Stephanie Beougher, Author at Ohio Suicide Prevention Foundation

Students across Ohio have returned to classrooms, and families are getting back into the routine of a new school year. The Ohio Suicide Prevention Foundation (OSPF) is sharing the N88 youth campaign to help students, families, educators, and community members learn about the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline and feel more comfortable starting conversations about mental wellness.

N88, pronounced “Nate,” is a youth-created campaign developed to make the 988 Lifeline more recognizable and approachable for young people. The campaign encourages students to remember that it is never too late to call, text, or chat 988 when they or someone they know needs emotional support.

“During the school year, students are balancing schoolwork, activities, and other pressures, and it is important to remind them that support is available whenever they need it,” said OSPF CEO Tony Coder. “N88 gives students a relatable way to talk about mental wellness and helps connect them with 988.”

The N88 Toolkit includes ready-to-use resources for schools, parents, caregivers, and community partners, including frequently asked questions, social media content, outreach templates, talking points, posters, a brand guide, and the “Where’s N88?” printable activity. The toolkit is available at https://tinyurl.com/N88resources.

OSPF encourages educators, families, student groups, coaches, youth-serving organizations, and community partners across the state to use the toolkit throughout the school year to share positive mental wellness messages, display campaign materials, and help students know where to turn for support.

Mental Wellness Tips

For students:

Build small routines that support your well-being, such as getting enough sleep, eating regular meals, moving your body, and taking breaks from screens.
Talk with a trusted adult, friend, counselor, coach, or family member when stress feels heavy or hard to manage.
Make time for activities that help you reset, such as music, art, journaling, walking, sports, or spending time with supportive people.
Remember that asking for help is a sign of strength.

For parents and caregivers:

Start regular, low-pressure conversations about school, friendships, stress, and mental wellness.
Listen calmly and without judgment when a young person shares concerns and let them know they are not alone.
Watch for changes in sleep, mood, appetite, behavior, social connection, or school performance that may signal a need for extra support.
Help students create healthy routines, including consistent sleep, balanced meals, physical activity, downtime, and limits around technology.

For more information and resources, visit the Be Present Ohio website at bepresentohio.org and follow @BePresentOhio on Instagram.

Community leaders, mental health advocates, and local partners gathered June 4, 2026, at the French Creek YMCA in Avon to launch a new statewide initiative aimed at reducing men’s suicide and strengthening support systems for those struggling with mental health challenges.

The effort, led by the Ohio Suicide Prevention Foundation through funding from the Ohio Department of Health, will focus on 10 Ohio counties with elevated rates of male suicide: Clark, Cuyahoga, Hamilton, Lorain, Lucas, Mahoning, Marion, Montgomery, Richland, and Summit counties.

According to the Ohio Department of Health, men accounted for 81 percent of suicide deaths in Ohio in 2023, representing more than 1,400 lives lost. The new two-year initiative will focus on men ages 24 to 59 by expanding evidence-based prevention programs, increasing access to training and resources, supporting local partnerships, and reducing stigma around seeking help.

The targeted counties were selected based on data showing a disproportionate impact of suicide among men. In Lorain County, 76 percent of suicide deaths between 2020 and 2023 were among men, accounting for 131 of the county’s 172 suicide deaths during that period. In neighboring Cuyahoga County, men accounted for 72 percent of suicide deaths, representing 552 of 725 deaths from 2020 through 2023.

“Too often, men feel pressure to carry their struggles alone,” said Tony Coder, Director of Statewide Prevention Initiatives for the Ohio Suicide Prevention Foundation. “This initiative is about making sure men know they are not alone, that support is available, and that communities across Ohio are ready to respond with compassion, connection, and practical solutions before a crisis occurs.”

In Lorain County, local leaders highlighted the need to continue focusing on prevention and early intervention. Males are three times more likely than females to die by suicide in the county, and local data show rising concerns among young adults and older adults.

