Ohio Suicide Prevention Foundation Board Member Spotlight: Nora O’Donnell, MS, MA, LPCC-S

In this OSPF Board member spotlight, we feature Nora O’Donnell. As a Clinical Mental Health Counselor and Supervisor, Nora brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to her work at the Ohio Suicide Prevention Foundation (OSPF). Her dedication not only enhances the lives of her clients but also contributes significantly to the OSPF’s mission of preventing suicide and promoting mental well-being in the community.

Q1: What motivated you to join the Ohio Suicide Prevention Foundation Board?

A1: I was motivated to join the Ohio Suicide Prevention Foundation Board through personal and professional experiences. Like most Ohioans, throughout my life, I have lost people to suicide: friends of my family growing up, high school peers, friends of friends, and former high school students I had taught. I think those numerous losses were part of what encouraged me to switch professions from teaching to mental health counseling. Throughout my career as a mental health counselor, I became interested in suicide prevention and learning more ways to advocate for suicide prevention programming in schools and reducing the stigma associated with mental health issues in general.

Q2: What accomplishments are you most proud of during your time on the board?

A2: During my time as a member of the OSPF Board, the Foundation has done a tremendous job in advancing its professional reputation: we not only have a voice in statewide conversations regarding suicide prevention, but OSPF has become the voice in suicide prevention, being asked to lead those very conversations we had previously worked so hard to be a part of. And now those conversations aren’t limited to just Ohio! Our Executive Director, Tony Coder, and his team have traveled nationwide to advocate suicide prevention.

Q3: In your view, how does OSPF make a meaningful difference in Ohio’s communities?

A3: I am admittedly biased by my high school English teacher and counselor background, but I think that working with today’s young people is incredibly impactful. Because of that, I think one of the most meaningful differences OSPF makes in Ohio’s communities is through Sources of Strength Ohio for youth. Sources of Strength is a comprehensive evidence-based wellness program for K-12 students. It can be implemented in a school or community setting that trains, supports, and empowers peer leaders and caring adults to impact their world through connection, hope, help, and strength. The programming improves emotional well-being and prevents suicide, substance misuse, bullying, and violence, and, with the help of government funding, OSPF has been able to offer Sources of Strength to schools at no cost. Sources of Strength has been implemented in nearly 400 schools, reaching about 175,000 students.

Q4: What do you find most rewarding about collaborating with your fellow board members?

A4: When I can look around at one of our board meetings and see individuals I otherwise may not have had the pleasure of meeting and feel the shared passion and determination to put an end to suicide, it’s a glimpse into a shared humanity for me. Collaborating with fellow board members who each bring their unique set of background experiences is an inspiring reminder that mental health issues and suicide do not discriminate. Even with our differing backgrounds, we are all dedicated to coming together to develop ways to better support our Executive Director, Tony Coder, and his team as they work tirelessly to fulfill the mission and vision of OSPF via its various initiatives. Those moments of shared humanity and collaboration are very rewarding. (It’s also rewarding when the members of the OSPF team join a board meeting and their passion, effort, and dedication shine through as they’re presenting their work!)

Q5: What advice would you give someone interested in supporting suicide prevention efforts in Ohio?

A5: Borrowing, if I may, a popular advertising slogan, JUST DO IT! If you’re interested in supporting suicide prevention efforts in Ohio, just start to channel your support. You can become an OSPF member, which affords access to the monthly webinar series featuring local and national leaders and offers discounted registration for select OSPF conferences/trainings. Additionally, there are plenty of free resources on OSPF’s website to make it really easy to learn the warning signs of suicide or start general conversations about mental health. If you’re looking for a more local way to show your support, you can reach out to one of the more than 70 Coalition leaders across the state (accessible on OSPF’s website) for a way to get involved with your community that’s potentially more focused on a particular problem for that geographic region.

If more people began talking about mental health, then more people would be comfortable talking about mental health challenges and connecting them with the necessary support would not be the challenge that it is for many individuals and families today. We all need to work together to fight suicide until not one life is lost.