This month, Jeffrey Heck, a dedicated advocate for mental health and suicide prevention, is in the spotlight. Jeffrey is the treasurer of the Ohio Suicide Prevention Foundation Board, where he contributes his legal expertise and passion for making a difference in the lives of those affected by mental health challenges. In his community, Jeffrey is a lawyer and the board chair of 33 Forever, a nonprofit created to honor his daughter, Danielle Leedy.

Q1: What motivated you to join the Ohio Suicide Prevention Foundation Board?

A1: I joined the OSPF board after becoming passionate about suicide awareness and prevention following the loss of my 33-year-old daughter to suicide in 2019 and my family’s work in that area in the aftermath.

Q2: What accomplishments are you most proud of during your time on the board?

A2: I am so proud of the growth of OSPF during my time on the board, and that it has established its place as the leader and the voice of suicide prevention and awareness in this state and beyond.

Q3: In your view, how does OSPF make a meaningful difference in Ohio’s communities?

A3: OSPF makes a difference in Ohio communities by supporting prevention and awareness efforts through local suicide coalitions and by being a leading resource for information for those struggling, for loss survivors, and the communities at large. Its work with youth, in schools, with minority communities, and with gun shops is cutting-edge and innovative.

Q4: What do you find most rewarding about collaborating with your fellow board members?

A4: Our board has a strong combination of skills and backgrounds. Collectively, our passion for the mission is strong, and we work very hard as a board to be even better and more effective for the organization.

Q5: What advice would you give someone interested in supporting suicide prevention efforts in Ohio?

A5: Don’t wait to be asked. If you’re a joiner, get involved in any local awareness/prevention organization(s) you can find. Find some aspect or cause you’re interested in and find an organization to help. If you have the relationships, advocate with your local and state lawmakers and policymakers to increase support of OSPF or other suicide and mental health programs. If that’s too much, donate to OSPF and cheer them on with the work done. Your time, talents, and treasures are all valuable. Find the one that suits you best.

COLUMBUS (OH) – The Ohio Suicide Prevention Foundation (OSPF), in collaboration with NBC4 Columbus, has produced a compelling 30-minute television special titled “Be a Voice.” This important program aims to raise awareness about suicide prevention and promote conversations around mental health.

The program will air on NBC4 on Wednesday, May 7, at 7:30 p.m., with additional air dates planned for several Ohio television markets, including Cleveland, Dayton, and Cincinnati.

“Everyone can be a voice for suicide prevention. There is help and there is hope when we remove the stigma associated with talking about mental health,” said OSPF Executive Director Tony Coder. “‘Be a Voice’ features inspiring stories from families who have lost loved ones and an attempt survivor, alongside crucial information about local and state initiatives.”

The television special will air on these stations at specific dates and times:

• Columbus: WCMH/NBC — Wednesday, May 7, 7:30-8 p.m.
• Youngstown: WKBN/CBS — Thursday, May 8, 7-7:30 p.m.
• Youngstown: WYTV/ABC — Thursday, May 8, 7:30-8 p.m.
• Wheeling/Steubenville: WTRF/CBS — Friday, May 9, 7-7:30 p.m.
• Dayton: WDTN/NBC — Sunday, May 11, 10:30-11 a.m.
• Cincinnati: WLWT/NBC — Thursday, May 15, 7:30-8 p.m.
• Cleveland: WJW/Fox8 — Sunday, May 18, 1:30-2 p.m.

The video will be posted on the OSPF website and YouTube channel following the May 7th premiere.

COLUMBUS (OH) – The Ohio Suicide Prevention Foundation (OSPF) announced today grant funding awards to enhance projects and programs that focus on suicide prevention resources and strategies for Ohio youth eligible for Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF).

More than $680,000 will be distributed to 17 organizations. The projects include expanding mental health services for youth, providing suicide prevention training for youth and adults, and offering mental health mentoring programs for families affected by cancer.

“These projects will make a real impact in the lives of thousands of youth people and families across Ohio,” said OSPF Project Coordinator Monaé James. “With a range of initiatives tailored to address specific community needs, we are empowering organizations to foster resilience and provide essential support.”

The funding has been approved by the Governor’s Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives and the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services. The funds will be distributed by June 30th to the following organizations:

TANF is a federally funded, state-run program that helps income-eligible families experiencing financial hardship pay for food, housing, home energy, and childcare. 

About OSPF:

The OSPF is a nonprofit organization dedicated to preventing suicide across Ohio. OSPF works to reduce the stigma surrounding suicide, promote evidence-based prevention strategies, and raise awareness about suicide’s connection to mental health, substance use disorders, and other contributing factors.

