COLUMBUS (OH) – The Ohio Suicide Prevention Foundation (OSPF) welcomes Jerrod Combs as its new Program Coordinator, bringing a passion for serving veterans, first responders, agricultural communities, and outdoor enthusiasts through meaningful mental health outreach. 

A native of Massillon, Ohio, Jerrod joins OSPF with a longstanding commitment to suicide prevention and community engagement. As a former U.S. Army medic, he partnered with the Life Side Ohio campaign while working at a local outdoor supply retailer, where he distributed mental health resources, hosted trainings, and supported local coalitions with firearm safety and secure storage education. 

“I was driven to join OSPF because of my experiences with suicide among soldiers and veterans,” he said. “As a U.S. Army veteran, I experienced my own mental health journey after returning from Afghanistan and transitioning to civilian life. I also lost five fellow soldiers I deployed with to suicide, both during and after their military service. Those experiences continue to motivate me to encourage and inspire anyone going through difficult times.” 

In his role, Jerrod will support and expand the reach of OSPF, Life Side Ohio, and Man Therapy through community events, partnerships, and outreach across Ohio. He will focus on strengthening support for veterans, first responders, agricultural communities, and outdoor enthusiasts by connecting them with mental health resources, fostering open conversations, and helping reduce stigma. 

“I want to create positive and engaging opportunities that help veterans reconnect with the sense of camaraderie they experienced during military service,” he said. “I also hope to strengthen support for our first responders and open the door to more conversations about mental health within our outdoor and agricultural communities.” 

Outside of work, Jerrod enjoys archery and bow hunting, passions that became an important source of purpose and connection during his transition to civilian life. He regularly participates in archery shoots and group hunts throughout Ohio and beyond and believes that finding meaningful purpose and connection can play an important role in mental well-being. 

“With Jerrod joining our team, we are strengthening our ability to connect with veterans, first responders, and rural communities across Ohio,” said Tony Coder, CEO of OSPF. “His passion for service, experience building community partnerships, and commitment to mental health will help expand our reach and deepen our impact.” 

OSPF is excited to welcome Jerrod to the team and looks forward to the work he will do to educate, advocate, and build connections to support individuals, families, and communities across Ohio in suicide prevention. 

 A new resource designed to help professionals, caregivers, and communities recognize and respond to suicide risk among older Ohioans is now available.

Identifying and Reducing Suicide Risk in Older Ohioans: Resource Guide for Professionals, Caregivers, and Communities provides practical guidance, evidence-based strategies, and resources to support suicide prevention efforts across healthcare, aging services, community organizations, and family caregiving settings.

It was developed through a statewide collaboration of public health, aging, behavioral health, healthcare, and community organizations. The information incorporates findings from research, data, and community conversations to help users identify risk factors, recognize warning signs, engage in supportive conversations, and connect older adults to appropriate services and support.

“Older adults are the roots of our families and communities, carrying wisdom, resilience, and stories that enrich all of us,” said Ohio Suicide Prevention Foundation CEO Tony Coder. “Supporting their mental wellness is not only an act of care, but it’s also a commitment to ensuring every older Ohioan feels valued, connected, and able to find help when they need it.”

The resource is intended for healthcare providers, aging services professionals, behavioral health professionals, caregivers, family members, and community organizations. It can be used for staff training, safety planning, community education, and protocol review.

One of the goals is to reduce stigma surrounding mental health and suicide among older adults by encouraging open conversations, early intervention, and stronger connections to care.

“Suicide among older adults is a growing public health concern in Ohio, with individuals 65 and older experiencing the highest suicide rate in the state last year,” said Department of Behavioral Health Director Tia Marcel Moretti. “This toolkit responds directly to that trend by equipping providers, caregivers, and community partners with evidence‑based strategies that improve early detection and intervention. By strengthening coordination across health and aging systems and using data to guide prevention efforts, we can reduce risk, close gaps in care, and better support the safety and well-being of Ohio’s older adults.”

The toolkit was developed with guidance from a steering committee that included representatives from:

It is available to view and download at https://www.ohiospf.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Identifying-and-Reducing-Suicide-Risk-in-Older-Ohioans-Pages1.pdf. Printed copies are available by contacting OSPF at older.adults@ohiospf.org.

