Notice of Funds Available

August 19, 2008
 
SUBJECT:     Notice of Funds Available for Suicide Prevention Coalition Development
 
In May 2002, Ohio’s Suicide Prevention Plan was released to raise awareness that suicide is a public health and mental health problem affecting thousands of Ohioans annually.  The plan stresses the need for evidence-based approaches to prevention.  Ohio’s Suicide Prevention Plan is based on the national goals set forth in the U.S. Surgeon General’s “Call To Action To Prevent Suicide”.  Awareness, Intervention and Methodology, referred to as the AIM strategy, defines the framework for setting goals and objectives in Ohio’s plan.  These goals include: increasing awareness to reduce stigma and increasing people’s ability to seek help; reducing the factors that increase the risk of suicide; gathering more data about suicides and suicide attempts; and evaluating the effectiveness of programs designed to prevent suicide.
 
To that end, the Ohio Suicide Prevention Foundation (OSPF) and the Ohio Department of Mental Health (ODMH) believe that county coalitions, representative of family members, service providers, community-based organizations, survivors, the local business community, etc., are the foundation for success in implementing this plan.  Local coalitions can serve to assist counties with assessing needs and service gaps that exist in their community and identifying strategies to reduce and/or prevent suicide.
 
The attached “Notice of Funds Available (NOFA)”, instructs ADAMHS/CMH Boards on the process to request funding for suicide prevention coalition development or enhancement and the criteria that must be addressed in your “written request for funding”.  This is not a Request For Proposal (RFP).  The NOFA provides an opportunity for participation only by Boards or regions driven by local interest, priorities and need.  Available block grant funding (previously awarded by ODMH) earmarked for activities under this NOFA limits our ability to award funds to all Boards.  Funding will be determined on a “first requested, first awarded” basis.  All requests for funding must be submitted by September 19, 2008.  We urge your participation in coalition development in your area.  Suicide is the eleventh leading cause of death for Ohioans with an average of three suicides per day.  Your commitment and efforts are truly needed to save lives.
 
For questions about Ohio’s Suicide Prevention Plan or this “Notice of Funds Available”, please contact Cheryl Holton at (614) 688-4480 or holton.32@osu.edu