Sources of Strength Ohio is a strengths-based prevention program for students in grades 3-12 that focuses on suicide prevention, substance abuse, bullying, and violence. The American Journal of Public Health describes the program as “the first suicide prevention program connecting adult advisors with diverse peer leaders to enhance protective factors associated with reducing suicide at the school population level.”

Recovery Resources
Locally, Recovery Resources, an agency that helps people triumph over mental illness, alcoholism, drug and other addictions, was awarded a Sources of Strength Ohio Network SFY22 grant in October from The Ohio Suicide Prevention Foundation & PreventionFIRST! with funding through OHMAS.

They are currently offering assistance to local school districts in Cuyahoga County for the implementation of the Sources of Strength program. Interested schools should reach out to Prevention Specialist Jason Steckel, at [email protected], to learn more about the training and to discuss next steps.

Training Requirements
High schools and middle schools interested in going through the Sources of Strengths training are required to provide space and time for the one- or two-day session provided for adult advisors and peer leaders. There is also an expectation of two meetings per month. Interested elementary schools will simply need to provide classroom time for presentation of the curriculum. Schools outside of Cuyahoga County are encouraged to reach out to Jason so they may be connected with the appropriate Ohio Sources of Strength Network Leader.

Bay High School Launches Sources of Strength
Bay High School in Bay Village, Ohio, recently launched the Sources of Strength program. Led by Athletic/Activities Director Matt Spellman and a team of 10 faculty and staff members, the program teaches students skills to help them focus on what gives them strength. Each month, a new source of strength is highlighted (e.g., family support), and activities are organized around that theme. Some of these include creating collages, making a video, launching an art display, assisting other clubs in the building, and writing uplifting notes for all high school students. To follow their journey, visit them on Instagram @bayhighsourcesofstrength.

Sources of Strength Ohio’s pamphlet.

Sources of Strength Ohio’s comprehensive brochure.