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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.
Findings reflective of positive outcomes of Sources of Strength Ohio program
COLUMBUS (OH) – Peer leadership and meaningful connections can save lives. According to a new study funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine, Sources of Strength’s (Sources) prevention model helps reduce suicide attempts among high school students by an astonishing 29%.
For nearly 30 years, Sources has empowered both youth and adults to build resilience, promote mental well-being, and prevent suicide. By training diverse student leaders and leveraging peer influence, Sources transforms school environments and fosters cultures of hope and support.
Sources of Strength Ohio (SourcesOH) is an initiative of the Ohio Suicide Prevention Foundation (OSPF) and PreventionFIRST! with funding and support from the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services.
“We hear from so many people how Sources positively impacts the well-being of students, teachers, and communities across Ohio,” said OSPF Executive Director Tony Coder. “This new study provides further evidence of the life-saving potential of this program. We are so thankful to be a part of providing Sources at no- or low-cost to as many Ohio schools and communities as possible.”
Considered one of the first suicide prevention programs to demonstrate effectiveness using Peer Leaders, SourcesOH has been implemented in 62 Ohio counties and 399 Ohio schools since December 2020 and has reached 174,000 Ohio students, including 218 middle and high schools.
“PreventionFIRST! supports Ohio schools in implementing and adopting Sources of Strength Ohio. When we meet with administrators and teachers, sharing positive outcomes, supported by national and state-level data, adds incredible value to this successful program,” said PreventionFIRST! President and CEO Nicole Schiesler. “Schools want to make informed decisions, and this evidence-based research elevates Sources of Strength as a beneficial and exceptional choice for the mental wellness of their students and teachers.”
The new study involved 20 high schools in Colorado and over 6,500 students, with 226 peer leaders and 79 adult advisors trained by certified Sources staff.
Key findings from the study include:
An independent evaluation of Sources Secondary Program conducted in Ohio schools during the 2023-2024 school year showed that nearly half of the students felt equipped to recognize the warning signs of suicide and step in to help a friend in need; fewer students experienced prolonged periods of sadness, many used the coping strategies learned through Sources; and the number of students involved in physical fights on school property decreased from 8.7 to 4.8%.
The Ohio Department of Education and Workforce has approved the Sources Secondary Program as a suicide and violence prevention program for HB123/the SAVE Students Act. For more information, please visit SourcesofStrengthOhio.org or email SourcesOH@Prevention-First.org.
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For media inquiries, contact:
OSPF: Stephanie Beougher, communications director, stephanie.beougher@ohiospf.org, (380) 249-3579
PreventionFIRST!: Jennifer Bierer, communications director, jbierer@prevention-first.org, (513) 751-8000 ext. 18
COLUMBUS (OH) – High school students across Ohio have been selected for the new Ohio Suicide Prevention Foundation (OSPF) Youth Advisory Council.
Twenty students were selected from among 50 applicants who were required to be between the ages of 14 and 19 and enrolled in an Ohio high school, which includes homeschooling, GED programs, and private or charter schools. Members were selected from different grades and counties, representing a variety of interests and groups.
“We were amazed by the number of students who applied, as well as their enthusiasm for making a difference in their communities and beyond,” said OSPF Youth Program and Policy Manager Evi Roberts. “It’s a privilege to work with such talented young people, and we are excited to see how the OSPF Youth Advisory Council shapes suicide prevention efforts across Ohio.”
Youth-led suicide prevention interventions can effectively reduce self-harm and suicidal thoughts. One peer-led model, Source of Strength, has been shown in a new study to decrease suicide attempts among high school students by 29% when implemented to fidelity.
The Youth Advisory Council will meet in Columbus this spring to review applications for youth-led grants. Funding is available for up to 10 Ohio-based activities in middle schools, junior high schools, high schools, and/or communities. Proposals are being accepted through February 21, 2025, for evidence-based or evidence-informed suicide prevention activities. These may be linked to existing programs and campaigns supported by OSPF, such as Sources of Strength and Be Present Ohio, or they can be independent initiatives like SADD and original youth-led programs. More information about the grant can be found at https://bepresentohio.org/funding-opportunities.