###

In this edition of our board member spotlight, we are thrilled to feature Molly Breidenbach, an invaluable member of the Ohio Suicide Prevention Foundation (OSPF) Board. As the Senior Training Manager at Cameron Mitchell Restaurants, Molly brings a wealth of experience and a passion for community engagement to her role on the board. Her commitment to promoting awareness and prevention strategies is instrumental in driving positive change in our efforts to support those in need.

Q1: What motivated you to join the Ohio Suicide Prevention Foundation Board?

A1: During the 2020 pandemic, I lost someone close to me to suicide. After this tragic loss, I was struggling to understand how so many can slip through the cracks when it comes to mental health and the availability of resources. After a friend recommended OSPF, I joined the team and worked toward spreading awareness in my community by helping to advocate for mental health services and improve access to care, especially in vulnerable communities.

Q2: What accomplishments are you most proud of during your time on the board?

A2: The Art of Healing Benefit is one of the most rewarding events I have been able to participate in while being a member of this board. In my tenure, bringing the community together to raise money and awareness that directly supports mental health awareness has been very fulfilling.

Q3: In your view, how does OSPF make a meaningful difference in Ohio’s communities?

A3: OSPF works daily to ensure its reach in Ohio spreads far and wide. When it comes to OSPF’s goal of destigmatizing mental health, no event is too small to attend. I am continually in awe of how involved this group is in the mental health community. We strive every day to make sure that everyone in Ohio’s communities feels welcome, heard, supported, and valued.

Q4: What do you find most rewarding about collaborating with your fellow board members?

A4: As someone who works in the hospitality industry, it has been very rewarding to collaborate with my fellow board members who work in the mental health space every day. Before joining the OSPF board, my education in mental health was very reactive and most often involved postvention. By collaborating with my fellow members, I have become more enlightened about prevention and the importance of access to resources when it comes to spreading awareness about mental health.

Q5: What advice would you give someone interested in supporting suicide prevention efforts in Ohio?

A5: My advice would be to start advocating in any way you can. No initiative is too small when it comes to contributing to mental health awareness. Start a conversation amongst friends or coworkers, reach out to your local coalitions to see what mental health awareness events are going on in your community, or even team up with a great organization like OSPF to bring more events and awareness to your community. Every single life is worth saving.

COLUMBUS (OH) – The Ohio Suicide Prevention Foundation (OSPF) has entered a new partnership with the Akron RubberDucks, the Double-A affiliate of the Cleveland Guardians. This collaboration aims to promote OSPF’s impactful mental health initiatives, such as Man Therapy Ohio and Life Side Ohio, throughout the 2025 home season at Canal Park.

Through this partnership, OSPF will have the opportunity to raise awareness and foster conversations about mental health, suicide prevention, and emotional well-being, reaching fans, families, and the broader Akron community. Each initiative’s messaging will appear prominently on digital displays at the ballpark.

“We’re proud to partner with the Akron RubberDucks to amplify the message of mental health awareness and suicide prevention across the region,” said OSPF Executive Director Tony Coder. “By leveraging the visibility of the Akron RubberDucks’ home games at Canal Park, we can reach thousands of individuals who may benefit from the resources and support that OSPF provides.”

Brian Lobban, Director of Corporate Partnerships and Special Events for the RubberDucks, added, “We are honored to support OSPF’s important initiatives. Mental health is a critical issue, and we hope that through this partnership, we can help normalize the conversation and encourage people to seek support when they need it most.”

Man Therapy Ohio is an innovative initiative designed to engage men in mental health conversations in a fun, relatable, and nonjudgmental way. This initiative aims to break down barriers to seeking help for mental health challenges by promoting the message that it’s okay not to be okay and encouraging men to seek professional support.

Life Side Ohio is a campaign of direct suicide prevention outreach dedicated to the firearms community, including retailers, veterans, and public safety. Life Side Ohio is apolitical and is not a 2nd Amendment advocacy organization. Instead, it is to save lives by talking openly and honestly about suicide and providing resources and education.

About OSPF

The OSPF is a nonprofit organization dedicated to preventing suicide across Ohio. OSPF works to reduce the stigma surrounding suicide, promote evidence-based prevention strategies, and raise awareness about suicide’s connection to mental health, substance use disorders, and other contributing factors.

About Akron Rubber Ducks

The Akron RubberDucks are the Double-A affiliate of the Cleveland Guardians, based in Akron, Ohio. Fans can purchase tickets by calling 330-253-5151 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays or visit akronrubberducks.com/. For more information about the team, please call 330-253-5151, visit the website at akronrubberducks.com, Facebook page facebook.com/AkronRubberDucks, Twitter @AkronRubberDuck, and Instagram @akronrubberducks.