By Tony Coder, CEO, Ohio Suicide Prevention Foundation

I frequently speak with parents who have lost their child to suicide. Recently, I met with the mother of a teenage boy. She shared he had been dealing with mental health challenges for several months but seemed to be improving. One evening, he sent her a casual “I love you, Mom.” She did not think much of it at the time. After a concerned friend reached out, she used a phone-tracking feature to locate him and tragically found him in his car. After his burial, she discovered text messages where her son had written to a friend about the struggles he was having. The last message he received from the friend said, “You just need to man up.”

I want to be clear that I do not blame the young man’s friend for those words. Conversations about suicide and mental health are difficult for adults, much less for teenagers. Most people are paralyzed, not knowing what to say or do when confronted by a friend or loved one who expresses struggles with mental health or suicide. In a frightening moment, the young friend responded with what he understood strength to mean.

That is the larger issue. For generations, “man up” has meant suppressing emotion and pushing through pain. We pay careful attention to broken bones and visible scars, and we share the stories behind them with pride. But when a heart is broken, or a mind is struggling, men especially are often told to ignore it, to tough it out, or will themselves back to health. We should not be surprised that nearly 80% of suicides in Ohio and across the nation are men.

To truly “man up” to something is to confront it. If we are hurting emotionally, then facing that pain and seeking help is not weakness; it is responsibility. For too long, many men have seen themselves as fixers for everyone but themselves. It may be time to redefine “man up,” so it no longer means silent suffering. True strength lies not in stuffing pain down, but in speaking it aloud.

For too long, our culture has misunderstood what strength requires. If we can redefine “man up” to mean asking for help when we need it, we may save the very lives we are trying to make stronger.

Supporting Men’s Mental Health in Ohio

For too long, men have been taught that strength means silence. In Ohio, men account for 81% of all suicide deaths. This Men’s Mental Health Month, the Ohio Suicide Prevention Foundation is working to redefine what it means to “man up” by encouraging conversation, connection, and help-seeking.

We encourage you to explore these OSPF-supported resources and share them with the men in your life:

Your support also helps expand life-saving suicide prevention outreach, reduce stigma, and connect men across Ohio with the tools and support they need before a crisis occurs.

To support programs like Life Side Ohio and Man Therapy Ohio, please consider donating: https://go.rallyup.com/ospfmensmentalhealthmonth

Together, we can redefine strength, not as silent suffering, but as speaking up, checking in, and reaching out for help.

COLUMBUS (OH) – The Ohio Suicide Prevention Foundation welcomes Emilie Rush as its new Special Events Coordinator, bringing a deep passion for community impact, mental health advocacy, and meaningful connection. 

Emilie joins OSPF with a strong desire to make a difference through mission-driven work and a longstanding connection to mental health advocacy. 

“It’s important to me that my work has meaning and makes a positive contribution to my community,” she said. “Mental health has always held a special place in my heart, shaped by my own experiences with grief and loss. OSPF allows me to combine my background in nonprofit work, communications, and event planning in a way that feels purposeful.” 

In her role, Emilie will focus on strengthening community engagement and enhancing events and outreach efforts. She will work to build systems that support successful event execution, manage partner and community relationships, and serve as a visible and accessible presence for OSPF’s network across Ohio. 

A key part of her work will focus on community stewardship by supporting volunteers and coalitions, helping local partners host impactful events, and creating opportunities for connections that advance statewide suicide prevention efforts. 

“I hope to help OSPF be a lighthouse for our communities,” she said. “There’s a narrative that the world is only getting darker and that we’re alone in our struggles. I want to help people see that there is light, that there are people who care, and that no one must face their challenges alone.” 

Originally from Buffalo, New York, Emilie now calls Columbus home, where she enjoys exploring the Metro Parks and spending time at the Columbus Metropolitan Library. She is currently pursuing her degree to become a clinical mental health counselor, with plans to continue supporting individuals and communities through her future work as a therapist. 

“With Emilie joining our team, we are strengthening our ability to connect with communities across Ohio in meaningful ways,” said Tony Coder, CEO of OSPF. “Her passion for mental health and her commitment to building strong relationships will help expand our reach and deepen our impact.” 

OSPF is excited to welcome Emilie to the team and looks forward to the work she will do to educate, advocate, and build connections and support for individuals, families, and communities to prevent suicide. 

