Ottawa County Department of Public Health Works to Reduce Stigma Around Men's Mental Health Care Needs

Ottawa County, Michigan sent this bulletin at 09/20/2022 08:47 AM EDT
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Media Contact
Alison Clark, Communications Specialist/Public Information Officer
aclark@miottawa.org | (616) 494-5597

Ottawa County Department of Public Health
Hopes to Reduce Stigma Around Men's Mental Health
Through Partnership with Man Therapy Michigan

(HOLLAND, MI) - In recognition of National Suicide Prevention Month in September, the Ottawa County Department of Public Health (OCDPH) is announcing its partnership with mantherapy.org, an online resource which uses humor to reduce stigma around mental health and suicide in men, and which connects men to mental health resources. 

Man Therapy Michigan is a statewide initiative that is working to reshape the conversation about suicide prevention and the broader issues surrounding men's mental health. Using stories of hope, resilience and recovery, coupled with humor, Man Therapy aims to cut through stigma and tackle issues like depression, divorce and even suicidal thoughts through free, confidential online assessments and resources.  

Although suicides in Ottawa County did not increase in 2021, 33 Ottawa County residents died by suicide last year. Of those who died by suicide, 30 were men and 8 were veterans. The Ottawa County Death by Suicide Report identified the following groups to have the highest suicide rates in Ottawa County:

  • Veterans
  • Males 
  • People 50 years and older
  • Those who identify as Non-Hispanic White
  • Residents of the northwest and southwest quadrants of the County

"The Ottawa County Suicide Prevention Coalition is working hard to collaborate with community partners and use existing resources to educate the community about suicide prevention. During this month especially, we want to raise awareness and encourage others to get involved," said Amy Sheele, Health Educator and Facilitator of the Suicide Prevention Coalition. 

Mental health has been identified as the one of the three biggest health concerns in Ottawa County. OCDPH is working with community partners such as Man Therapy and the Ottawa County Suicide Prevention Coalition to address these important issues. 

The Ottawa County Department of Public Health works with our community to help assure conditions that promote and protect health. OCDPH’s vision is healthy people. For more information, visit miottawa.org. Follow all of our sustainability programs @ecoOttawa and OCDPH on Facebook @miOttawaHealth, Twitter @miOCDPH and Instagram @miOCDPH.

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