Individuals are making a significant impact in their communities to prevent suicide, including Jessica Hartman, Executive Director of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Wood County and Secretary of the Ohio Suicide Prevention Foundation Board. Jessica advocates tirelessly for mental health awareness and support. We celebrate her valuable contributions and the positive change she is fostering in Ohio.

Q1: What motivated you to join the Ohio Suicide Prevention Foundation Board?

A1: I have been an active member of local suicide prevention efforts for over 15 years. I was interested in advocating at the state level to assist the local communities in their efforts to reduce suicides. I have a few family members who have had suicide attempts, and I have lost people I cared about to suicide. This work is vital to prevent others from experiencing this kind of preventable loss. 

Q2: What accomplishments are you most proud of during your time on the board?

A2: The organization was in a state of change when I joined the board. I am most proud of the work that the OSPF team has done to grow and expand their reach across the state. They have truly become the voice on suicide prevention. 

Q3: In your view, how does OSPF make a meaningful difference in Ohio’s communities?

A3: OSPF has expanded its reach through the local communities by promoting more trainings across the state, publishing standards, and supporting local coalitions. For example, through their work, there are more local trainers that teach QPR (Question. Persuade. Refer.) to their communities. In Wood County, we have over 11 trainers who work to educate local first responders, community groups, local agencies, classes at Bowling Green State University, and people who have experienced mental health conditions. This work is vital to give community members tools to engage in conversations when they are concerned about someone. Teaching people how to respond to a suicidal crisis appropriately and connecting the person in crisis to treatment services can prevent suicide deaths. 

Q4: What do you find most rewarding about collaborating with your fellow board members?

A4: There is strength in diverse perspectives, education, and work experiences. It is refreshing to collaborate with a group of people who have a passionate shared interest and diverse backgrounds. There is value in these perspectives and passion for promoting suicide prevention across the state.

Q5: What advice would you give someone interested in supporting suicide prevention efforts in Ohio?

A5: Reach out to your local suicide prevention coalition and get involved in the work they are doing. Local coalitions can always use more perspectives and assistance to promote suicide prevention efforts. 

The Ohio Suicide Prevention Foundation (OSPF) is pleased to welcome Monaé James as its new Project Coordinator. In this role, she will work closely with organizations and community members to expand suicide prevention efforts across Ohio. 

Monaé brings a decade of experience in suicide and mental health research. She began her career at Nationwide Children’s Hospital (NCH) while still in high school, studying suicide and depression in children and adolescents. After earning a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with a Dance minor from The Ohio State University in 2017, she took on a full-time research assistantship at NCH, quickly advancing to research coordinator. In 2021, she transitioned to a senior-level research assistantship at the Veterans Affairs in Canandaigua, New York. 

“I hope to use my research skills to strengthen suicide prevention programs to assure Ohioans that OSPF is listening and meeting them where they are in their journey to improve mental health and wellness,” said Monaé. 

Monaé also recognizes that mental health looks different for everyone, whether it’s therapy, medication, movement, or community support. “Healing is all around us when we give each other the courage and access to cultivate it in our lives,” she shared. 

Outside of work, Monaé enjoys the performing arts, spending time with family and friends, and encouraging others to join her for hot yoga. 

OSPF is excited to have Monaé on board and looks forward to the impact she will make in Ohio’s communities. 

“With Monaé on our team, OSPF is going to make even greater strides in our community development work. We are excited about the future and the positive changes she will help us achieve,” said Executive Director Tony Coder. 

For more information about OSPF, visit ohiospf.org. 

In the vital battle against suicide, passionate individuals are making a remarkable difference by fostering change and spreading awareness. One inspiring figure is Jason Strine, a dedicated member of the Ohio Suicide Prevention Foundation (OSPF) Board. Driven by his heartfelt commitment to the cause and a firm belief in community support, Jason has played an essential role in furthering OSPF’s mission throughout Ohio. He is vice president of the OSPF board and a corporate partnerships manager at Cincinnati Reds.

Q1: What motivated you to join the Ohio Suicide Prevention Foundation Board?

A1: After numerous conversations with Executive Director Tony Coder, I truly began to understand the positive and life-saving impact that the Ohio Suicide Prevention Foundation had on the citizens of Ohio. I felt this cause is one that everyone should work together to battle, and OSPF is at the forefront of that battle. As I dove deeper into OSPF, I knew it was a board I wanted to be a part of and could help save lives.

Q2: What accomplishments are you most proud of during your time on the board?

A2: Two stand out in my mind. The first is being elected Vice President of the Board; that selection is a true honor that I do not take lightly. Secondly, in collaboration with the OSPF staff, I have been able to directly help organize and create two events in the Cincinnati area to raise awareness of the foundation and its goals. These two events have helped to link OSPF and the citizens of Cincinnati.