“The stigma surrounding mental health continues to prevent many people from seeking help,” said Rebecca Jones, Chair of the Lorain County Suicide Prevention Coalition and representative of the Mental Health, Addiction & Recovery Services Board of Lorain County. “Our goal is to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and make sure every resident knows that support is available. Through collaboration, education, and community engagement, we can help connect people to care before a crisis escalates.”

Jones also highlighted local resources, including the Lorain County Crisis Recovery Center, the county’s first dedicated 24/7 facility for individuals experiencing a mental health or substance use crisis. The center offers immediate access to stabilization services, peer support, and treatment in a welcoming, recovery-focused environment.

As part of the statewide initiative, Lorain County partners will host several local activities, including a Fishin’ for Free event with Life Side Ohio on June 27 from 9 until noon at Finger Pier and a firearm safety conference designed to foster conversations between suicide prevention advocates, hunters, firearm retailers, and first responders. The county is also forming a men’s mental health subcommittee to support outreach through the Man Therapy campaign.

Brandon J. Wysocki, Director of Youth Services and Community Outreach for American Legion Post 30, emphasized the importance of changing perceptions around mental health among men.

“It’s unfortunate that the stigma around mental health persists, especially for men. Mental health is as crucial as physical health, and discussing it is not a sign of weakness,” Wysocki said. “I’m excited to partner with the Lorain County Suicide Prevention Coalition to provide vital resources for men. Our work aims to save lives and enhance overall wellness, and I’m proud to represent American Legion Post 30 in this important initiative.”

The initiative will also expand access to suicide prevention trainings, including Question, Persuade, Refer (QPR), Mental Health First Aid, and Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST), while promoting resources such as Man Therapy Ohio, Life Side Ohio, and the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.

Community members are encouraged to check in on the men in their lives, learn the warning signs of suicide, and share available resources. Anyone experiencing emotional distress or a mental health crisis can call or text 988 at any time for free, confidential support.

The Ohio Suicide Prevention Foundation has announced a new youth-focused awareness campaign aimed at helping young people better understand and access the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. The campaign introduces “N88,” pronounced Nate, a youth-created character designed to make mental health support more approachable and recognizable to students across Ohio.

The announcement was made during a news conference on May 27, 2026, at Jones Middle School in Upper Arlington, Ohio, with Sources of Strength Peer Leaders from Jones and Hastings Middle School in attendance.

“As Ohio continues to invest in behavioral health services, awareness of 988 should remain a priority. Schools, workplaces, healthcare providers, faith communities, and local governments all have a role in spreading information about this resource,” OSPF CEO Tony Coder said. “Today, Ohio’s youth are taking the lead so that more people know about 988 and more lives can be saved.”

The campaign was developed by OSPF’s Youth Advisory Council, including Upper Arlington High School student Colson Smith, who helped introduce the “N88” concept during the event.

“There exists a lot of stigma around mental health and especially around resources that are available in order to help,” Colson said. “Through a campaign, we want to promote 988’s accessibility and connect with our peers.”

Ohio Department of Behavioral Health Director Tia Marcel Moretti highlighted how 988 is impacting the state’s youth, stating, “The ability to text or chat with a trained counselor has made crisis support feel more approachable and accessible for many youth. Nationally, adolescents and young adults have been among the highest users of 988 services since its launch. That matters because earlier intervention can prevent crises from escalating and connect young people to care sooner.”

Campaign materials will begin appearing in schools and youth-focused organizations during the 2026–2027 school year, as well as on social media through Be Present Ohio and the Ohio Suicide Prevention Foundation.

A graphic featuring the new N88 character is available to download at https://www.ohiospf.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/N88-graphic-for-website-scaled.jpg.

