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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:
| County | Organization | Program | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clark | WellSpring | BATS (Bringing Awareness to Students) | During a youth summit, students from seven middle schools in the Springfield area will attend prevention-focused sessions led by members of the high school BATS. Funding will be used to compensate these BATS members for their time. |
| Columbiana | Salem Jr./Sr. High School | Interact Club | Student-designed campaign for suicide awareness and social inclusion featuring positive messages and images on bathroom mirrors, stalls, glass display cases, and classroom doors throughout the school. |
| Cuyahoga | Richmond Heights Local Schools | Peer-to-Peer | Create items and hold a health fair to educate middle and high school students on the importance of mental health and the resources that are available in the school and community. |
| Geauga | Berkshire Middle School | Sources of Strength | Host a wellness fair to connect students and raise awareness of community resources related to mental health and wellness. |
| Hamilton | St. Xavier High School | Sources of Strength | Educate students about the 988 Suicide & Crisis Helpline, including a demonstration of what happens when someone calls 988, and provide them with information about crisis resources available in the area. |
| Huron | South Central Middle School | Sources of Strength | Organize a peer-led social mixer during the school’s field day in May, featuring team-building activities and materials designed to foster connections among students. The aim is to reduce social isolation and promote a sense of belonging. |
| Montgomery | Stingley Elementary | Hope Squad | Various events are planned during a special Hope Week to foster a positive environment that builds resiliency among students. |
| Scioto | Sciotoville Community School | Sources of Strength | A “Positivity Circus” featuring activities that promote mental well-being and help students identify their positive strengths to overcome difficult times. |
Projects must be completed by June 30; a final report is required. This report will include:
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.
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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