According to the 2025 Ashtabula County Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA), about 14% of adult residents rarely or never got the social or emotional support they needed in the past year. Residents also reported spending a combined average of 6.9 hours a day watching television and on the internet, leaving little time for offline connection. Among youth, nearly 43% did not play on a sports team in the past year — a traditional source of social connection. Rates of diagnosed anxiety and depression have both risen significantly since 2022.

Healthy Ashtabula County is working to reduce suicide and reduce isolation through four key approaches:

• Strengthening school-based prevention — expanding Sources of Strength and other mental health programs in county schools
• Training the community to help — expanding QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer) and Mental Health First Aid trainings, especially in rural areas
• Building connection across generations — exploring intergenerational activities and expanding mental health resources for seniors
• Making help easier to find — expanding awareness of 988, promoting the Wellness Map, and providing gun safety resources

Isolation is a health issue. These local places offer regular activities, meals, and chances to be around other people.

For older adults

• ACCOA Center for Active Living — 4148 Main Ave, Ashtabula | (440) 998-6750
• Geneva Area Seniors — 62 W Main St, Geneva | (440) 466-3048
• Conneaut Human Resources Center — 327 Mill St, Conneaut | (440) 593-5273
• Country Neighbor Program — 39 S Maple St, Orwell | (440) 437-6311
• RSVP of Ashtabula County — volunteer opportunities for adults 55+ | (440) 992-6789
• Ashtabula County Community Action Agency — senior and community services | (440) 997-5957

For youth and families

• youthOPPORTUNITIES! — 4317 Park Ave, Ashtabula | (440) 536-4070
• Ashtabula County YMCA — 263 W Prospect Rd, Ashtabula | (440) 997-5321
• Your local library — free programs for all ages. See library locations