Local Study Finds More Behavioral Health Workers Linked To Slight Firearm Suicide Decrease

A study by Ohio State University researchers shows states that increased the number of behavioral health jobs by ten percent saw a one-point-two percent decrease in suicides by firearms. 

The study is based on a comparison of national suicide data with behavioral health employment data from 2005-2015.  Study co-author Tom Wickizer:

Wickizer says health-care providers also can play a role in reducing firearm deaths:

The study estimates it would take more than 15 million dollars in mental-health workforce dollars to prevent one firearm suicide in Ohio.  The study is published in the October issue of the journal called Health Affairs.