OSPF Staff Spotlight: Tony Coder

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. 

Tony Coder is the Chief Executive Officer of OSPF and 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, and increase resources and programs that reduce the risk of lives lost to suicide. 

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

A1: I have someone in my family who has struggled with suicide and mental health issues, and, in this role, I have been able to meet with so many wonderful families who have also had loved ones struggle and many who have lost loved ones to suicide.  I have been told many times that families who have lost a loved one to suicide are in a club we don’t want to be in.”  We want to build awareness, end stigma around suicide, but, even more importantly, create a system that helps individuals and families who are impacted by suicide. 

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

A2: There have been many moments that have made me proud while serving OSPF that listing them all would make this a novel instead of a social media post.  I find the most rewarding moments to be when I attend events in the local community.  We have many great programs at OSPF, serving a wide range of populations, communities, and families. However, I am particularly grateful and humbled by the tremendous work being done at the local level, as I have the opportunity to see and participate in these events. 

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

A3: I prioritize my own wellness by listening to comedy podcasts, spending time with my wife and three sons, and watching baseball.  It is tough to prioritize self, but it has to be done. In fact, from the many families that I have spoken with, there is a somewhat common theme – many times, those who struggle with suicide often are the most giving of people.  I was at a funeral of a 17-year-old girl a few years ago and I was standing in line behind a classmate of hers and the classmate said about the girl’s suicide, “I just can’t believe that she is gone.  She just gave me so much joy, so much of her heart.”  The mom simply said back to her, “I wish that she would have kept a little for herself.”  That has rang true with me and reminds me of the important role that self-care plays. 

Q4: What message would you share with someone who may be experiencing a mental health crisis or supporting a loved one in crisis? 

A4: Reach out – reach out to 988, reach out to another person, call us at OSPF.  Do something to let someone know of the struggles that you are going through.  Mental health is a mean disease and will beat you to your knees if you let it.  By reaching out to someone else, you create a team that can help you in your battle.  You are important.  You are loved.  You have tremendous gifts and value – and most importantly – you deserve care.