Funding and support for the grants comes from OSPF and the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services.
Below is a list of the Youth Advisory Council students, including their schools and county of residence.
Athens County
Butler County
Carroll County
Clark County
Clermont County
Erie County
Franklin County
Hamilton County
Harrison County
Huron County
Lorain County
Lucas County
Montgomery County
Richland County
Warren County
Wood County
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.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 11, 2025
COLUMBUS (OH) – The Ohio Suicide Prevention Foundation (OSPF) has promoted two key staff members, Austin Lucas and Daniel Bennett.
Austin Lucas, who has been with OSPF since January 2018 as Program Director, will be assuming the responsibilities of Associate Director. Austin will lead the program staff in this new position and assist with federal and state legislative issues. He is an Ohio Certified Prevention Specialist Assistant and is certified as a Question, Persuade, Refer (QPR) Master Trainer. Additionally, he is certified as a Psychological Autopsy Investigator. Austin is a passionate advocate for suicide prevention, leading initiatives such as the Suicide Prevention Plan for Ohio Implementation Team and collaborating closely with partners across Ohio to disseminate training, knowledge, and resources.
Daniel Bennett has been promoted to Director of Statewide Prevention and Expansion. Daniel, who has been with OSPF as the Director of Coalitions and Strategic Initiatives, will continue his work with coalitions while taking on the critical task of expanding OSPF’s efforts by creating regional locations. He will also lead advocacy and legislative initiatives, organizing partners to help advocate for suicide prevention in Ohio. Daniel’s experience as an Ohio Certified Prevention Consultant and his work with the Ohio Coalition Institute, the Ohio Center of Excellence for Behavioral Health Prevention and Promotion, and the Life Side Ohio campaign position him well for this expanded role.
“We are thrilled to announce these well-deserved promotions for Austin and Daniel,” said OSPF Executive Director Tony Coder. “Their commitment and leadership will be key in moving OSPF’s mission forward. In their new roles, they will continue the great work to advance our efforts to create a positive impact and save lives across Ohio.”
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.
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Editor’s Note: A photo of Austin Lucas is available at https://www.ohiospf.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/Austin-Lucas-Team.jpg.
A photo of Daniel Bennett is available at https://www.ohiospf.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/HeadshotsColumbus-Daniel-Bennett-LinkedIn-0480.jpg.
We are grateful to Governor Mike DeWine for his leadership and for prioritizing the well-being of Ohioans in his proposed FY2026-2027 budget. Governor DeWine’s commitment to suicide prevention and building our behavioral health system is key to the physical and mental health of citizens and is also crucial for the economic health of Ohio. The governor’s budget will do this by expanding access to the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, recognizing the impact of community prevention coalitions, and increasing resources for behavioral health treatment and prevention. The recent decrease in suicide rates in Ohio is a testament to the positive impact of prevention efforts. Continued investment in suicide prevention not only saves lives but also promotes a healthier, more productive workforce and strengthens our communities.
By Kennedy Chase
PUBLISHED 5:00 PM ET Feb. 02, 2025
Editor’s Note: If you know anyone who may be living with suicidal thoughts or behaviors call the Ohio suicide and crisis hotline at 988.
COLUMBUS, Ohio — David Rife knows firsthand how it feels to lose a loved one to suicide.
According to the Ohio Department of Health, Ohio deaths by suicide dropped to 1,777 in 2023, that’s 20 fewer than 2022
David Rife, a survivor of suicide loss, said this decrease is the beginning of a lot more work that needs to be done
The Ohio Suicide Prevention Foundation’s job is to help as many people as they can because everyone matters
“I lost my son in 2019,” he said. “He was 33 years old, was just a very outgoing individual. People would just tell you, had a smile that would light up a room.”
His son Matthew struggled with bipolar disorder and died by suicide six years ago, but he believes what happened to his son could have been prevented if society was more open to mental health discussions.
“In our society, if somebody comes up and says that they have cancer or heart disease, as a society, we lean in, we want to cure this. We want to help these individuals. If somebody walks up and says that they have bipolar disorder, as a society, we tend to lean away,” Rife said.
