News & Alerts

July is National Parks and Recreation Month, and The Butler County Mental Health and Addiction Recovery Services (MHAR) Board and the MetroParks of Butler County are launching a joint project to help improve park visitors’ behavioral health and save lives.

The organizations worked together to place suicide prevention and addiction resource signage throughout the MetroParks. The signs include the phone numbers to call or text for the Butler County Crisis Hotline, the national Suicide and Crisis Hotline, and the Veterans Crisis Line.

“Our MetroParks are incredible places for families and residents to enjoy quality time together, to exercise or relax,” said Cara Brown, MHARS Board Director of Addiction Services. “They are also places people go when they’re sometimes struggling. We hope these signs can help people who are struggling to connect with the support they need.”

Between 2020 and 2024, 18 people died by suicide and 17 people died of drug overdoses within parks in Butler County. This statistic includes parks managed by MetroParks, Butler County's cities and townships, and Ohio State Parks & Watercraft. 

While the MHARS Board has made great strides in saving lives by stemming suicide and overdose deaths, too many residents are still losing their lives in these tragic ways. So far this year, 52 residents have died of drug overdoses, which puts 2025 at risk to exceed 2024. A total of 25 Butler County residents have died by suicide – nine of whom were veterans. The MetroParks signs will also include special resources for former servicemembers.

“Our parks are places of connection, healing and hope-and everyone deserves to feel safe and supported while enjoying them,” said Jackie O’Connell, Executive Director of MetroParks of Butler County. “Parks play a powerful role in supporting mental health, and by pairing these natural spaces with vital resources, we’re helping people find a path forward.”

Research studies show that crisis hotlines are one of the most effective tools for saving lives. The 24 signs will be placed throughout the 23 MetroParks.

“In 2024, the Butler County Crisis Line and local 988 Center received approximately 5,273 calls,” said Dr. Scott Rasmus, MHARS Board Executive Director. “This volume shows the importance of suicide and overdose prevention initiatives. We believe that any life lost to suicide or overdose is one too many.”

The MHARS Board hopes to work with cities to place similar signs in municipal parks throughout Butler County, Brown said. All 24 MetroParks signs will be posted by the end of July.

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