Written by Tony Coder, Ohio Suicide Prevention Foundation, CEO 

Paul was working for a construction company when a foreman died by suicide. The foreman was the kind of person everyone liked working with. The one who checked in on people, made work feel manageable, and had your back when things got hard. 

When he died, the shock was overwhelming. The team didn’t just lose a coworker; they lost their brother. Paul watched as grief moved through the workplace in real time, affecting morale, focus, and the sense of safety people felt coming to work each day. 

His company was like many other construction companies at the time that did not have a postvention plan in place. There was no policy, no training, and no clear guidance for how leaders should respond. Managers were expected to support their teams while processing their own grief and keeping operations moving forward. Everyone was doing their best, but they were doing it without a roadmap.   

The hard truth is that people do not simply bounce back after a loss like this. Grief does not follow a timeline, and its effects ripple through the workplace, touching every team member, including leaders who must navigate their own grief while guiding others. 

If you’re reading this and you believe this couldn’t happen at your company, the reality is it could. 

Stories like this are often treated as isolated tragedies, but they point to a broader workplace reality, one shaped by the pressures employees carry to work and the growing responsibility employers have to respond. 

Mental Health Is a Business Imperative 

Mental health is central to workforce reliability, productivity, retention, and a company’s ability to compete. 

Untreated mental health challenges impact employers and the economy nationwide, driving lost productivity and increased costs across industries. In Ohio alone, a 2025 study by the Ohio Council of Behavioral Health and Family Services Providers estimates the annual economic impact at nearly $300 billion. Workers with mild, untreated mental illness miss an average of 9.3 hours of work per week, and employees with depression miss an average of 4.8 workdays every three months, along with an additional 11.5 days of reduced productivity. 

Evidence shows that when people can access mental health treatment, both individuals and organizations benefit. For every $1 associated with mental health care, employers see an estimated $4 return, and treatment access has been linked to increases in employment and workforce participation of up to 42%. 

Organizations that prioritize mental health tend to see stronger leadership effectiveness, a more resilient employer brand, and higher retention. In a competitive labor market, mental wellness is increasingly part of how candidates evaluate where they want to work. When mental health is not addressed as part of a workforce strategy, it becomes a clear operational risk. 

When Personal Struggles Show Up at Work 

The average person spends roughly one-third of their life at work, and employees don’t leave personal challenges at the door. Family stress, financial pressure, caregiving responsibilities, and mental health concerns often follow them into the workplace. Parents may miss work to care for children experiencing mental health challenges, and coworkers carry the emotional strain when someone on their team is struggling. 

Suicide adds an even deeper layer of impact. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), suicide disproportionately affects men, who account for nearly 80% of all suicide deaths in the United States. Research from the University of Kentucky estimates that each suicide death affects about 135 people, including coworkers, friends, and family. Teams often feel the effects of changes in morale, safety, and productivity. 

In many workplaces, managers become first responders without training or clear guidance. Dave Rife, Chief Manufacturing Officer at White Castle, whose son died by suicide, has emphasized the need to reframe mental illness in the workplace: “Mental illness is no different than any other disease. We need to understand it, embrace it as we have with cancer, and respond in ways that allow people to talk openly without fear of being labeled.” 

Supporting Employees Before a Crisis 

Research shows that when people experiencing suicidal thoughts have the chance to talk openly, they often feel relief and are more likely to seek help. Employers play a key role in creating conditions for those conversations. 

Training is a practical starting point. Programs such as QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer), VitalCog, and ASIST equip employees and managers to recognize warning signs and respond with confidence. 

The Ohio Suicide Prevention Foundation is piloting a workplace mental health program with AEP Ohio, an American Electric Power subsidiary that employs 1,430 Ohioans, more than 90% of whom work in operations roles, including lineworkers, engineers, assessors, and others who respond to power outages and help prevent them. These are difficult positions, and we aim to challenge outdated norms and demonstrate that caring about mental health is a sign of leadership, not weakness. In a pre-pilot survey of 300 AEP Ohio employees, more than half said workload can have a positive or negative effect on their mental health, highlighting the influence workplace conditions have on well-being, especially for jobs that bring people into the field and into direct contact with the public. 