According to the Ohio Department of Health, Ohio deaths by suicide dropped to 1,777 in 2023. That’s 20 fewer than 2022. That may seem like a small number but knowing the deaths have decreased even a little bit, Rife believes this a huge step in the right direction.
“It means that the hard work and energy and effort that has been put into breaking the stigma around mental illness is starting to take effect,” Rife said.
But he knows there’s a lot more work to be done.
“On the other hand, those numbers are still families that have lost somebody,” Rife said. “Those are lives that are gone.”
That’s where the Ohio Suicide Prevention Foundation comes in. Executive Director Tony Coder said this decrease is just the beginning of what they’re trying to accomplish.
“Every time that we go down in suicides as a celebration for us,” Coder said. “That doesn’t mean that we’re done.”
Coder, too, knows how it feels to have a loved one living with suicidal thoughts or behaviors.
“My son had a suicide attempt back in 2008,” he said. “It was something that we never, ever expected.”
That firsthand experience fuels him and his team to try and help as many people as they can. And they do so by collaborating with different groups across the state.
“We work with over 25 African American groups. Never been done. We’re actually being highlighted by the federal government in our work for African American communities,” Coder said. “We work with the Ohio Chamber of Commerce. We know that folks, especially those middle-aged folks, are working.”
All this work doesn’t go unnoticed, and Rife is one of the thousands of families who appreciates what the foundation does every day.
“I would say to anybody out there who is in crisis or thinks that they have a family member in crisis or is unfortunately the survivor of loss, reach out, because there are so many programs out there that can help,” Rife said.
https://spectrumnews1.com/ky/climate/news/2025/02/02/suicide-decrease-mental-health-
COLUMBUS (OH) – Governor Mike DeWine this week signed into law Senate Bill 163, which includes an amendment establishing a specialized license plate to spread awareness about the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline in Ohio and support suicide prevention efforts.
The Ohio Suicide Prevention Foundation (OSPF) championed the specialized plate after being approached by Chip and Debbie McClintock, who had lost two loved ones to suicide.
“I’m beyond grateful to everyone who worked so hard to make this suicide prevention license plate a reality,” said Debbie McClintock. “This is a small but powerful way to show that help is real, and you are never alone. I hope it reminds others that asking for help is always OK. If it helps just one person, it means the world.”
OSPF will receive $10 from each sale.
“The proceeds will go directly back into Ohio communities to provide training and resources to prevent suicide,” said OSPF Executive Director Tony Coder. “We appreciate the passionate support of the McClintock family, our suicide prevention partners, Gov. DeWine, and the original bill sponsors: Rep. Steve Demetriou and Sen. Susan Manchester. With this new license plate, we will continue to spread hope and healing across the state.”
OSPF is creating the artwork to have the license plate available as soon as possible.
About OSPF
OSPF is a nonprofit organization dedicated to preventing suicide, one of the most preventable causes of death. Through advocacy, awareness, and evidence-based prevention strategies, OSPF works to reduce stigma, promote mental health support, and address the link between suicide and mental illness or substance use disorders.
About 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
Those experiencing a mental health crisis, and their loved ones, can reach out to the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline through call or text to 988 or chat online at 988Lifeline.org. This easy-to-remember three-digit number ensures confidential, cost-free, 24/7 support for Ohioans experiencing mental health crises.
988 establishes a direct link to empathetic, easily accessible care and support for individuals facing emotional distress, such as thoughts of suicide, mental health or substance use crisis, or concern for a friend or family member. Ohio’s 988 plan is an integral component of the state’s broader commitment to delivering high-quality, person-centered crisis aid in communities statewide.
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COLUMBUS (OH) – The Ohio Suicide Prevention Foundation (OSPF) is reflecting on the impactful work accomplished in 2024 as part of its ongoing mission to reduce suicide rates and improve mental health outcomes across Ohio. This year, OSPF has focused on expanding support to at-risk populations, providing resources for education, and promoting life-saving prevention programs statewide.
