Clermont County's 25th annual Suicide Awareness Candlelight Vigil will honor county residents who died by suicide at 5:30 p.m. Sept. 10, at Sycamore Park in Batavia.

The vigil, at 4082 State Route 132, comes as the county renews its focus on mental health outreach. The Milford Police Department partnered with the Clermont County Mental Health and Recovery Board in 2025 to add 988 Crisis and Suicide Hotline decals to its patrol fleet, according to the department's annual report.

The Clermont County Board of Commissioners proclaimed Sept. 13–19, 2026, as Suicide Prevention Week at its Sept. 2, meeting, as the Clermont Guardian reported. The proclamation calls on residents to promote hope, connection and support for people affected by suicide.

Dr. Lee Ann Watson, executive director of the Mental Health and Recovery Board, and Kelsey Smothers accepted the proclamation on behalf of the board. Smothers highlighted the upcoming vigil during the presentation.

This marks the second straight year commissioners have issued the proclamation. They designated Sept. 7–13, 2025, as Suicide Prevention Week last year.

County health officials have also been studying the issue. Clermont County Public Health epidemiologists Morgan Calahan and Carly Lansley presented research on suicide and overdose data in the county at the NACCHO360 Conference in Louisville, Ky., on July 16, according to the Clermont Sun.

How to get help

The Clermont and Brown Crisis Hotline is available around the clock at 513-528-SAVE (7283). Anyone in crisis can also call or text 988.

Upcoming community events

If you are having suicidal thoughts, call or text 988 to reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.