OSPF Staff Spotlight: Austin Lucas

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.