How One Ohio Educator Helped a Student Recognize the Signs of Depression and Saved a Life

In 2023, Ohio passed House Bill 123, requiring annual mental health and suicide prevention education for students in grades 6–12. School districts suddenly needed effective, evidence-informed resources that could help them meet state requirements while supporting student well-being.

For educators in rural communities, the challenge was even greater.

Without the resources and support systems often available in larger cities, many students were struggling with isolation and finding it difficult to talk openly about their mental health.

Amy turned to Erika's Lighthouse to help meet the new state requirements.

She implemented Erika's Lighthouse's Classroom Education curriculum and Staff Training resources across the districts she served.

The curriculum provided a free, state-approved solution that could be delivered consistently across 12 districts while remaining age-appropriate and emotionally safe for students.

Over three years, Amy delivered lessons to more than 18,000 students.

Only four students ever needed to leave a lesson because of emotional discomfort.

Amy says the curriculum has proven to be both effective and appropriate for students.

The true impact became clear when one seventh-grade student recognized signs of depression in a friend after participating in the program.

The student noticed that her friend was self-harming. Using the skills and language she learned through Erika's Lighthouse, she went home and shared her concerns with her mother.

Her mother immediately contacted the friend's family. The friend was taken to the hospital and received life-saving medical intervention.

For Amy, moments like this are why mental health education matters.

The seventh-grade student's actions weren't an isolated moment.

Survey data showed that students retained critical knowledge about recognizing the signs of depression and identifying trusted adults. Students openly discussed mental health, wore "Crisis Line 988" bracelets, and thanked Amy for helping them learn how to talk about their feelings.

What began as a requirement to meet a state mandate became an opportunity to build a healthier, more supportive school culture throughout Columbiana County.

Every student deserves access to trusted, age-appropriate mental health education.

Learn how Erika's Lighthouse helps schools meet state requirements while building safer, more supportive communities.