“We are grateful for the collaboration of our many local, state, and federal partners as we made strides in our efforts to save lives and provide support to those affected by suicide,” said OSPF Executive Director Tony Coder. “While progress has been made, there is still work to be done. We are committed to continuing our mission to reduce suicide rates and provide critical support to individuals and families in need.”
Key Accomplishments of 2024:
1. Community Engagement and Training:
In 2024, OSPF’s community outreach across Ohio included suicide prevention training and public awareness campaigns. By partnering with local prevention coalitions, healthcare providers, businesses, and schools, OSPF delivered life-saving information to more than 160,000 Ohioans.
2. Launch of New Program:
OSPF launched Man Therapy, a new initiative focused on addressing men’s mental health using humor and relatable content. Man Therapy Ohio reached more than 28,000 individuals in less than a year, providing them with mental wellness tools.
3. Strengthen Ohio’s Prevention Efforts:
In 2024, OSPF marked significant milestones with events that underscored its commitment to bringing together diverse leaders to strengthen Ohio’s suicide prevention efforts.
Ongoing Goals and Focus for 2025
Looking toward the future, OSPF remains focused on several key goals for 2025:
“We are dedicated to building on our momentum in 2025,” Coder said. “Together with our partners and supporters, we will continue until there are zero deaths by suicide.”
For more information about the Ohio Suicide Prevention Foundation, or to get involved, please visit OhioSPF.org.
The Ohio Suicide Prevention Foundation is a nonprofit organization that works tirelessly to prevent one of our most preventable causes of death: suicide. Our work includes reducing the stigma of suicide, promoting evidence-based prevention strategies, and raising awareness about suicide’s relationship to mental illness and substance use disorders, and other factors that contribute to suicide.
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Editor’s Note: Photos to support this story are available on Dropbox.
This article discusses suicide. If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis, call or text 988 to reach the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline available 24/7. To reach the 24/7 Crisis Text Helpline, text 4HOPE to 741741.
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) — It is Suicide Prevention Month and Tuesday was World Suicide Prevention Day. So, suicide loss survivors gathered at the Ohio Statehouse to share their stories and ask for more to be done.
“It’s about shifting from a culture of silence and a lack of understanding to one of openness, empathy and support,” Executive Director of the Ohio Suicide Prevention (OSPF) Foundation Tony Coder said.
David Rife is one of the suicide loss survivors who was at the statehouse on Tuesday. He lost his son, Matthew Rife on July 8, 2019, when Matthew was 33.
“It was the worst day of my life,” Rife said. “He didn’t want people to know about what he was going through, so he kept his struggle inside. And, you know, we never really knew how bad the fight was until we lost him.”
Rife said first, he wants to see the stigma go away. He said work has been done, but it is still not enough.
“There’s such a stigma around mental health,” Rife said. “People don’t want to be labeled; people don’t want other people knowing what’s going on. If somebody walked up to you and said they had cancer, you would lean in in a heartbeat to see what you could do to help. If somebody comes up and tells you they suffer from depression or bipolar disorder, people tend to lean away. We can’t do that as a society.”
According to the most recent numbers by the Ohio Department of Health, back in 2022, there were 1,797 suicide deaths in Ohio, which was a 2% increase from 2021.
Suicide was the second-leading cause of death among Ohioans ages ten to 14 and 20 to 34. Overall, it is the 13th leading cause of death in the state.
Rife said another large gap in Ohio’s mental health resources is help after someone is hospitalized. He said he experienced the lack of resources firsthand with his son.
“Sometimes it was six months before we could get him in to see a counselor,” Rife said. “If somebody goes through a traumatic situation where they need to be hospitalized, there’s got to be follow up care so we can make sure that we don’t just help them in that short window, get them over that bridge and then put them back on the street and say, ‘hey, good luck.’”
Rife said there has to be a “methodical plan,” for continuous help to bridge treatment. Despite millions of dollars in the state budget going toward mental health resources, families say it does not matter if it is not used the right way.
“We’re so far behind. The system is so far behind.” Coder said.
In a statement, the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services said, “every loss by suicide is tragic,” and outlined their plan for more solutions.
