A new research initiative has been announced by Ohio State University and Gov. Mike DeWine to identify the root causes of the ongoing epidemic of persistent emotional distress, suicide, and drug overdoses.

The study is being led by clinicians and researchers at The OSU Wexner Medical Center and College of Medicine in collaboration with several other Ohio universities.

Those universities include Kent State, Bowling Green, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Northeast Ohio Medical University, Case Western/University Hospital-Cleveland, and more.

The SOAR study, as it's called, will look at the role of biological, psychological, and social factors that may cause the epidemic.

"Ohio must be the model in helping our citizens overcome or adapt to mental health challenges so that they improve mental and physical health, complete an education, attain a good-paying job, support a family, and contribute to our communities," DeWine said. 

According to a news release from DeWine's office, SOAR will study Ohioans in their local communities, using an integrated "bring science to the people" approach. It will create a statewide medical research and development ecosystem to drive continued advances in mental health and substance use prevention science and treatment interventions. 

It has two projects attached to the study:

First, a SOAR Wellness Discovery Survey will engage with about 15,000 people from every county in Ohio to uncover how strengths and skills may be related to overcoming adversity. These observations will be used to inform researchers on what factors to focus on when creating new treatments,

More than 300,000 postcards have been sent out to residents statewide regarding this part of the study, according to DeWine's office.

Second, the study will examine about 3,600 Ohioans and their families to look at biological, physiological, and social factors that help explain who does well with adversity, who doesn't, and why to help develop personalized treatments.

"This important SOAR Study builds on our long-standing academic health mission, and we are proud to champion this vital research to help all Ohioans," said John J. Warner, MD, chief executive officer at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center and executive vice president at Ohio State. "Mental health care is health care, and this study will help us inform prevention and treatment strategies to advance patient-centered care and influence the way we train our future care providers."

The Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services is funding the statewide research project with an initial $20 million grant, according to a news release from DeWine's office.