Policies and benefits also matter. Mental health coverage should be on par with physical health coverage. Employee Assistance Programs should be visible and promoted year-round. For workplaces without an EAP, awareness and education about the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline should be part of the business culture. 

Culture is built through everyday actions. Lunch-and-learns, educational resources, and visible crisis information help normalize help-seeking. Organizational assessments can reveal whether a workplace truly supports mental health or simply talks about it.  

Leadership sets the tone, and when leaders act with empathy and consistency, they send a clear message that employees’ well-being matters, making it more likely that employees will seek support early, before a situation escalates into a crisis. 

For organizations looking to take the next step, the Ohio Suicide Prevention Foundation offers training, materials, and resources to help strengthen workplace mental health strategies and support teams. Explore the Mental Health in the Workplace: Employer Toolkit to get started.

Mental Health Is a Leadership Responsibility 

Mental health is at the heart of how work gets done. It influences reliability, productivity, and a company’s ability to succeed. When it is overlooked, the effects are wide-ranging, including safety risks, absenteeism, turnover, and, above all, the profound loss of friends, family members, and coworkers. Prioritizing mental health nurtures stronger teams and more resilient workplaces. 

These challenges are immediate and real. Leaders do not need to be clinicians, but they do need to recognize mental health as part of the environment they shape. They have a profound opportunity to be someone their teams can turn to on their hardest days. 

Change does not require sweeping reforms. Training, supportive policies, and empathetic leadership set the tone and make it safe for employees to seek help before a crisis occurs. A mentally healthy workplace is achievable, essential, and ultimately, a responsibility that cannot be ignored. 

The Ohio Suicide Prevention Foundation’s (OSPF) Youth Advisory Council (YAC) has selected 10 youth-led suicide prevention initiatives to receive a total of nearly $10,000 in grant funding.

YAC members recently met in Columbus to review applications for youth-led grants. Funding was available to support Ohio middle schools, junior high schools, and high school students who are leading evidence-informed or evidence-based suicide prevention and mental health initiatives in their schools and communities.

YAC has welcomed three new members, bringing the total to 21 high school students from across Ohio. The new members are:

“The Youth Advisory Council plays a vital role in elevating ideas created by young people, for young people,” said OSPF CEO Tony Coder. “It’s exciting to see members thoughtfully select youth-led projects and empower the next generation of leaders who are actively shaping the future of suicide prevention.”

The programs selected by YAC to receive funding are:

County: Cuyahoga
Organization: Cuyahoga Falls High School
Youth-led program: Sources of Strength
Project summary:
The “Mentor Madness” campaign will invite students to recognize their trusted adults through activities led by Peer Leaders, who will share nominations via video announcements and social media. The campaign culminates in a school assembly with games, a “GOAT Mentor” (Greatest of All Time) award, and the distribution of mental health resources.
Award amount: $750

County: Cuyahoga
Organization: Fairview Park City School District
Youth-led program: Sources of Strength
Project summary:
The “Pawsitive Difference” program will bring a therapy dog to the middle and high schools. Grant funds will cover training and exam costs as well as supplies for the therapy dog while at school. Adult Advisor Mrs. Janice Frygier will be the therapy dog’s owner, and Peer Leaders will be program ambassadors.
Award amount: $968

County: Franklin
Organization: Ohio Hispanic Coalition
Youth-led program: Juventud en Acción
Project summary:
The youth-led, two-part series will include the “Soy Fuerte” (I Am Strong) Workshop to reduce stigma and teach coping skills like stress management and journaling. It will be followed by a bilingual Community & Culture Night that brings families together through youth storytelling and art, strengthening family connectedness and supporting youth mental health.
Award amount: $1,000

County: Geauga
Organization: Berkshire Local School District
Youth-led program: Sources of Strength
Project summary:
Hosting the Second Annual WORK the WHEEL Wellness Fair for 7th- and 8th-grade students. The fair will bring in community-based partners that represent each of Sources of Strength’s eight protective factors. In addition, peer-led activities will promote student well-being and connectivity.
Award amount: $1,000

County: Guernsey
Organization: SOCC Foundation
Youth-led program: Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD)
Project summary:
Establish a SADD chapter at Buckeye Trail High School to empower students to promote healthy choices and positive peer influence. Grant funds will also support the school’s spring suicide prevention activities, including promoting 988.
Award amount: $1,000

