and adversity. This symbol has become an emblem in the mental health community, signifying that one’s story is not over.

In Ohio, the need for mental health awareness and resources is pressing. Approximately 1,906,000 adults in the state live with a mental health condition — more than four times the population of Cleveland. Of those Ohioans, 2,385,144 reside in areas lacking sufficient mental health professionals, leading to challenges in accessing necessary care. Additionally, 35.4% of the 537,000 adults who did not receive needed mental health services cited cost as a barrier.

Suicide remains a critical concern. In 2023, suicide was the second-leading cause of death among Ohioans ages 10-14 and 20-34. The age group experiencing the highest number of suicide deaths were those over the age of 65, while men over the age of 75 died at a higher rate than males in any other age group. Among all ages, suicide is the 12th-leading cause of death in Ohio.

One vital resource is the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, a nationwide system providing immediate assistance to those in crisis. Ensuring robust funding and support for the 988 hotline in Ohio is essential. This lifeline offers a direct connection to trained counselors and serves as a critical tool in suicide prevention and mental health crises.

NAMI Greater Wheeling and Jerry’s Walk are committed to advocating for enhanced mental health services and resources. Officials from those organizations urge the community and policymakers to prioritize mental health funding, expand access to care and support initiatives like the 988, which include state regional crisis call centers, regional and local mobile crisis response teams, and crisis receiving and stabilization programs.

If you or someone you know is struggling, please reach out. Call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org. You are not alone. You matter. Your life matters.

Julie Gomez is the executive director of NAMI Greater Wheeling. The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) is the largest grassroots mental health organization in the United States.

Sandy Williams is the president of Jerry’s Walk, Illuminating Suicide Awareness. The goal for Jerry’s Walk is simple – to bring what is truly a public health issue out of the shadows and into our conversations. Through its activities, Jerry’s Walk seeks to raise awareness and funds to support suicide prevention programs in order to save those who struggle with depression and suicidal thoughts.