COLUMBUS (OH) – The Ohio Suicide Prevention Foundation (OSPF) announced today grant funding awards to 22 youth-led programs across Ohio to support evidence-informed suicide prevention and mental health initiatives.

The funding, totaling more than $80,000, will be distributed to organizations for projects that include training youth leaders to implement wellness campaigns that encourage help-seeking and positive coping strategies among peers, youth town halls to engage local leaders and raise awareness about improving mental health resources and prevention efforts in their communities, and a youth summit where high school students will mentor middle schoolers on the effects of violence on mental health and teach coping strategies.

“It is exciting to see what these youth-led programs will be doing,” OSPF CEO Tony Coder said. “When young people are empowered to create a culture of mental health awareness and advocacy, they will have a lasting impact on their communities.”

The Ohio Department of Behavioral Health is providing funding to support best-practice suicide prevention activities planned and completed by youth-led programs at the following organizations:

It is with great sadness that the Ohio Suicide Prevention Foundation (OSPF) announces the passing of Carolyn Givens, our organization’s first executive director and a trailblazing leader in Ohio’s behavioral health community.

Statement from OSPF CEO Tony Coder:

“I had the privilege of knowing Carolyn during her time as Director of the Ohio Department of Alcohol and Addiction Services, and later as the first Executive Director of the Ohio Suicide Prevention Foundation. Carolyn was a kind and compassionate leader who stood firmly in her convictions and was deeply committed to serving others. She served her community and state admirably, and I am grateful for the strong foundation she built for OSPF. Her leadership helped shape the organization we are today. We extend our condolences to Carolyn’s family and friends, and we remain deeply thankful for her invaluable contributions to our mission and the families and communities we serve.”

Carolyn Givens
May 1, 1957 – September 29, 2025
Read Carolyn’s full obituary here

COLUMBUS (OH) – The Ohio Suicide Prevention Foundation is proud to welcome two passionate new team members who bring heart, purpose, and experience to its mission: Mamta Bajgain, project coordinator, and Emily Steinberg, communications coordinator.

Mamta Bajgain – Project Coordinator

Mamta joins OSPF with a deep commitment to supporting underserved communities, especially the Bhutanese Nepali community, where suicide has had a profound impact.

“A lot of people struggle in silence because of stigma and not knowing where to turn for help,” she said. “I felt like being part of OSPF would give me a chance to raise awareness and make sure these communities know they’re not alone.”

In her role, Mamta will help plan and deliver suicide prevention programs and campaigns, build relationships with partners, and support outreach through trainings and presentations. Her goal is to make mental health support more visible and approachable, reminding people that seeking help is a sign of strength.

Mamta lives in Liberty Township, Ohio, and finds joy in spending time with her mom, nieces, and nephews. A fun fact: she recently hiked to Annapurna Base Camp in Nepal, a 13,550-foot challenge and reward.

Emily Steinberg – Communications Coordinator

Emily brings a heartfelt passion for mental health advocacy shaped by personal experience.

“After losing a friend to suicide in high school, my perspective and purpose shifted,” she said. “That experience shaped how I approached my career in communications, using storytelling to build connection and remind people they are never alone.”

At OSPF, Emily supports strategic communications efforts, including social media, webinars, newsletters, influencers, and outreach materials. Her focus is on crafting messaging that resonates deeply with various audiences across Ohio, fostering connection, understanding, and hope.

A proud Cleveland native now living in Columbus, Emily is also a college cheerleading coach, mentoring student-athletes and staying connected to a sport she loves. She credits her friends, family, and mentors for helping guide her to this role.

“With Mamta and Emily joining our team, OSPF is gaining two advocates who understand the power of connection and community,” said Tony Coder, CEO. “Their passion and lived experience will help us reach more Ohioans with messages of hope, healing, and support.”

With Mamta and Emily on board, OSPF is excited for the future and the meaningful impact they will make in communities across Ohio. Welcome to the team!

During Suicide Prevention Month, the Ohio Suicide Prevention Foundation (OSPF) is proud to spotlight the passionate team members working to prevent suicide and promote mental wellness across Ohio. Through four key questions, they’ll share their stories, offer insight into their work, their dedication to suicide prevention, and how they care for their mental well-being. 

Tony Coder is the Chief Executive Officer of OSPF and leads the charge to support community-based efforts in Ohio to reduce the stigma of suicide, promote education and awareness about suicide prevention, provide training and development, and increase resources and programs that reduce the risk of lives lost to suicide. 

Q1: What inspired you to work in the suicide prevention field?   

A1: I have someone in my family who has struggled with suicide and mental health issues, and, in this role, I have been able to meet with so many wonderful families who have also had loved ones struggle and many who have lost loved ones to suicide.  I have been told many times that families who have lost a loved one to suicide are in a club we don’t want to be in.”  We want to build awareness, end stigma around suicide, but, even more importantly, create a system that helps individuals and families who are impacted by suicide. 

