Milford High School sophomore Grayson H. has been selected to serve on the Ohio Suicide Prevention Foundation (OSPF) Youth Advisory Council, a group of 20 high school students from across Ohio working to advance youth-led suicide prevention efforts. Grayson was chosen from a pool of 50 applicants, reflecting his commitment to mental health awareness and his leadership within Sources of Strength, Milford’s peer-driven suicide prevention program.
The Youth Advisory Council was created to empower high school students in shaping suicide prevention strategies and ensuring that youth voices play a central role in outreach efforts. As a member, Grayson will help review grant applications for youth-led mental health initiatives, determining which projects receive funding to support suicide prevention programs in middle schools, high schools, and communities across Ohio.
Grayson first learned about the opportunity from Milford High School counselor Kaitlyn Richter, who serves as an advisor for Sources of Strength.
“It’s kind of crazy,” Grayson said. “I didn’t think I would get picked, but I just answered the questions honestly about why this work is important to me. I want to help end the stigma around mental health and show people that support is out there.”
The Youth Advisory Council will meet in Columbus this spring to review funding proposals for student-led suicide prevention initiatives. Grants of up to ten Ohio-based projects will be awarded, supporting evidence-based programs like Sources of Strength, Be Present Ohio, and other youth-driven initiatives.
Grayson believes in the power of peer support and hopes to use his role to encourage open conversations about mental health at Milford and beyond.
“You can’t stop things like suicide overnight,” he said. “But the more we talk about it and spread awareness, the more we can prevent it. I want to be part of that change.”
Milford High School counselor Kaitlyn Richter praised Grayson’s dedication and the passion he demonstrates in Sources of Strength.
The Ohio Suicide Prevention Foundation (OSPF) and the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services fund these youth-led grants, ensuring that student-driven projects receive the resources they need.
For more information about the Youth Advisory Council, visit: https://www.ohiospf.org/new-youth-advisory-council-created-to-empower-high-school-students-in-suicide-prevention-efforts/