County: Huron
Organization: South Central Middle School
Youth-led program: Sources of Strength
Project summary:
Implement “Unlock Your Strengths,” an interactive program designed to reduce isolation, encourage help-seeking, and strengthen protective factors that support youth mental health and suicide prevention. Through guided activities and problem-solving challenges, students engage with the eight Sources of Strength in a collaborative and supportive environment.
Award amount: $900

County: Lawrence
Organization: Necco Community Behavioral Health
Youth-led program: School-Based Community Behavioral Health
Project summary:
In collaboration with high school student leaders, Necco will offer a two-part suicide prevention and mental health education series using the Signs of Suicide (SOS) program for interested students at Collins Career Center and Chesapeake High School.
Award amount: $1,000

County: Lawrence
Organization: Tiffin Columbian High School
Youth-led program: SADD
Project summary:
SADD members will host their “Face the Storm” mental health awareness campaign for middle and high schools during the first week of May, in observance of Mental Health Awareness Month.
Award amount: $1,000

County: Meigs
Organization: Eastern Local School District
Youth-led program: Student Health Council
Project summary:
Students will host a Sources of Strength campaign titled, “Eagles Rise Together: Connection Is Prevention.” Youth will engage students in grades 6-12 to identify positive coping mechanisms, trusted adults, and opportunities to improve their sense of belonging at their school. The campaign will launch in the first week of May to mark Mental Health Awareness Month. 
Award amount: $950

County: Scioto
Organization: Sciotoville Community School
Youth-led program: Sources of Strength
Project summary:
Funds will be used to create a student space with tools and supplies to help students manage stress, build self-control, and stay focused. The space will support programming such as practical skill-building workshops, peer encouragement, and small group sessions that promote resilience, personal responsibility, and positive decision-making.
Award amount: $1,000

Projects must be completed by June 30, 2026. OSPF and the Ohio Department of Behavioral Health provide funding and support for the grants.

Columbus, Ohio—The Ohio Suicide Prevention Foundation (OSPF) has announced the promotions of two key staff members, Daniel Bennett and Jason Hughes, recognizing their leadership and contributions to advancing suicide prevention efforts across Ohio.

Daniel Bennett has been promoted to Chief Strategy Officer. In this role, Bennett will help guide the strategic growth of the Ohio Suicide Prevention Foundation while supporting the continued development of Ohio’s statewide network of Suicide Prevention Coalitions. He will also contribute to major statewide initiatives, including the Ohio Coalition Institute and the Life Side Ohio campaign, while leading advocacy and legislative efforts that bring together partners to advance suicide prevention policy and awareness across the state.

Daniel is an Ohio Certified Prevention Consultant and has extensive experience in coalition building and prevention strategy. Before joining OSPF in 2023, he worked in universal school-based suicide prevention and coalition development, helping strengthen community-based prevention efforts throughout Ohio.

Jason Hughes has been promoted to Director of Training and Veteran Relations. Hughes joined OSPF in 2020 as Program Manager and Veteran Liaison and has played a key role in expanding suicide prevention training and outreach initiatives across the state. In his new role, he will continue overseeing the Man Therapy Ohio campaign and the Workplace Prevention program while strengthening partnerships that support veterans, service members, and their families.

Jason is a retired U.S. Army veteran with 22 years of service and is an Ohio Certified Prevention Specialist Assistant (OCPSA). He co-leads the Ohio Governor’s Challenge Team to prevent suicide among Service Members, Veterans, and their Families (SMVF) and is a member of the Suicide Prevention Plan for Ohio (2024–2026) implementation team. He is also active in several prevention initiatives, including the Delaware County Suicide Prevention Coalition, the Appalachian Ohio Suicide Prevention Alliance, Life Side Ohio’s advisory committee, and the Frontline Freedom: Adventure Therapy board. Hughes is a QPR Master Trainer and a certified instructor in VitalCog, CALM, and SBHP.

“We are proud to recognize Daniel and Jason with these well-deserved promotions,” said OSPF CEO Tony Coder. “Their leadership, experience, and dedication have been instrumental in advancing suicide prevention efforts across Ohio. These new roles reflect both their impact and our continued commitment to expanding lifesaving programs and partnerships throughout the state.”