Q2: What is one project or moment at OSPF that you’re especially proud of?   

A2: There have been many moments that have made me proud while serving OSPF that listing them all would make this a novel instead of a social media post.  I find the most rewarding moments to be when I attend events in the local community.  We have many great programs at OSPF, serving a wide range of populations, communities, and families. However, I am particularly grateful and humbled by the tremendous work being done at the local level, as I have the opportunity to see and participate in these events. 

Q3: How do you prioritize self-care and mental wellness in your own life?   

A3: I prioritize my own wellness by listening to comedy podcasts, spending time with my wife and three sons, and watching baseball.  It is tough to prioritize self, but it has to be done. In fact, from the many families that I have spoken with, there is a somewhat common theme – many times, those who struggle with suicide often are the most giving of people.  I was at a funeral of a 17-year-old girl a few years ago and I was standing in line behind a classmate of hers and the classmate said about the girl’s suicide, “I just can’t believe that she is gone.  She just gave me so much joy, so much of her heart.”  The mom simply said back to her, “I wish that she would have kept a little for herself.”  That has rang true with me and reminds me of the important role that self-care plays. 

Q4: What message would you share with someone who may be experiencing a mental health crisis or supporting a loved one in crisis? 

A4: Reach out – reach out to 988, reach out to another person, call us at OSPF.  Do something to let someone know of the struggles that you are going through.  Mental health is a mean disease and will beat you to your knees if you let it.  By reaching out to someone else, you create a team that can help you in your battle.  You are important.  You are loved.  You have tremendous gifts and value – and most importantly – you deserve care.   

By Tony Coder, Chief Executive Officer, Ohio Suicide Prevention Foundation

At 74, Jerry was a dedicated husband, father, and grandfather who always prioritized his family’s needs. As he faced mental and physical health challenges, he began to feel like a burden. Believing that his family would be better off without him, he lost his battle with depression and died by suicide.

Right now, in Ohio, more of our seniors are dying by suicide at a rate higher than any other age group. In the most recent report from the Ohio Department of Health, 361 Ohioans aged 65 and older died by suicide in 2023. Most of them are men, and most by firearm. It’s a heartbreaking and preventable crisis that deserves far more attention.

At the Ohio Suicide Prevention Foundation (OSPF), we’re committed to understanding that suicide affects all ages, with older adults facing unique challenges that deserve our focused attention and proactive support.

Suffering in Silence

Many older adults grew up in a time when mental health struggles were dismissed or misunderstood, so admitting to feelings of depression or anxiety might make them seem weak or a burden. Adding to that may be grief from losing spouses and friends, chronic illness, mobility issues, and isolation. Too often, older adults mistake these mental health issues as “just part of getting older.” That couldn’t be further from the truth.

Mental illness is not a natural part of aging, and suicide is never inevitable. We can save lives with the right interventions and conversations.

Firearm Safety Saves Lives

We need to talk about one of the most immediate ways we can reduce suicide among older Ohioans, which is promoting safe firearm storage, such as safes, lockboxes, or trigger locks.

A recent CBS News report found that nearly 40% of adults in Ohio have at least one firearm at home. While many own them for protection or recreation, easy access to a firearm in a moment of crisis can turn temporary pain into a permanent tragedy.

This isn’t about politics. It’s about protecting the people we love while respecting their rights.

One effort to tackle this senior suicide crisis is Life Side Ohio. Since its inception, Life Side Ohio has focused on working with hunters, firearm instructors, collectors, law enforcement, and gun retailers to promote suicide awareness and prevention. OSPF has partnered with Life Side Ohio for a new campaign, Life Side Silver, focusing on older adults.

Life Side Silver works with caregivers, senior centers, faith leaders, healthcare providers, and families to start honest conversations and connect seniors with support. These trusted voices in trusted spaces can break through stigma and offer hope when it’s needed most.

The Acronym LIFE SIDE Can Save Lives

L- Lock firearms securely

I – Identify warning signs

F- Foster open conversations

E- Engage with support resources

S- Store firearms safely

I-  Involve family and friends

D- Detect changes in behavior

E- Encourage professional help

Every life lost to suicide is one too many. Let’s protect our seniors and make Ohio a place where growing older means doing so with dignity, connection, and care.

During Suicide Prevention Month, the Ohio Suicide Prevention Foundation (OSPF) is proud to spotlight the passionate team members working to prevent suicide and promote mental wellness across Ohio. Through four key questions, they’ll share their stories, offer insight into their work, their dedication to suicide prevention, and how they care for their mental well-being. 

