Ohio Suicide Prevention Foundation Board Member Spotlight: Molly Breidenbach

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.