Videos

Quarantine Chats

Introducing our new series, Quarantine Chats. In the midst of COVID-19 we at OSPF want you to know that you are not alone. Join us every Friday LIVE on Facebook and Twitter as Executive Director, Tony Coder, and Communications Manager, Keiko Talley, sit down with different guest to provide you with a safe space to discuss thoughts, feelings, and communicate with others while practicing social distancing.

July 31, 2020 – Broadway actress and certified yoga instructor Charnette Batey explains how yoga can be used to help heal your physical, mental, and emotional self. Along with teaching us a few simple moves, Charnette explains the importance of mental health and mental health resources in the black community. Follow her on Instagram @CharnetteB to join a live class where donations made will be provided to The Loveland Foundation, an organization that offers therapy and other mental health resources to communities of color.

July 24, 2020 – We introduce our newest staff member, Nithya Ramadurai as our Vista. While getting to know her personally she explains why she chose to get into suicide prevention, and what her position will be doing for our team in the coming year.

July 10, 2020 – Delaware HelpLine Suicide Prevention Program Manager, Sarah Jefferson, talks about calls HelpLine has recieved recently during COVID-19. She also shares the different programs HelpLine has to help people in crisis, want to help someone in crisis, and domestic violence.

June 26, 2020 – America’s Got Talent  contestant Alonzo  speaks about mental health in the black community, #backlivesmatter, and his booming career.

June 19, 2020 – Suicide rates for young black men are on the rise and NBC10 reporter, Connor Cyrus, explains how racism has played into those numbers. Along with talking about #blacklivesmatter he explains how people can be better allies and what they can do to amplify black voices.

June 12, 2020 – Kaleidoscope Youth Center is the largest and longest standing organization in Ohio serving queer youth. Executive Director Erin Upchurch talks about the importance of feeling loved and acceptance is to LGBTQ+ youth. She explains how allies can work to help make changes and assure the youth that they are being heard.

June 5, 2020 – Ohio Native, and Ru Paul’s Drag Race Season 11 Miss Congeniality, Nina West, talks about the importance of being an ally and how to find your own voice. Nina also discusses mental health in the LGBTQ community and what drag has taught him.

May 29, 2020 – 33 Forever Educational Programming Chair, Sara Bennett explains how her family’s foundation first started. As a full time teacher Bennett talks about how losing her sister to suicide has helped her be more vulnerable with her students and learn about their mental health.

May 22, 2020 – Mental health advocate, Gabe Howard, talks about his journey with Bipolar Disorder and reflects on why he decided to write a book about his mental health.

May 15, 2020 – Motivational speaker, Tom Farley, talks about what it was like to grow up with his brother & comedian, Chris Farley. Tom also explains how improve can be used as a tool to help develop communication skills, and trust.

May 8, 2020 – Clinical psychologist and mental health advocate, Dr. Sally Spencer Thomas, talks about positive psychology during quarantine and the tools you can use for rebuilding.

May 1, 2020 –SAMHSA Regional Administrator, Jeffrey Coady, discusses what SAMHSA is doing across the country to help people during this pandemic. He offers some insight about guidance and resources for COVID-19, as well as training and technical assistance.

April 24, 2020 – Hufsa Ahmad is a comedian and mental health advocate. Joining us from Orange County, California she talks about breaking meant illness stigmas. Ahmad also tells us what lead to her mental illness diagnosis, and helpful responses others can use when talking to someone with a mental illness.

April 10, 2020 – Edwina Hayes is a singer and song writer who’s cover of Randy Newman’s song “Feels Like Home” was featured in the film My Sister’s Keeper. Tuning in from UK, she explains how quarantine is going overseas and what she has been doing to keep busy as well as uplift others spirits. Edwina also preforms three songs.

April 3, 2020 – Sarah Price and Denise Meine-Graham from Franklin County LOSS talk about grief and isolation. Together they share tips on what has helped them during their grief journey as well as what LOSS is doing for others during this time.

Informational

A key to combating suicides in Ohio is by raising awareness. These videos share personal stories, and explain the importance of suicide prevention.

Ohio Suicide Prevention Foundation, and NAMI staff members discuss the importance of talking about suicide.

OSPF Board President, Sandy Williams, talks about the loss of her dad, Jerry Williams, and how this loss impacted her life. Now, Sandy is a strong advocate for suicide prevention through her role as Board President of the Ohio Suicide Prevention Foundation and her work within her own nonprofit: Jerry’s Walk.

OSPF Director of Community Engagement, Michelle Price, shares her story about living with ongoing suicidal ideation (thoughts). She shares her struggles, but more importantly, she shares how she finds hope and keeps herself safe during crisis.

NAMI Hancock County Executive Director, Eric McKee, shares his ongoing battle with treatment-resistant depression and chronic suicidality and how he manages to overcome these barriers. Eric’s inspiring story affirms that you don’t have to succumb to your mental illness; there is hope!

Lizzy Zinn talks about the loss of her older brother, Cameron. Lizzy discusses how openly talking about mental illness and suicide is critical to reducing stigma – which can ultimately save lives.