Initiative Expands Local Older Adults Suicide Prevention Outreach
A $10,000 grant from the Ohio Suicide Prevention Foundation is supporting outreach and education efforts in Belmont County focused on preventing suicide among older adults and increasing awareness of mental health resources.
Local Ohio State University Extension Family and Consumer Sciences educator Lorrissa Dunfee received the funding in November through the Jerry Williams Memorial Fund. The initiative emphasizes building social connections, reducing stigma around mental health and improving awareness of available crisis resources.
The Ohio State University Extension Family and Consumer Sciences educator Lorrissa Dunfee (middle) stands with Jeannette Williams (left) and Sandy Williams (right), the wife and daughter of Jerry Williams. (Photo provided by Lorrissa Dunfee)
Since receiving the grant, Dunfee and her team have launched multiple community programs, including “Coffee Connection Cafes,” designed to bring residents together for conversation and education about suicide prevention. Gatherings have taken place at several locations including Panera in St. Clairsville, Sonny Boy Restaurant in Bridgeport, Community Coffee and Tea in Bellaire and Schlepps in Morristown.
Attendees gather and connect at the “Coffee Connection Cafes.” (Photos provided by Lorrissa Dunfee)
At the gatherings, participants receive information on warning signs of suicide and mental health resources, including the 988 hotline, along with a complimentary coffee. Dunfee said the events often lead to emotional conversations, with attendees sharing personal experiences of loss or survival related to suicide.
She said the response underscores the need for continued outreach.
Dunfee also highlighted her goal of increasing familiarity with the 988 hotline, comparing it to calling 911 in a crisis.
Beyond community cafés, Dunfee has provided QPR (Question, Persuade, Respond) suicide prevention training to Belmont College nursing students, aiming to prepare future health care workers to recognize and respond to mental health crises.
The team has visited all eight county senior centers presenting a program titled “Stronger Minds, Brighter Days,” focusing on fostering conversation and reducing isolation among older adults.
Additionally, a luncheon drew about 150 attendees and included trivia and stress-relief activities. Dunfee said the goal is to combat isolation, which she noted has been identified nationally as a growing public health concern.
Belmont County seniors converse at a luncheon hosted by the program. (Photo provided by Lorrissa Dunfee)
Program evaluations showed that 90% of participants reported increased knowledge about mental health, and 60% said they were previously unaware of 988.
She said Belmont County has seen troubling trends, including a surge from 9.16 suicide deaths per capita (100,000) in 2022 to 21.95 deaths per capita in November 2025. Locally, between January and October 2025, older adults accounted for 43% of reported suicides.
She noted that many individuals who die by suicide saw a physician within the previous month, underscoring the importance of intervention and awareness.
Dunfee added many older adults face risk factors including isolation, grief, financial stress, physical health challenges and feelings of being a burden.
The grant has also supports Mental Health First Aid trainings, which teach participants how to recognize and respond to signs of mental health and substance use challenges. The next virtual session is planned for 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on June 30. Registration is required. People may reach Dunfee at 740-695-1455 or dunfee54@osu.edu.
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