By Tony Coder, Ohio Suicide Prevention Foundation, CEO

No family ever expects that a conversation with a chatbot could be part of their child’s final moments. In August 2025, 16-year-old Adam Raine died by suicide. According to his family, a chatbot on ChatGPT encouraged his suicidal ideation, provided information about suicide methods, and discouraged him from telling his parents. Just months earlier, in October 2024, 14-year-old Sewell Setzer III died by suicide, following prolonged interactions with a chatbot on Character.AI, which his family alleges fostered emotional dependence and engaged in harmful, manipulative behavior. These cases are at the center of ongoing legal challenges against AI companies.

Artificial intelligence and digital platforms are rapidly reshaping how young people connect, seek support, and experience the world. AI-powered chatbots, tools designed to simulate human conversation, often used by young people for advice, companionship, or emotional support, are becoming a growing part of that landscape. Adam and Sewell are not isolated incidents, and their families’ experiences are a painful reminder of what is at stake. The question is no longer whether these tools will influence our children, but how, and at what cost.

This is not about stifling innovation. It is about ensuring innovation evolves responsibly. At its core, this is about putting families before the profits of technology companies.

A Rapidly Evolving Landscape

Artificial intelligence is no longer emerging. It is embedded in daily life, with an estimated 500 to 600 million users worldwide. Among young people, adoption is widespread. According to Common Sense Media, 72% of teens have used AI companions, and many use them regularly. We are also seeing a growing number of mental health–related interactions on these platforms. OpenAI estimates that roughly one million users discuss suicide with ChatGPT each week, with a measurable percentage showing signs of acute distress or suicidal intent. Small percentages at this scale represent a significant number of vulnerable individuals. These numbers represent real people, real families, and real stories of loss.

These platforms are not neutral. They are designed systems built to maximize engagement, often at the expense of user well-being. They are designed to encourage prolonged interaction, habit formation, and, in some cases, emotional reliance. As Camille Carlton of the Center for Humane Technology explains, this “extended interaction design” is optimized for conversations that do not end, where users contribute a fraction of the input, while the system generates the majority, keeping them engaged again and again.

When tools designed this way are increasingly used for companionship, advice, or emotional support, their influence becomes not just significant but deeply personal.

The Human Impact

What looks like casual conversation on a screen can feel very different to a young person who is struggling. For many, AI has become a source of companionship, advice, and emotional support. Common Sense Media reports that a third of teens have chosen AI companions over humans for serious conversations, and a quarter have shared personal information with these platforms. These interactions can feel real, but they are not a substitute for human care. What’s emerging is a form of “artificial intimacy,” where technology mimics connection without the accountability, judgment, or empathy of a trusted adult.

This becomes especially concerning in moments of vulnerability. According to the American Psychological Association, AI systems may fail to provide appropriate crisis intervention, reinforce harmful thoughts, or encourage secrecy, positioning themselves as a replacement for parents, caregivers, or other trusted supports.

Carlton warns, some of these products are “intentionally built to undermine our existing human vulnerabilities and take advantage of the mental health crisis and loneliness epidemic we are already facing.” For families, that can feel like something is being taken advantage of at the most vulnerable moments in their child’s life.

At its core, this is not just about AI. It is about what happens when anyone, human or technology, fails to respond appropriately to someone in crisis.

Moving Forward Responsibly

The goal is not to stop progress, but to guide it responsibly. Seatbelts and airbags didn’t end the automotive industry; they made it safer. The same principle must apply here.

Addressing the intersection of AI, digital platforms, and youth mental health will require action on multiple fronts. First is education. As this technology evolves rapidly, many parents, educators, and even professionals are struggling to keep pace.

That’s why the Ohio Suicide Prevention Foundation is helping lead this conversation nationally. In partnership with the National Suicide Prevention Advocacy Network (NSPAN) and SAVE (Suicide Awareness Voices of Education), OSPF is co-hosting a national conversation, Exploring the Intersection of AI & Suicide Prevention. This convening brings together advocates, policymakers, and experts to examine how AI is reshaping safety, mental health, and the future of prevention.

