About the Guest(s):

Evi Roberts is a dedicated youth program and policy manager at the Ohio Suicide Prevention Foundation (OSPF). With a robust background in public administration and addiction counseling, she transitioned into preventative mental health work through mentorship with notable figures such as Dr. Holly Raffle. Since joining OSPF in 2021, Evi has been instrumental in managing youth suicide prevention efforts, coordinating grant proposals, and implementing impactful marketing initiatives. Her commitment to reducing the risk of suicide is evident through her leadership in developing comprehensive strategies that advocate for mental health awareness across various age groups and demographics in Ohio.

Episode Summary:

In this episode of School Wellness, host Amanda Hampton invites Evi Roberts from the Ohio Suicide Prevention Foundation to discuss the critical importance of suicide prevention efforts within Ohio's communities and schools. The conversation digs deep into the systemic challenges and innovations surrounding mental health support and suicide prevention, providing listeners with a detailed overview of contemporary practices and data trends.

Evi Roberts delivers an insightful exploration of the Ohio Suicide Prevention Foundation's mission—bringing best practices in suicide prevention to local communities. As the conversation unfolds, Evi highlights alarming Ohio suicide statistics, focusing particularly on youth and young adults. Strategies like lethal means safety, the essential role of school counselors, and comprehensive educational programs such as Sources of Strength are examined. Evi emphasizes the significance of understanding protective and risk factors in suicide prevention, underscoring that community involvement and structured support systems are vital in saving lives.

Key Takeaways:

• Ohio's youth and young adults are significantly affected by suicide, emphasizing the need for comprehensive prevention strategies.
• The Ohio Suicide Prevention Foundation offers critical resources and programs such as Sources of Strength to bolster community and school efforts in reducing suicide rates.
• Understanding the nuances of warning signs and protective factors is key; schools play a pivotal role in fostering environments that encourage mental health discussion.
• The implementation of House Bill 123 requires Ohio schools to incorporate structured suicide prevention and violence prevention programs, highlighting Sources of Strength as a compliant option.
• Postvention is as crucial as prevention, offering resources and support to communities impacted by suicide and informing future prevention practices.

Notable Quotes:

• "We do everything we can to bring suicide prevention best practices programs and resources to Ohio communities." – Evi Roberts
• "If somebody makes an attempt of suicide with a firearm, there's about a 90% likelihood that person will die from that mechanism." – Evi Roberts
• "Whenever we work together to promote this sense of hope and provide these resources, we can create a difference within our communities and our families." – Evi Roberts
• "Sources of Strength is named for these eight protective factors that have been found in the research to reduce the likelihood of youth suicide." – Evi Roberts
• "It's important… to take into consideration the developmental differences that can impact some of these risk factors." – Evi Roberts

Resources:

• Ohio Suicide Prevention Foundation (OSPF)
• 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
• Be Present Ohio
• Safe Students Act - House Bill 123 information at the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce website

Explore further insights and in-depth discussions on mental health, suicide prevention, and more by tuning into the full episode. Stay engaged with School Wellness for continued explorations into essential topics that empower our communities.

Discover more resources from the Ohio School-Based Center of Excellence for Prevention & Early Intervention at OhioSBCOE.