“Under Governor DeWine’s leadership, and with the support of the General Assembly, the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (OhioMHAS) is focused on building one of the nation’s most comprehensive statewide strategies focusing on suicide prevention,” a spokesperson for OhioMHAS said.
Those initiatives include Ohio’s 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, that, since launching in July 2022 has responded to nearly 340,000 calls, texts, and chats. They also outline prevention programs that they are working on building up prevention efforts focused on groups that are considered at high-risk of suicide. They include:
Meanwhile, families who have lost loved ones to suicide are continuing to put their efforts into advocacy as well. Rife said he has hope for the future.
“If people do feel comfortable asking for help, then maybe, just maybe, the Ohio Suicide Prevention or Foundation ends up working its way out of business someday,” Rife said.
This story is about suicide. If you or someone you know needs support now, call, text or chat the 988 Lifeline.
Donna and Jeff Heck carry their daughter Dani’s obituary with them.
“We are part of the club that nobody wanted to be in,” Donna Heck said. “Part of the club that lost someone that we love and treasure to suicide. … The one thing that we learned the most is suicide does not care about your gender, your race, your political or religious beliefs or your socioeconomic status.”
Their daughter Dani took her life in February 2019. She was 33 and had a lifelong battle with depression.
“She was accomplished and bold and beautiful and successful,” Donna said. “Everything a parent would want, except she was fighting demons within with depression,” Donna said. “…We have learned that just because someone’s smiling, it doesn’t mean we’re okay.”
The Hecks were one of four families who shared their story about their loved one who died by suicide during an Ohio Suicide Prevention Foundation press conference Tuesday morning at the Statehouse. September is National Suicide Prevention Month and Tuesday was World Suicide Prevention Day.
The number of Ohioans who died by suicide increased by 2% in 2022, according to the Ohio Department of Health.
There were 1,797 suicide deaths in Ohio in 2022 — the 13th-leading cause of death in Ohio, according to ODH’s Suicide Demographics and Trends 2022 report.
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline moved to the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline two years ago. Since then Ohio 19’s call centers have responded to nearly 340,000 calls, texts and chats — an average of more than 14,000 contacts each month.
Suicide was the second-leading cause of death among Ohioans ages 10-14 and 20-34 that year. Men accounted for 80% of Ohio suicide deaths, according to the ODH report.
Dave Rife shared about his son Matthew during the press conference.
“He was very charismatic, and everybody loved him,” he said. “He was just a very vibrant and outgoing person. On the inside, he was fighting a fight that very few people knew about.”
Matthew died on July 8, 2019.
“I lost my son to depression,” Rife said. “My hope is that we all come together to fight and break the stigma around mental health, because, let’s face it, mental health is nothing more than disease. It’s a disease of the brain, if we treat it as a disease, there should be no stigma around people should feel comfortable asking for help.”
Chris Grant lost her daughter Jayda to suicide on May 30, 2022. Her daughter was 20. Jayda was hospitalized for depression and anxiety, but her family did not receive any kind of support when she was discharged.
“I think that is one issue that needs to be addressed,” Grant said. “I think young people who are struggling with mental illness need support. … I don’t believe my daughter wanted to take her life, but I believe that the illness that she suffered was making it that much harder for her to live.”
Sandy Williams lost her father Jerry to suicide two days before his 75th birthday.
“Too often, when an older person is suffering from any kind of mental illness, it’s written off,” she said. “It’s just a sign of aging.”
She was 53 when her dad died.
“I still needed my dad and he should still be here today to be made a positive impact,” she said.
Men 75 and older has the highest rate of suicide deaths, according to the ODH report.
Jeff Heck wishes Ohio had more places that offered help after someone makes an attempt at their own life or experiences a mental health challenge.
“If you break a hip, if you have a cardiac event or a stroke, you go to rehab,” he said. “We don’t have that for mental health.”
A mental health rehabilitation center in Toledo called Dani’s Place was named in honor of his daughter Dani.
Athens has the Adam-Amanda Mental Health Rehabilitation Center, a clinic designed for people discharged from psychiatric hospitals who could use inpatient care. It opened in September 2018.
“We need one in every single community in Ohio and across the country,” Jeff said.