Emily Steinberg is the Communications Coordinator at OSPF, where she brings creativity, curiosity, and strategic thinking to her role. She helps connect communities across Ohio to life-saving resources and stories.

Q1: What inspired you to work in the field of suicide prevention?  

A1: Mental health has been a deeply personal cause for me ever since I was diagnosed with anxiety and depression in my teens. The loss of a close friend to suicide during high school profoundly impacted me and changed the course of my life. That experience led me to pursue a career in communications, to use storytelling to help others feel seen, heard, and never alone. Working at OSPF enables me to combine my passion for mental health and effective communication in a way that feels truly meaningful. 

Q2: What is one project or moment at OSPF that you’re especially proud of?  

A2: As someone new to the OSPF team, I know there are many meaningful projects and moments ahead that I’ll be proud to be part of. For now, I’m proud of how my previous communications experience has prepared me to step into this role with confidence. I’m especially excited to bring my background in data and analytics to the team, using insights to strengthen our messaging and deepen our impact. 

 Q3: How do you prioritize self-care and mental wellness in your own life?  

A3: Physical activity is my go-to for quieting an overactive mind. I love going on walks outdoors while listening to a good thriller audiobook. I also enjoy lifting weights at the gym, which helps me feel strong and grounded. I was a college cheerleader, and now I coach at my alma mater. Giving back to the next generation of student-athletes is incredibly fulfilling, and it also gives me a creative outlet as I help develop routines. Go Cardinals! 

 Q4: What message would you share with someone who may be struggling or supporting a loved one in crisis?  

Q4: I’ve been on both sides of a mental health crisis, receiving support and offering it. I’ve learned how powerful it can be to have someone who listens without judgment. If you or someone you love is struggling, please know you’re not alone. Call or text 988, the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, to connect with someone ready to listen and help.  

During Suicide Prevention Month, the Ohio Suicide Prevention Foundation (OSPF) is proud to spotlight the passionate team members working to prevent suicide and promote mental wellness across Ohio. Through four key questions, they’ll share their stories, offer insight into their work, their dedication to suicide prevention, and how they care for their mental well-being. 

Mamta Bajgain is a Project Coordinator at the Ohio Suicide Prevention Foundation, where she supports culturally responsive outreach and programming. Drawing from her background in education and her lived experience within the Bhutanese Nepali community, Mamta is passionate about raising awareness, reducing stigma, and ensuring that mental health resources are accessible to all.

Q1:What inspired you to work in the suicide prevention field?  

A1: I was inspired to work in suicide prevention because of the rising suicide rates in my Bhutanese Nepali community. I want to help raise awareness, reduce stigma, and make sure people know support is available when they need it. 

Q2: What is one project or moment at OSPF that you’re especially proud of? 

A2: One project I’m especially proud of is the Suicide Prevention Listening Sessions I facilitated within the Bhutanese Nepali community across Ohio. It was amazing to see community members openly share their experiences and concerns, and the sessions really helped raise awareness and reduce stigma. 

Q3: How do you prioritize self-care and mental wellness in your own life?  

A3: I make self-care a priority by doing little things that help me feel grounded. I spend time in nature, work out, and relax in the sauna—simple routines that help me clear my head and stay balanced. 

Q4: What message would you share with someone who may be experiencing a mental health crisis or supporting a loved one in crisis? 

A4: I want them to know they’re not alone, and that needing support isn’t something to be ashamed of—even if your community makes you feel that way. Reaching out for help, whether for yourself or a loved one, is a sign of strength, not weakness. There are people and resources ready to listen and support you and taking that first step can really make a difference. 

During Suicide Prevention Month, the Ohio Suicide Prevention Foundation (OSPF) is proud to spotlight the passionate team members working to prevent suicide and promote mental wellness across Ohio. Through four key questions, they’ll share their stories, offer insight into their work, their dedication to suicide prevention, and how they care for their mental well-being. 

Monaé James is Project Coordinator for OSPF, where she manages the success of multiple grant-funded programs aimed at reducing suicide in vulnerable groups. 

Q1: What inspired you to work in the suicide prevention field? 

A1: I have always been interested in mental health and wellness, the darkness our minds can experience, and the resilience we have to survive and thrive. I began my career as a suicide researcher, but I was inspired to work in prevention because I want to translate what I learned from the data into tangible and simple practices that anyone can use to improve their mental health. 

Q2: What is one project or moment at OSPF that you’re especially proud of? 

A2: I am especially proud of co-planning the 3rd Annual Suicide Prevention in the Black Community Summit! It was a wonderful experience to continue this summit, bringing together adults and youth to share our sorrows, joys, skills, and talents to improve and create new strategies to ensure the well-being of Black youth and young adults throughout Ohio. 

Q3: How do you prioritize self-care and mental wellness in your own life? 

