In Ohio, a concerning statistic reveals that 19 individuals lose their lives daily to suicide or drug overdose. This alarming rate underscores a pressing need for a proactive approach to mental health, moving beyond reactive measures. Recognizing this urgent necessity, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center has embarked on a groundbreaking mental health study, the SOAR Project, aimed at identifying the root causes of emotional distress, suicide, and drug overdoses.
The SOAR Study: A Beacon of Hope
Led by Dr. Luan Phan, the SOAR Project Director, the initiative brings together leading minds from around the globe to tackle some of the most challenging issues related to mental health. Funded by a generous $20 million grant from state lawmakers, the study represents a collaborative effort with universities and hospitals across Ohio. It aims to create a new roadmap and playbook for developing effective treatments and cures with the potential to improve and save lives significantly.
Governor Mike DeWine’s administration emphasizes making behavioral health help visible, accessible, and effective in every community within the state. Ohio’s commitment to improving mental health is further demonstrated through this research investment, particularly in light of the exacerbated mental illness, suicide, and drug overdose rates following the COVID-19 pandemic.
A Multi-Faceted Approach to Mental Health
The SOAR Study is poised to investigate the complex interplay of biological, psychological, and social factors contributing to the state’s mental health crisis. The study adopts an integrated approach by engaging Ohioans in their local communities, bringing science directly to the people. This statewide medical research and development ecosystem aims to drive advances in mental health and substance use prevention science and treatment interventions.
LeeAnne Cornyn, Director of the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, highlights the study’s potential to unravel the mysteries behind these diseases. By understanding risk factors, effective mitigation strategies, and resilience-building techniques, the SOAR Study could dramatically influence disease prevention and life-saving measures.
Parallel Projects with Broad and Deep Focus
The SOAR Study comprises two interconnected projects: the SOAR Wellness Discovery Survey and the SOAR Brain Health Study. The former seeks to engage up to 15,000 people across all 88 Ohio counties to uncover strengths and skills related to overcoming adversity. This research will inform new treatments by identifying which factors to focus on. Meanwhile, the Brain Health Study will conduct an in-depth analysis of up to 3,600 Ohioans in family groups, examining biological, psychological, and social factors that explain individual responses to adversity.
A Legacy of Impact
The SOAR Study is a testament to Ohio State’s commitment to addressing mental health needs and positions Ohio as a national leader in mental health research and innovation. By leveraging a multidisciplinary team of experts from across the state, the study aims to do for addiction and mental health what the Framingham Heart Study did for heart disease and health—offer a new roadmap for developing better treatments and cures.
As Ohio faces a critical juncture in addressing its mental health crisis, the SOAR Study represents a beacon of hope. It underscores the importance of understanding the root causes of emotional distress, suicide, and drug overdoses. Through this comprehensive approach, Ohio aims to bend the curve on the growing number of “deaths of despair” and chart a course toward a healthier, more resilient future for its citizens. This pioneering effort reflects a profound commitment to improving the well-being of Ohioans, promising a legacy of impact that will resonate for generations to come.