Rep. Sykes Announces $400,000 Federal Grant for Summit County Zero Suicide Project

Rep. Sykes Announces $400,000 Federal Grant for Summit County Zero Suicide Project

AKRON, OHIO - Today, U.S. Representative Emilia Sykes (OH-13) announced that the Summit County Zero Suicide Project, facilitated by the Community Health Center (CHC), will receive $400,000 in federal funding from the Center for Mental Health Services to support early identification and prevention of suicide and its impact on the community.

The five-year grant, awarded through the Center for Mental Health Services Projects of Regional and National Significance, will fund the implementation of the Zero Suicide Framework, a nationally recognized approach that strengthens suicide prevention efforts by improving identification, treatment, and ongoing support for individuals at risk of suicide. Suicide continues to impact individuals and families across every community including Summit County, highlighting the need for accessible, coordinated behavioral healthcare.

"This federal investment in Summit County Zero Suicide Project will strengthen access to critical mental health and substance use disorder services for Summit County residents," said Rep. Sykes. "It will provide individuals with the support they need to pursue recovery, and I look forward to seeing the continued impact of this funding in our community."

"We are humbled to receive this funding and grateful for the opportunity to further strengthen the care we provide to individuals who need it most. This investment will allow us to expand evidence-based suicide prevention services, enhance staff training, and ensure more people in our community receive compassionate, timely care during moments when it matters most," said Keith Hochadel, Chief Executive Officer of Community Health Center.