Ohio Suicide Prevention Foundation Launches State-Funded Suicide Prevention Initiative for Men

The Ohio Suicide Prevention Foundation (OSPF) is expanding to a new two-year initiative focused on reducing suicide among adult men. This population continues to experience disproportionately high suicide rates in Ohio. Funded by the Ohio Department of Health (ODH), through a grant from Center for Disease Control and Prevention titled Expansion of Comprehensive Suicide Prevention Across the U.S. (CDC-RFA-CE22-2204), the project will expand evidence-based prevention strategies and community support efforts for men, ages 24-59, across Ohio, with priority focus in 10 counties disproportionately affected by suicide within this age group. These counties were determined using data for suicide deaths (2020-2024) and emergency department visits for suspected suicide attempts (2023-2024).

“Men have consistently higher rates of suicide compared with women, accounting for more than 80% of all suicide deaths in Ohio,” said OSPF CEO Tony Coder. “This focused effort will build on our ongoing work to reduce stigma, promote proven prevention strategies, connect men with resources, and increase awareness across the state while strengthening efforts in the prioritized counties.”

Working alongside local partners, the initiative will focus on the following counties: Clark, Cuyahoga, Hamilton, Lorain, Lucas, Mahoning, Marion, Montgomery, Richland, and Summit.

As part of the project, OSPF will:

• Expand Question, Persuade, and Refer (QPR) trainings for healthcare professionals to help them recognize and respond to individuals in crisis.
• Expand and promote Man Therapy Ohio, which provides working-aged men with self-screening tools, educational resources, and a statewide provider directory.
• Expand Life Side Ohio, a community-led outreach program that promotes secure lethal means storage and other suicide prevention strategies.
• Launch a statewide Community of Practice (COP) for adult males, bringing together leaders, service providers, and men with lived experience to strengthen help-seeking behaviors and normalize mental health conversations.
• Increase Suicide Fatality Review (SFR) committees across Ohio to identify contributing factors in suicide deaths and support community-driven prevention recommendations.

This two-year effort will strengthen statewide infrastructure to support men’s mental health. By expanding evidence-based programs, fostering multisector collaboration, and increasing the use of Suicide Fatality Reviews, OSPF aims to equip local communities with the tools they need to reduce suicide risk among adult men. As work begins in the counties identified by ODH, OSPF will continue partnering with state and local leaders, healthcare providers, and community organizations to build sustainable, community-driven prevention strategies across Ohio.