A3: I prioritize self-care and mental wellness by giving myself things to look forward to. Whether it be a movie night with loved ones, a walk in nature, a hot yoga session, or a creative art session, I regularly schedule the things that bring me joy. 

Q4: What message would you share with someone who may be experiencing a mental health crisis or supporting a loved one in crisis? 

A4: Mental wellness and suicide prevention look different in every individual and in every community. For some, suicide prevention is talking with a therapist or taking medication. For others, it’s dancing to a good song or praying with community. For many, it’s a combination of all these things. You are worth the time it takes to find what works for you. You deserve to be at peace in your mind. 

During Suicide Prevention Month, the Ohio Suicide Prevention Foundation (OSPF) is proud to spotlight the passionate team members working to prevent suicide and promote mental wellness across Ohio. Through four key questions, they’ll share their stories, offer insight into their work, their dedication to suicide prevention, and how they care for their mental well-being. 

Julia Kozlowski is a dedicated Prevention Program Specialist at the Ohio Suicide Prevention Foundation (OSPF), who is committed to supporting the effort to prevent suicide in our veteran populations, particularly through drug abuse prevention. Julia is also a sergeant in the Ohio Army National Guard. 

Q1: What inspired you to work in the suicide prevention field?  

A1: What inspired me to work in the suicide prevention field was my time serving on the Army National Guard Funeral Honors Team. There was an alarming number of flags I had to present to loved ones bereaved by suicide. This made me wonder if there was anything I could do to prevent that number from going up any more than it already has. 

Q2: What is one project or moment at OSPF that you’re especially proud of?  

A2: A tabling event I attended at the Chillicothe Correctional Institution. It was such a rewarding feeling to see the eyes light up of the men who are incarcerated, at the sight of the fun items and resources we brought for them. Many of them found our table to be a safe space and shared with us some of the struggles they are facing or how some of them are loss and attempt survivors themselves. I think often the mental health of inmates is neglected or seen as less deserving of some of these things. Still, at the end of the day, all men and women behind bars are people too and deserve the same medical attention for the “invisible illness”, just as they do for the visible ones. 

Q3: How do you prioritize self-care and mental wellness in your own life?  

 A3: I try to stay busy with hobbies and activities like crafting, jewelry making, and baking. I also try to spend as much time outdoors as I can. Things like kayaking, paddleboarding, hiking, or even riding my motorcycle are ways I can prioritize self-care in my life. 

Q4: What message would you share with someone who may be experiencing a mental health crisis or supporting a loved one in crisis?  

A4: You are not a burden. You are not alone. You are strong. You matter. Whatever you are going through, you do not have to go through alone. There are resources available for you to use, so please use them and ask for help if you need it. We want you to see the sunset tonight, and forever. 

During Suicide Prevention Month, the Ohio Suicide Prevention Foundation (OSPF) is proud to spotlight the passionate team members working to prevent suicide and promote mental wellness across Ohio. Through four key questions, they’ll share their stories, offer insight into their work, their dedication to suicide prevention, and how they care for their mental well-being. 

Dallas Allen is the Postvention Program Manager at the Ohio Suicide Prevention Foundation. He leads the state’s Suicide Fatality Review efforts, supports LOSS Teams, expands resources for loss survivors, and partners with coroners to improve postvention and bereavement support. 

Q1: What inspired you to work in the suicide prevention field? 

A1: My inspiration to work in this field comes from a blend of personal and professional experience. I grew up with my own personal battles with depression, anxiety, and exposure to suicide loss, which led me to wanting to work with people who had similar experiences to my own. As my career progressed, I began to see on a deeper level how many individuals, families, and communities are affected by suicide, which sparked my passion to do what I could to help those at-risk.  

Q2: What is one Project or moment at OSPF that you’re especially proud of? 

A2: I am proud that I became the first in-house Postvention Program Manager at OSPF. I am proud that I have been given the opportunity to blaze a path within this space and bring the needed attention to the individuals affected by suicide loss. It is important that suicide loss survivors understand that they are not alone and there is somewhere they can go for support, and lastly, I’m proud that I can be an installation of hope. 

Q3: How do you prioritize self-care and mental wellness in your own life? 

A3: You cannot pour into others if your cup is empty; therefore, it is important for me to know what fills my cup back up. Spending time with my family, reading, playing sports, listening to music, and getting out into nature can refill my cup. During my off time, I make sure to incorporate all the things I enjoy as much as possible. 

Q4: What message would you share with someone who may be experiencing a mental health crisis or supporting a loved one in crisis? 

A4: If you are struggling with your mental health or know someone who is struggling, I would just like to say, please reach out. You are not alone, as much as it might feel like no one understands. I promise that there are numerous people and agencies here to walk alongside you throughout your mental health journey. When you feel that you are out of options, reach out and let someone help you discover new opportunities so you can lead the life you deserve.