Sylvia Nisky is a busy junior at Oberlin High School in Northeast Ohio, balancing a full schedule of extracurriculars that include tennis, marching band, yearbook, and drama. Even with so many opportunities to participate in clubs and activities, she felt something important was missing.

“At the beginning of my sophomore year, I decided that I wanted to start some sort of mental health program at our school,” Sylvia said. “After participating in several training courses with the Mental Health, Addiction & Recovery Services Board of Lorain County and the Lorain County Urban League, I became passionate about mental health and wanted to bring more resources and awareness to Oberlin.”

Her search for the right program led her to Sources of Strength after she joined the Ohio Suicide Prevention Foundation’s (OSPF) Youth Advisory Council in 2025. She immediately recognized it as the perfect match for her vision.

Sources of Strength is a youth-focused suicide prevention program serving students in grades K–12. The evidence-based model has been implemented across the United States, and in parts of Canada and Australia. In Ohio, OSPF leads Sources of Strength Ohio (SourcesOH), bringing the program to more than 200,000 students in more than 400 elementary and secondary schools statewide.

Armed with information about the benefits of its evidence-based, youth-led suicide prevention programming, Sylvia approached her principal to propose bringing Sources to Oberlin High School.

“My school’s administration was readily on board, and there were a lot of kids who had an interest in being a part of the program,” she said.

Thanks to Sylvia’s leadership, Sources was added this school year. Adult advisors and Peer Leaders have completed training and are preparing to formally introduce the program to the student body.

Reflecting on the experience, Sylvia said, “I loved the end of the training when everyone was sharing their hopes and thoughts about the program. It was moving to hear how many people were excited about Sources being at the school and their joy at the opportunity to participate. To me, it showed how there are a lot of people who want to participate in things and make change; they just need the opportunity.”

Sylvia sees the experience as only the beginning. After graduation, she plans to attend college, though she is still exploring potential careers. Law, mental health, and advocacy are among the areas that most interest her.

“I think that the Sources program will help me to become a better leader and public speaker, as well as help me learn a lot of skills and gain awareness about the world,” she added.

The impact of Sources of Strength is backed by research. A 2024 peer-reviewed study found that Sources reduces youth suicide attempts by 29%, and additional studies show the program can also reduce bullying, violence, substance misuse, and other mental health challenges.

For Sylvia, bringing Sources of Strength to her school is more than an extracurricular achievement; it’s a step toward building a stronger, more connected community where students feel supported and empowered to create change.

More information about Sources is available at SourcesofStrengthOhio.org.

The Ohio Suicide Prevention Foundation is proud to announce that Mamta Bajgain, project coordinator, has been named a 2025 Beacon Award honoree by the Ellis Island Honors Society. The 4th Annual Beacon Awards were presented Jan. 23, 2025, in New York City, recognizing young leaders living and working in America who demonstrate exceptional vision, innovation, and humanitarian commitment to making the world a more equitable, compassionate, and humane place. 

For Mamta, the recognition reflects years of work building culturally responsive programs for Ohio’s Bhutanese Nepali community and others, where stigma and limited access to resources have long stood as barriers to mental health support. 

“I’ve tried to create programs that meet real needs, connect families to resources, and support youth in finding their voice,” she said when asked what she believed led to her selection. “My work touches on vision, innovation, and humanitarian impact, but what matters most to me is the humanitarian side. I focus on supporting refugee and immigrant families, helping improve wellbeing, reduce stigma, and create spaces where people feel truly seen, supported, and connected.” 

Building Safe Spaces Across Ohio 

Among Mamta’s most impactful initiatives are the Bhutanese Nepali Suicide Prevention Listening Sessions she coordinated in spring 2024 across the state. The sessions brought together community members to share their lived experiences with mental health, something she described as transformative for participants and organizers alike. 

“Seeing people break the stigma and openly talk about their lived experiences was incredibly powerful,” she said. “It showed how creating safe, culturally responsive spaces can foster connection, understanding, and healing within our communities.” 

Her dedication is reflected in her daily work at OSPF, where she prioritizes listening, builds programs grounded in lived experience, helps young people step into leadership, and works to ensure mental health resources are accessible to those who need them most. 

