"I'm a mom first, I just happen to be a state representative," said State Representative Marlene Anielski.
Anielski is on a mission. She's taking steps to prevent suicide.
The statistics are startling. Suicide is the number one cause of death for children ages 10-14 in Ohio. It is the second leading cause of death for children in middle school and high school school and for college students as well.
This journey is very personal for Anielski. "I did loose my 18-year-old son to suicide," Anielski said.
Joe Anielski was a senior at St. Ignatius. He was funny and he was loved, Anielski said describing her oldest son.
Anielski has championed several house bills that have become law including The Jason Flatt Act which requires schools to train teachers and staff in suicide prevention.
A bill is headed to the governor's desk which would allow three schools to have Ohio License plates. "Those schools are St. Ignatius, Chagrin Falls and Brecksville Broadview Heights. Anielski said those three schools presented the most signatures. A portion of the money would go to the schools for the mental well being of the student body, explained Anielski.
Anielski said she has talked to thousands of students about suicide and helped put hundreds of Ski Boxes in schools across the state and the country. It is a locked box designed for students to anonymously place written notes when there is a concern about themselves or others. They are fee to schools, churches, and any place children meet, she said.
"All we ask is that an adult checks it everyday," added Anielski.
