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NAMI Southwest Ohio
Columbus, Ohio – Peer leadership and meaningful connections can save lives. According to a new study funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine, Sources of Strength’s (Sources) prevention model helps reduce suicide attempts among high school students by an astonishing 29%.
For nearly 30 years, Sources has worked with both youth and adults to build resilience, promote mental well-being, and prevent suicide. By training diverse student leaders and leveraging peer influence, Sources transforms school environments and fosters cultures of hope and support, according to a new report released by the Ohio Suicide Prevention Foundation.
Sources of Strength Ohio (SourcesOH) is an initiative of the Ohio Suicide Prevention Foundation (OSPF) and PreventionFIRST! with funding and support from the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services.
“We hear from so many people how Sources positively impacts the well-being of students, teachers, and communities across Ohio,” said OSPF Executive Director Tony Coder. “This new study provides further evidence of the life-saving potential of this program. We are so thankful to be a part of providing Sources at no- or low-cost to as many Ohio schools and communities as possible.”
Considered one of the first suicide prevention programs to demonstrate effectiveness using Peer Leaders, SourcesOH has been implemented in 62 Ohio counties and 399 Ohio schools since December 2020 and has reached 174,000 Ohio students, including 218 middle and high schools.
“PreventionFIRST! supports Ohio schools in implementing and adopting Sources of Strength Ohio. When we meet with administrators and teachers, sharing positive outcomes, supported by national and state-level data, adds incredible value to this successful program,” said PreventionFIRST! President and CEO Nicole Schiesler. “Schools want to make informed decisions, and this evidence-based research elevates Sources of Strength as a beneficial and exceptional choice for the mental wellness of their students and teachers.”
The new study involved 20 high schools in Colorado and over 6,500 students, with 226 peer leaders and 79 adult advisors trained by certified Sources staff.
Key findings from the study include:
- 29% Fewer Suicide Attempts: The program helped reduce suicide attempts among high school students by nearly a third.
- Students Create Big Change: By empowering students to foster healthy and protective cultures, the program builds stronger, more connected schools where students feel seen, valued and supported.
- Innovative Public Health Approach: According to the CDC, suicide is the second leading cause of death among young people aged 10–24, making it a pressing public health issue. This approach is promising for being able to reduce suicide at a population level.
- Support for Students Facing Trauma: The study was funded to examine Source’s potential impact on sexual violence and harassment prevention. A cautious interpretation of the evidence suggests that Sources may not prevent suicide attempts among students who have recently experienced sexual violence, highlighting the need for additional intervention support for this high-risk group.
An independent evaluation of Sources Secondary Program conducted in Ohio schools during the 2023-2024 school year showed that nearly half of the students felt equipped to recognize the warning signs of suicide and step in to help a friend in need; fewer students experienced prolonged periods of sadness, many used the coping strategies learned through Sources; and the number of students involved in physical fights on school property decreased from 8.7 to 4.8%.
The Ohio Department of Education and Workforce has approved the Sources Secondary Program as a suicide and violence prevention program for HB123/the SAVE Students Act. For more information, please visit SourcesofStrengthOhio.org or email SourcesOH@Prevention-First.org.
