Athlete suicide awareness

Dear Ohio - Politics, Issues, and People

Matt Triplet has coached high school sports for more than 20 years, but in 2018, a phone call made him aware of a potentially suicidal athlete, an issue that has been growing in recent years. As the conversation happened, he began feeling he was unequipped to handle the situation fully. He then set up a seminar for lacrosse coaches in central Ohio. With a low turnout, he continued to work for a solution.

Guest host Mindy Drayer speaks to him about House Bill 492, which would require coaches to have mental health training as part of their pupil activity permit certification process. The requirement would join existing trainings for a PAP certification, including CPR, cardiac arrest, concussion and first aid.

The National Suicide Hotline is 800-273-8255.