Q3: In your view, how does OSPF make a meaningful difference in Ohio’s communities?

Q3: The OSPF does a tremendous job of not only focusing on the prevention of suicide but also on the education and support of family members, friends, and survivors to make sure they are not forgotten. A resource such as OSPF is vital to Ohio and provides additional needs for these communities.

Q4: What do you find most rewarding about collaborating with your fellow board members?

A4: The OSPF board is made up of folks from different walks of life, different parts of the state, different occupations, etc., and it is extremely rewarding to blend those backgrounds to work towards a singularly focused goal.

Q5: What advice would you give someone interested in supporting suicide prevention efforts in Ohio?

A5: Reach out to the OSPF. We have events all over the state and many opportunities that require manpower. Every person is important.

COLUMBUS (OH) – The Ohio Suicide Prevention Foundation’s (OSPF) Youth Advisory Council (YAC) has selected eight youth-led suicide prevention initiatives to receive $7,500 in grants.

The 20 YAC members recently met in Columbus to review applications for youth-led grants. Funding was open to youth-led programs in Ohio middle schools, junior high schools, high schools, and communities to support evidence-informed suicide prevention initiatives.

“During the youth’s review of the applications, they were engaged in rich discussions, carefully evaluating each project based on clear criteria,” said OSPF Youth Program and Policy Manager Evi Roberts. “They focused on whether applicants effectively demonstrated the potential impact of their activities and whether their budgets could realistically support their plans. We are excited about the eight projects selected for funding and the positive influence they will have on students across Ohio.”

The proposals selected will receive $937.50 each and are described below:

Projects must be completed by June 30; a final report is required. This report will include:

• The number of youths served
• A qualitative summary of the event
• Qualitative and quantitative data on the impact

OSPF YAC members will meet virtually after all reports are submitted to learn about the impact of funded projects. 

Funding and support for the grants are provided by the Ohio Suicide Prevention Foundation and the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services.

We are honored to spotlight Dave Rife, president of the Ohio Suicide Prevention Foundation (OSPF) Board and Chief Manufacturing Officer at White Castle. Dave’s deep commitment to suicide prevention stems from being a suicide loss survivor. Motivated by the desire to make a difference and prevent others from experiencing a similar loss, Dave has worked tirelessly to support OSPF’s mission. His leadership has been key in strengthening the foundation’s impact within Ohio communities.

Q1: What motivated you to join the Ohio Suicide Prevention Foundation Board?

A1: In 2019, we lost our oldest son Matthew to suicide. As we worked our way through all the emotions associated with our loss, one thing became clear: we needed to do something to understand mental illness better and try to do what we could to prevent others from going through what we were. We spent time with Nationwide Children’s Hospital, learning more about On Our Sleeves. That program is fantastic but focuses primarily on kids, and Matt was 33 when we lost him. We then started learning about the Department of Psychiatry at Ohio State University and the initiatives they are working on, which are numerous. Still, since we are not psychiatrists, our ability would be limited to philanthropic opportunities. Then, I met Tony Coder, who introduced me to OSPF. It seemed like a good fit, allowing me to try to make something good out of our tragedy. As a board member, I can support the foundation, both philanthropically and by getting involved, and provide guidance and input into the organization’s long-term strategies.

Q2: What accomplishments are you most proud of during your time on the board?

A2: When I first joined the board, the organization was coming out of some challenging financial times, and the awareness of it was not what it is today. With the input of all the board members and Tony’s guidance, OSPF is financially strong and known not only throughout the state but around the country for our impact.

Q3: In your view, how does OSPF make a meaningful difference in Ohio’s communities?

A3: I believe there are two things.

1. The programs. Ohio has such a diverse population, and the staff does a fantastic job of tailoring programs to the audience; it is not a one-size-fits-all approach.

2. The team. They truly are passionate about what they do, and it comes through loud and clear, resonating with their audiences.

Q4: What do you find most rewarding about collaborating with your fellow board members?

A4: The diversity of backgrounds. Everyone comes from a different place in life, and the diversity of perspectives helps in the ideation process as we continue to find ways to further OSPF’s mission.

Q5: What advice would you give someone interested in supporting suicide prevention efforts in Ohio?

A5: Don’t wait! The goal is to put OSPF out of business. To do that, we need everyone to come together and break the stigma around mental illness. Our son never wanted to be labeled and didn’t want people to look at him differently. He suffered in silence and ultimately lost his battle with depression. Mental illness is no different than any other disease. We need to understand that, embrace it like we have with cancer, and fight back, allowing people to feel comfortable talking about mental illness without fear of being labeled.