Join us in making a difference—your voice matters. The Ohio Suicide Prevention Foundation is committed to shaping policies that save lives, but we can’t do it alone. By supporting our advocacy efforts, you help ensure that mental health and suicide prevention remain top priorities for lawmakers across Ohio. Together, we can create lasting change in our communities.

Advocacy vs. Lobbying

Advocacy plays a vital role in creating systems supporting prevention, care access, and community well-being. It’s about raising awareness, educating decision-makers, and sharing the real-life impact of suicide and mental health challenges. While advocacy and lobbying are sometimes confused, they are not the same. Advocacy is about education and public awareness, not asking (or lobbying) legislators to vote a specific way on legislation.

What We’re Watching

Laws and Policy that Shape Suicide Prevention

OSPF CEO Tony Coder testified before the Ohio House Technology and Innovation Committee in support of HB 524, legislation designed to reduce risks to youth mental health related to AI and online platforms. The bill would impose penalties on entities whose AI models suggest that users harm themselves or others.

HB 524 is sponsored by State Rep. Christine Cockley (D–Columbus) and State Rep. Ty D. Mathews (R–Findlay). Both lawmakers joined OSPF at a news conference at the Ohio Statehouse to highlight the growing influence of artificial intelligence on youth mental health and the need for stronger safeguards.

By monitoring and supporting policies like HB 524, OSPF works to keep mental health and suicide prevention at the forefront of state decision-making.

🔗 Read Tony Coder’s full committee testimony:
https://www.ohiospf.org/house-technology-and-innovation-committee-hb524-proponent-testimony/

🔗 Read the full news conference recap and remarks from lawmakers and advocates:
https://www.ohiospf.org/lawmakers-advocates-highlight-need-for-ai-safeguards-to-protect-youth-mental-health/

Firearms are used in over half of all suicide deaths in Ohio. Creating time and space between a person in crisis and a firearm can make the difference between life and death. 

Ohio Senate Bill 273 would allow licensed firearm dealers to offer voluntary, temporary storage to provide a safe and responsible option for individuals and families during vulnerable moments. 

Watch proponent testimony in favor of SB 273, including comments from OSPF CEO Tony Coder:

Ohio Senate Committee Hearing Oct. 15, 2025

Ohio Senate Committee Meeting Oct. 29, 2025

The Intersection of AI & Suicide Prevention

Artificial intelligence is rapidly changing how people connect, access information, and interact online, creating both new opportunities and emerging risks for mental health and suicide prevention.

OSPF is co-hosting a national conversation, Exploring the Intersection of AI & Suicide Prevention, bringing together advocates, policymakers, and experts to discuss how AI is reshaping safety, mental health, and the future of prevention. Speakers 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 event concluded with a panel of leaders across the field sharing real-world insights and strategies for moving forward.

Watch the full webinar recording HERE.

Continue the conversation:
Join us for our next AI-focused webinar on June 10, 2026, where we’ll dive deeper into how emerging technologies impact suicide prevention and mental health. Register HERE.

How You Can Take Action Today

Voices for Suicide Prevention: Monthly Advocacy Updates

Join our monthly advocacy updates to stay informed about suicide prevention policy, advocacy opportunities, and updates from across Ohio. Register for the next session.

Missed a session? Watch the recordings below.

Contact Your Legislator

You can urge lawmakers to support lifesaving, common-sense legislation with just one click. 

By taking a few minutes to fill out the form below, you can directly support suicide prevention efforts in Ohio. When you submit the form, your message will be sent to state lawmakers—showing them that suicide prevention is a priority for the people they represent.

Here’s How You Can Help:

  1. Fill out the form on this page. Include your name, email, and address.
  2. Once you click “Submit Email,” your message will be sent to key decision makers in the Ohio legislature.
  3. Know that your voice counts. Every form submission is a step toward stronger mental health policies, better resources, and a more supportive Ohio for those at risk of suicide.