News & Alerts

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MetroParks & MHARS Mark National Suicide Prevention Month with Behavioral Health Initiative

Sep 23, 2025, 10:09 AM by Katie Ely-Wood

MetroParks of Butler County and the Butler County Mental Health & Addiction Recovery Services (MHARS) Board are observing National Suicide Prevention Month with the launch of a park-based behavioral health initiative. New mental health resource signs have been installed across all MetroParks of Butler County locations, connecting visitors to immediate crisis support.

The signs display the Butler County Crisis Hotline, the national Suicide & Crisis Hotline (988), and the Veterans Crisis Line.

This effort responds to growing local needs. Between 2020 and 2024, 18 people died by suicide and 17 from overdoses within parks in Butler County. So far in 2025, 25 county residents — including nine veterans — have died by suicide, while more than 52 have died of overdoses. In 2024 alone, crisis lines serving Butler County received over 5,200 calls.

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

“By pairing the healing power of nature with access to life-saving resources, we’re helping people find a path forward,” added Jackie O’Connell, MetroParks Executive Director.

Help is available. Call or text 988 or contact the Butler County Crisis Hotline if you or someone you know is in crisis. You are not alone.


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