© 2024 Ideastream Public Media

1375 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio 44115
(216) 916-6100 | (877) 399-3307

WKSU is a public media service licensed to Kent State University and operated by Ideastream Public Media.
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations
News
To contact us with news tips, story ideas or other related information, e-mail newsstaff@ideastream.org.

Lawmakers, Educators Turn Focus To University Suicide Prevention Programs

University officials, lawmakers and a former college football star want more attention paid to suicide prevention programs on campus. Statehouse reporter Andy Chow has more.

A new law requires every state university to create a suicide prevention program.

Former Ohio State University Running Back Maurice Clarett joined other higher education and mental health leaders along with Republican Representative Marlene Anielski to talk about the importance of such programs.

Clarett, who thought about attempting suicide by causing a shootout with police 10 years ago, said he didn't get that kind of assistance until he went to prison. 

"And it's put my brain back into a healthy place. It's put myself also into a vulnerable place where I can reach out and talk to people and sort of gave me a skill set to work through my problems and deal with the stressors that I have going on," Clarett said.

Universities must have their programs in place by October of next year.