Peer leadership and meaningful connections can save lives. A new study funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine reveals that the Sources of Strength prevention model reduces suicide attempts among high school students by an astonishing 29%.
For nearly 30 years, Sources of Strength has empowered 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.
A Statewide Effort to Save Lives
As feature in this Ohio Suicide Prevention Foundation Blog Post, 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. Since December 2020, SourcesOH has been implemented in 62 Ohio counties, 399 schools, and has reached over 174,000 students. The program is considered one of the first suicide prevention initiatives to demonstrate effectiveness using peer leadership.
“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.”
Research-Backed Impact
The new study, conducted in 20 Colorado high schools with over 6,500 students, including 226 peer leaders and 79 adult advisors, found:
- 29% Fewer Suicide Attempts – The program reduced suicide attempts among high school students by nearly a third.
- Empowering Student Leadership – By equipping students to foster healthy and protective cultures, Sources builds stronger, more connected schools where students feel seen, valued, and supported.
- Public Health Innovation – Suicide remains the second leading cause of death among youth ages 10-24. This approach shows promise for reducing suicide at a population level.
- Support for Trauma-Affected Students – While Sources fosters resilience, the study indicates that additional interventions may be needed for students who have recently experienced sexual violence.
Evidence-Based Success in Ohio Schools
An independent evaluation of the Sources Secondary Program in Ohio during the 2023-2024 school year found:
- Nearly half of students felt equipped to recognize warning signs of suicide and help a friend in need.
- Fewer students reported prolonged sadness, showing an improvement in overall well-being.
- More students adopted coping strategies learned through Sources to navigate challenges.
- Violence in schools decreased, with incidents of physical fights on school property dropping from 8.7% to 4.8%.
Expanding Impact Across Ohio
Sources of Strength has been officially approved by the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce as a suicide and violence prevention program under HB123/the SAVE Students Act. With continued support, more Ohio schools and students will gain access to this evidence-based initiative, further strengthening mental health and resilience in communities across the state.
To learn more about Sources of Strength Ohio and its impact, visit SourcesofStrengthOhio.org or contact [email protected].
Media Contacts
- OSPF: Stephanie Beougher, Communications Director – [email protected], (380) 249-3579
- PreventionFIRST!: Jennifer Bierer, Communications Director – [email protected], (513) 751-8000 ext. 18