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The Ottawa County Department of Public Health (OCDPH) has released the 2025 Death by Suicide Report. Behind every number in this report is someone's child, parent, spouse, friend, family member, coworker, or neighbor. In 2025, 29 Ottawa County residents died by suicide, and each loss is felt deeply by everyone who is left behind. To those who have lost someone to suicide: you are not alone, and support is available.
September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. OCDPH shares this report with the goal of helping our community understand who is most at risk for suicide and how each of us can help.
If you or someone you know is struggling, help is available right now — call or text 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, available 24/7. Veterans can press 1 after dialing 988 to reach the Veterans Crisis Line. Spanish speakers can press 2 to speak with a Spanish-speaking counselor.
What the Report Shows
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Every loss matters. In 2025, 29 Ottawa County residents died by suicide, up from 25 in 2024. While the county's rate remains below its 2022 peak and below state and national rates, this recent increase is a reminder that prevention matters. Knowing the warning signs and how to respond can help save lives.
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Some residents face higher risk. Suicide affects people of all ages, but death by suicide rates were highest among veterans, men, adults 50 and older, White, non-Hispanic residents, and residents of the northwest and southwest part of the county. These groups may benefit from more targeted outreach and support.
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Veterans are among those most impacted. Five veterans died by suicide in 2025, down from six in 2024. Over the past 16 years, adult veterans in Ottawa County had the highest suicide rate of any group in the report.
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Reasons for hope among teens. Three Ottawa County teens died by suicide in 2025, and each of these losses is profound. The 2025 Youth Assessment Survey found continued lower rates of teen depression, suicidal ideation, and suicide attempts among Ottawa County teens. Parents and caregivers can help by talking openly with teens about mental health.
Suicide Is Preventable
Recognizing warning signs, reducing stigma, and connecting people to support are things every resident can do. Warning signs include talking about wanting to die or feeling like a burden to others, withdrawing from friends and family, using more alcohol or drugs, giving away possessions, or seeming suddenly calm after a period of depression. Programs like QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer) train community members to ask directly, listen without judgment, and help connect someone to care.
If you're worried about someone, these five steps from the National Institute of Mental Health can help:
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“Are you thinking about suicide?” It’s not an easy question to ask, but it can help start a conversation. Studies show that asking people if they are suicidal does not increase suicidal behavior or thoughts.
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Be there. Listening without judgment is key to learning what the person is thinking and feeling. Research suggests acknowledging and talking about suicide may reduce suicidal thoughts.
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Help keep them safe. Reducing access to highly lethal items or places can help prevent suicide. Asking the person if they have a plan and making lethal means less available or less deadly can help the person stay safe when suicidal thoughts arise.
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Help them connect. Connecting the person with the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (call or text 988) and other community resources can give them a safety net when they need it. You can also help them reach out to a trusted family member, friend, spiritual advisor, or mental health professional.
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Follow up. Staying in touch with the person after they have experienced a crisis or have been discharged from care can make a difference. Studies show that supportive, ongoing contact can play an important role in suicide prevention.
Storage Is Suicide Prevention
In 2025, more than half of suicide deaths in Ottawa County involved a firearm. Many suicidal crises are brief, and making lethal means harder to reach during those moments can give someone time for the crisis to pass. Storing firearms locked and unloaded, keeping ammunition separately, or asking a trusted friend or family member to temporarily hold firearms during a difficult time are simple steps to take. Locking up or safely disposing of unused medications helps too. Lock bags are available by calling OCDPH at (616) 396-5266. Learn more.
Ottawa County Suicide Prevention Coalition
The coalition works to reduce suicide and the stigma around mental health in Ottawa County by educating the community, promoting prevention and mental health resources, and identifying emerging concerns. For more information or to get involved, contact Kiersten Duiven.
Resources
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988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline — call or text 988, or chat at 988lifeline.org
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Veterans Crisis Line – call 988 then press 1 or text 838255
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Ottawa County Community Mental Health Crisis Line – call 1-866-512-4357
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211 – call 211 or visit call-211.org
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During and after pregnancy — call or text 1-833-TLC-MAMA or visit miottawa.org/ppd
For more information about preventing suicide in Ottawa County:
Media Contact:
Alison Clark │ (616) 494-5597
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