Speakers have explored bipartisan efforts to address AI-generated harms, the mental health implications of artificial intimacy, and opportunities to strengthen suicide prevention through responsible technology. The conversation also features leaders from across the field sharing real-world insights and strategies for moving forward. The next national conversation will take place on June 10 at 1 p.m. ET via Zoom, with registration now open.

Second, the technology industry must take greater responsibility. This starts with building “safe-by-design” systems that include guardrails, effective crisis response protocols, and age-appropriate protections. Platforms cannot continue to optimize solely for engagement at the expense of user well-being, especially when engagement is driven by prolonged interaction, emotional reliance, or vulnerability. Innovation should be measured not just by growth, but by its impact on human well-being.

Finally, this is a shared responsibility. Parents, educators, and communities all play a critical role in helping young people navigate an increasingly complex digital world. That means fostering digital literacy, creating space for open and judgment-free conversations, and setting clear, healthy boundaries around technology use. It also means shifting from avoidance to co-engagement by understanding the tools young people are using and guiding them in how to use them safely. Parents may be on the front lines, but they should not be expected to carry this burden alone.

Putting Families First in the Age of AI

Innovation cannot come at the expense of human life, especially the lives of our children. No statistic captures what it means for a family to lose a child. Safety is a shared responsibility across technology companies, policymakers, and families. Behind every story, like Adam’s or Sewell’s, are families grappling with tragedies that could have been prevented. By raising awareness, taking intentional action, and creating clear safeguards, we have a real opportunity to shape the future of this technology so that innovation and safety go hand in hand.

About the author:

Tony Coder began his leadership of the Ohio Suicide Prevention Foundation, a nonprofit organization focused on reducing suicides in Ohio and across the Midwest, in 2019. As CEO, Tony 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, advocate for system improvement in the mental health field, and increase resources and programs that reduce the risk of lives lost to suicide.

The Ohio Suicide Prevention Foundation is a nonprofit organization that works tirelessly to prevent one of our most preventable causes of death: suicide. Our work includes reducing the stigma of suicide, promoting evidence-based prevention strategies, and raising awareness about suicide’s relationship to mental illness and substance use disorders, and other factors that contribute to suicide.

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Editor’s Note: Tony Coder’s photo is available to download.

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.

The Ohio Suicide Prevention Foundation today announced the recipients of grant funding from the Jerry Williams Memorial Fund, totaling $20,000. The grants support programs aimed at preventing suicide among older adults in Ohio.

Established in 2023 to honor the memory of Jerry Williams, who died by suicide at the age of 74, the fund addresses the critical need for targeted support for seniors. Research shows that older adults, especially those over 65, experience higher suicide rates, yet they remain underserved by traditional prevention efforts. Since its inception, the fund has provided over $120,000 in funding to support suicide prevention efforts directed at older adults.

This year’s projects will address loneliness, which is one of the main risk factors for suicide in older adults.

“We are excited to champion these groundbreaking initiatives that address the unique challenges older adults encounter,” said OSPF CEO Tony Coder. “By investing in these projects, we aim to spark important conversations and proactive efforts to prevent suicide among seniors, who deserve our support and care.”

This year’s recipients were selected based on their innovative approaches to addressing the stigma surrounding mental health and their ability to engage with senior adults effectively. The funded projects, which will run through June 30, 2026, focus on developing scalable and replicable models that can make a significant impact across the state.

The awarded projects are:

Organization Name: The Older Adult Taskforce of the Butler County Suicide Prevention Coalition, an initiative of Envision Partnerships
Location: Hamilton, Ohio
Project Funded: Reducing Stigma and Normalizing Mental Health Conversations Older Adult Community Event
Funding Amount: $2,500
Project Summary:
An older adult community event will be held to encourage social connection, open discussions about mental health and suicide prevention, and assistance so participants feel more comfortable seeking help. One of the breakout sessions will focus on The Pen Connection, a previously funded project. This workshop will be recorded to be shared with other Coalitions across the state interested in conducting pen pal programs for older adults. A minimum of 100 community members will participate in the event, with 80% of attendees reporting increased comfort discussing mental health and awareness of available resources (via post-event evaluations).

