About the Appalachia Ohio Suicide Prevention Conference (AOSPC)

The Appalachia Ohio Suicide Prevention Conference began in 2020 as a virtual event under the theme “Sow the Seeds of Hope in the Era of COVID-19.” Originally formed by partners in Athens, Hocking, Vinton, Gallia, Jackson, and Meigs counties, the conference provided timely education and connection during a critical time, training 35 participants in QPR in its first year.

A partnership that began in Southeast Ohio has grown to include all Appalachian Ohio counties, working together to educate, connect, and provide suicide prevention resources across the region.

The vision quickly grew to center suicide prevention within the context of Appalachian culture, with themes “Honoring Our Roots” (2021) and “Sustaining Our Roots” (2022). In 2022, the conference hosted its first in-person event at Ohio University in Athens, welcoming over 100 attendees.

Following a strategic pause in 2023, the conference expanded to serve all of Appalachian Ohio, strengthening regional partnerships and aligning with broader efforts across the region.

Recent conferences reflect this continued growth and purpose:

• 2024 – “Understanding and Thriving in Appalachia,” Chillicothe

• 2025 – “From Country Roads to Conference Rooms,” Cambridge

These gatherings highlight the conference’s commitment to honoring Appalachian culture while creating space for education, connection, and collaboration across communities.