Gov. DeWine announces early results of statewide SOAR mental health study

COLUMBUS, Ohio – Today during the 15th annual Faces of Resilience fundraiser, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine announced early results of the statewide mental health initiative known as the State of Ohio Adversity and Resilience (SOAR Study).

 

Launched in January 2024, this research initiative led by The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center's Center for Psychiatry and Resilience seeks to identify the root causes of the ongoing epidemic of persistent emotional distress, suicide and drug overdose. 

 

The statewide research project is funded by an initial $20 million grant from The Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services. 

 

Preliminary SOAR findings reveal that many in Ohio feel disconnected and overwhelmed, with 39% reporting loneliness and 49% reporting moderate or higher distress. 

 

“What we are learning through SOAR is really underscoring the importance of understanding and improving mental health for all Ohioans,” DeWine said. “We must continue to do everything we can to remove barriers and provide access to quality mental health care so that more Ohioans have the chance to live up to their God-given potential,” said

Governor DeWine.  

 

Two projects within SOAR include the Wellness Survey to assess the mental health of more than 16,000 Ohioans in all 88 counties through an online survey. The Brain Health Study features in-person visits using an MRI to complete brain scans with 1,200 families at rural, suburban and urban sites across Ohio. 

 

SOAR researchers are finding that risk factors for mental health challenges include sleep problems, childhood abuse/neglect, economic skepticism, lack of coping skills and lack of access to mental health care.

 

“We are grateful to Governor DeWine and the State of Ohio for supporting the statewide SOAR Study. This pioneering mental health research exemplifies Ohio State’s mission as a public land-grant university and is a significant investment in behavioral health,” said Ohio State President Walter “Ted” Carter Jr.  

 

The SOAR Study is just one of six national programs of distinction in the Center for Psychiatry and Resilience. This new community-facing center is bending the curve on the growing suicide and addiction epidemics by bringing together world-class clinical research leaders with expertise in trauma care, suicide prevention, depression treatment, addiction recovery and early psychosis interventions.

 

“This center enhances our enduring commitment to academic health, and its programs and crucial research will benefit all Ohioans said John J. Warner, MD, chief executive officer of The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center and executive vice president at Ohio State. “Mental health care is integral to overall health care, and the work in the Center for Psychiatry and Resilience is helping to develop prevention and treatment methodologies to advance patient-centered care and shape the training of future health professionals.” 

 

 More than 200 attended the Faces of Resilience luncheon on the Ohio State campus, raising almost $2 million for The Center for Psychiatry and Resilience.

 

“This year we've tripled our fundraising, thanks to Ohio-based companies who recognize the growing importance of mental health. Supporters include Cardinal Health, M/I Homes, Bath and Body Works, Shipyard, Worthington Enterprises and Diamond Hill,” said K. Luan Phan, MD, professor and chair of Ohio State’s Department Psychiatry and Behavioral Health and principal investigator of the SOAR Study.  “We cannot build this Center for Psychiatry and Resilience alone, and we appreciate the commitment from state government, academia and the corporate and philanthropic communities to fulfill this important mission.”

 

During the event, former Ohio State football running back Maurice Clarett was honored as this year’s recipient of The Ohio State University STAR Award for Outstanding Contributions in the Fields of Trauma and Resilience. Clarett was recognized for founding the Youngstown Red Zone that is dedicated to providing a safe and non-judgmental space for Youngstown residents struggling with mental health, behavioral health and substance use concerns.

 

The event also featured a personal story of resilience by Kim Bader of Lima, Ohio, who established the Dear Nicholas Foundation in loving memory of her son, Nicholas Bader. Through the foundation and in her daily life, she honors his legacy by advocating for mental health awareness. 

A performance by women representing Harmony Project’s Prison Arts Program at The Ohio Reformatory for Women rounded out the event.

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