Organization Name: OSU-Extension Belmont County
Location: Belmont County, including St. Clairsville
Project Funded: Senior luncheon and connection cafés
Funding Amount: $10,000
Project Summary:
OSU-E Belmont County will invite the ten senior centers in Belmont County to a luncheon on mental health and wellness. This project will also implement at least one Coffee Connection Café in 50% of these towns: St. Clairsville, Barnesville, Bellaire, Bridgeport, Martins Ferry, and Shadyside in Belmont County. Follow-up (at 3-month mark) will take place with at least 50% of the senior centers to address any questions or concerns that may need addressed. The CARES/OSU program will distribute CARES/OSU and 988 magnets at all events offered during grant period and will distribute CARES/OSU and 988 magnets to 1100 Meals on Wheels participants in Belmont County.

Organization Name: Gallia-Jackson-Meigs Suicide Prevention Collaborative in partnership with the Gallia-Jackson-Meigs ADAMH Board, Area Agency on Aging District 7.
Location: Jackson and Gallipolis, Ohio
Project Funded: Season of Connection—a free winter movie series for seniors.
Funding Amount: $4,500
Project Summary:
This project will host six free senior movie events from December 2025 to April 2026, aiming to engage at least 300 older adults and achieve a 70% improvement in their social connections and mood. Participants will receive over 300 resource bags with mental health materials, including information on the 988 Lifeline and Veterans Crisis Line. Collaboration with more than 10 partner organizations will support outreach and logistics, while pre-show public service announcements will promote themes of belonging, purpose, and wellness.

Organization Name: Carve Your Own Path
Location: Akron, Ohio
Project Funded: The Creative Connection Initiative: Combating Isolation and Suicide Risk in Subsidized Senior Housing
Funding Amount: $3,000
Project Summary: The Creative Connection Initiative is a targeted suicide prevention program serving residents aged 65 and older at Collinson Apartments in Akron, Ohio. This project will combine specialized, group-based Expressive Art Therapy with essential, on-site case management follow-up to address the critical risks of social isolation, depression, and mental health stigma prevalent in subsidized senior housing.

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.

Austin Lucas is OSPF’s Associate Director and has been with the organization since 2018. He is involved with statewide advocacy efforts, working to ensure suicide prevention funding and policy are in the best interest of Ohio’s community members and those impacted by suicide.

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

A1: Many of my friends and family members live with mental health conditions, so I have always wanted to get in the field to help. Additionally, I live with mental health issues myself, so I can relate to what others might be going through. Prevention was a perfect fit because while you can’t prevent some mental health diagnoses, you can prevent some adverse outcomes, such as suicide.

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

A2: One project that I am particularly proud of is leading the Ohio Suicide Fatality Review Board Advisory Team and increasing the infrastructure and support of local suicide fatality review committees. Prior to 2021, only two local SFRs were implementing suicide fatality review committees. I led the planning and implementation of the first-ever Ohio Suicide Fatality Review Best Practices Summit in November 2024, with 174 attendees. Now, in 2025, 35 of the 88 counties are covered, and Ohio is seen as a model and national leader in suicide mortality review.

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

A3: I prioritize self-care and mental wellness in my own life by doing the things I love, such as kayaking and hiking. I also spend as much time with my wife and six-year-old son as a family to decompress from the stressors of daily 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: Mental illness and suicidal thoughts are much more common than people believe. Thus, many people have gone through similar things you are experiencing and have ultimately received the help they need. I have talked to hundreds of people in my 7+ years at OSPF who have shared their mental health struggles with me, who have ultimately found a way to get help and support even when they initially felt very hopeless. We tend to hear about negative mental health outcomes and stories more in the news than stories of hope, resiliency, and recovery. However, I can assure you that your life matters, prevention works, and helpful resources are out there.

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