A Journey Rooted in Resilience 

The Beacon Awards, presented by the Ellis Island Honors Society, celebrate the importance of immigration to America’s prosperity and honor individuals whose immigrant roots have shaped their sense of purpose and responsibility. For Mamta, that connection is deeply personal. 

“My immigrant heritage has shaped how I see the world and my responsibility to others,” she said. “Coming here as a refugee, I experienced the challenges of adapting to a new culture, navigating unfamiliar systems, and trying to find a sense of belonging. If it weren’t for the compassionate people who helped my family when we arrived, I wouldn’t be where I am today. Their support showed me how much a single person or community can make a difference.” 

Those early experiences directly inform her approach to leadership. “My approach to leadership and service comes from my journey as a refugee and the values my family instilled in me: resilience, empathy, and the importance of lifting others as you rise,” she said. “Leadership isn’t about titles. It’s about showing up for your community and helping others thrive.” 

Recognition on a National Stage 

At the ceremony in New York City, Mamta joined honorees from across the country, each recognized for their work in fields ranging from technology to the arts to civic leadership. She said what struck her most was what the honorees had in common. 

“Being recognized at the Beacon Award Ceremony alongside other young leaders from across the country was both inspiring and humbling,” she said. “What stood out most to me was the compassion everyone brought to their work, no matter the industry or focus.” 

A Message for the Next Generation 

When asked what advice she would give to other young professionals who want to lead with purpose, her answer was clear. 

“Know your ‘why’, stick to it, and surround yourself with people who lift you up,” she said. “Don’t let where you come from limit what you can accomplish. Your background can shape you, but it doesn’t define what you’re capable of.” 

Ohio House Bill 524 Proposes Penalties on AI Promoting Self-Harm

COLUMBUS, Ohio – The Ohio Suicide Prevention Foundation (OSPF), joined by state lawmakers at the Ohio Statehouse, held a news conference on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, to address the growing influence of artificial intelligence (AI) on youth mental health and to advocate for stronger protections under Ohio House Bill 524 (HB 524).

HB 524 would impose penalties on entities whose AI models suggest that users harm themselves or others. The bill is being sponsored jointly by State Rep. Christine Cockley (D–Columbus) and State Rep. Ty D. Mathews (R–Findlay), who joined OSPF CEO Tony Coder during the news conference.

Coder outlined sobering statistics from the Ohio Department of Health. In 2023, 1,777 Ohioans died by suicide, or nearly five people every day. Suicide remains the second leading cause of death for children ages 10–14.

“We continue to see many outside influences on youth suicide outside of brain health,” he said. “Social media and internet-related issues continue to drive rates of mental health up for teens, and now we are hearing more anecdotes about AI’s influence on children and suicide.”

Coder cited a 2025 Common Sense Media report showing:

Research also shows AI companions provide an appropriate mental health crisis referral only 22% of the time when teens express distress.

“OSPF is not anti-technology or anti-AI,” Coder emphasized. “We do believe and support advances in technology that could, with some imagination, do amazing things that could impact society in positive ways. But we also must protect children from the consequences, especially as youth develop relationships with AI chatbots and put their trust in these entities.”

Coder referenced research from Dr. Laurie O. Campbell of the University of South Florida describing cases in which adolescents were influenced toward self-harm through AI chatbot interactions on platforms such as Character.AI. He also cited a December 2025 segment of 60 Minutes detailing the death of a 13-year-old, who reportedly told a chatbot she was suicidal 55 times without being provided mental health resources.

State Rep. Cockley stressed the importance of proactive protections for minors interacting with rapidly evolving technologies.

“This bill is about accountability. It’s about drawing a clear line: innovation cannot come at the expense of human life or children’s safety. By encouraging developers to use a mental health framework when building and training AI, we can ensure our digital spaces continue to be places of learning, curiosity, and connections,” Rep. Cockley said.

State Rep. Mathews emphasized that the legislation strikes a balance between technological advancement and ensuring the well-being of Ohioans. He also urged parents to actively engage with their children about their AI use, stating, “If you’re a parent or friend, make sure you’re checking on your kids and what they’re utilizing on their phones. The frontline of this is you and me.”

Parents and other Ohioans are urged to learn more about HB 524 and engage in the legislative process as the bill moves forward.