Training more local residents in identifying individuals at-risk of contemplating suicide and having better mental health screenings could help prevent more suicides in Washtenaw County, according to a plan released Monday.

Rolling out a Suicide Prevention Plan for Washtenaw County, officials from a coalition called Washtenaw Alive said they were laying the groundwork for better prevention and intervention efforts, as well as providing stronger support to loved ones of people who have committed suicide.

There have been suicide prevention efforts and support services in the past, but this is the first of its kind to coordinate local agencies, universities schools and volunteers, said Michelle Rose-Armstrong of the county’s Prevention and Community Response Services.

A plan was needed to replace more fragmented approaches to provide better surveillance and increase the number of individuals in the community trained in best practices of intervention, she said.

More awareness efforts are included in the plan because there’s a goal to reduce the stigma over discussing depression and suicidal thoughts, she said.

September was declared Suicide Prevention Month by the Washtenaw County Board of Commissioners.

According to the county, about 30 deaths - or about two percent of Washtenaw County deaths - are from suicide. Suicide rates are highest among elderly males.

It is the third leading cause of death among people between the ages of 15 and 24 years old, and is the tenth leading cause of death overall in the county, the plan states.

Having a coordinated awareness plan looks at the problem of suicide in the community as a preventable public health issue, said Michael Murphy, a participant in the county collaboration who is a lifelong social worker.

While the overall annual number of local suicides may not seem incredibly large compared to other public health issues, Murphy said studies have found a suicide can have a profound impact ripple through social circles and a community.

While the project was prompted by a county attempt to gain state funding a few years ago, it’s turned into an effort that could be particularly important now, he said.

“It’s not like there’s an epidemic or a surge, but there is concern about war veterans," Murphy said. "And with the economic downturn going on as long as it has been, there’s cause for concern.”

Tina Reed writes about health and the environment for Ann Arbor.com. You can reach her at tinareed@annarbor.com or find her on Twitter @Treedinaa.