To the editor:

In the State of Ohio, organizations have the opportunity to create license plates that reflect their cause, offering a unique medium for spreading awareness and raising support.

Recently, during the 136th General Assembly, State Representative Matt Kishman (R) and State Representative Jodi Salvo (R) introduced Ohio House Bill 419 in front of the Transportation Committee. HB 419 will create a SAVE22 license plate. SAVE22 is a nonprofit organization that supports stopping suicide in veterans, first responders, and active-duty service members. This plate will help raise awareness for SAVE22 and all the countless work they do to support veterans and first responders. With this plate purchase, a required $22 contribution will also be made, which will go directly to the organization.

Representative Matt Kishman (R) represents Ohio’s 50th House District, serving portions of Stark County. Representative Jodi Salvo (R) represents Ohio’s 51st House District, serving Tuscarawas and southern Stark counties. HB 419 is sponsored by two Democrats and seven Republicans, including our State Representative Monica Robb-Blasdel (R) of Ohio’s 79th House District, serving Carroll and Columbiana counties.

I truly support the introduction and purpose of HB 419. With the last reporting information I could locate through the State of Ohio, in 2021, 242 Ohio Veterans died by suicide, and 108 were between the ages of 55-74. As of 2022, Ohio’s Veteran population stood at 602,318. Life is precious, and one life lost to suicide is one too many. If you or someone you know needs support now, call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org. 988 connects you with a trained crisis counselor who can help.

Edward L. Hale,

Carrollton