Southeast Ohio business leader speaks out about mental health

The first phase of this statewide research project is funded by a $20 million grant from the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services.

It has two parallel but connected projects. The Wellness Discovery Survey will assess the mental health of 15,000 Ohioans in all 88 counties through an online survey, and 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.

So far, 15,312 respondents completed the Wellness Discovery Survey and 1,130 families enrolled in the Brain Health Study. The goal is to study families in communities over time, to better understand and intervene to improve lives.

A personal commitment to mental health

Stockmeister’s involvement in the SOAR Study isn’t just a professional duty, but rather, a deeply personal commitment underscoring his passion to champion mental health and wellness, not only in his hometown, but across the entire Buckeye state.

“I believe that understanding the factors that contribute to mental health and resilience is crucial. This study has the potential to change lives, and I am honored to be part of it,” Stockmeister says.

In early September, Stockmeister joined about 100 people at the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the large SOAR mobile MRI unit that was parked outside of Holzer Medical Center in Jackson. During the event, he saw the MRI unit up close and heard emotional stories of others who were thriving in recovery. Inspired by this, Stockmeister joined the SOAR Study himself.

As a research participant, he responded to mental health questionnaires and underwent MRI testing of his brain. But he wanted to do even more to encourage others to participate in the SOAR Study.

So on a chilly November evening at Stockroom 601, a public house and taproom that he owns in Jackson, Stockmeister personally invited the general public to meet with officials from the Ohio State Wexner Medical Center and Holzer Health System, along with county judges and substance use disorder experts, to learn more about the SOAR Study.

In a packed room, Stockmeister mingled easily with the crowd, many of them his friends or other business leaders. After a brief speech, SOAR Study leaders and staff explained the research projects and answered questions. Several people signed up on the spot to join the study.

Jackson County Municipal Court Judge Mark Musick listened intently as Stockmeister and Ohio State Wexner Medical Center clinical neuropsychologist Scott Langenecker, PhD, explained the SOAR Study to the crowd. Musick often sees people in his courtroom suffering the consequences of mental health challenges or substance use disorders.

“Certainly, Alan has been an outstanding supporter of the recovery community. He is a great blessing to our local drug court administered here at Jackson County Municipal,” Musick says. “Alan has provided jobs for many in recovery. He’s an invaluable asset to Jackson and to Ohio.”

K. Luan Phan, MD, chair of the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health at the Ohio State College of Medicine and the lead physician for the SOAR Study, is impressed by the personal level of commitment from Stockmeister to this research effort.

“Alan’s involvement brings a level of visibility and credibility to the study that is invaluable,” Dr. Phan says.

“His commitment to mental health and resilience is inspiring, and his leadership helps to ensure that this research can make a real difference in the lives of Ohioans,” Dr. Phan says.

The SOAR Study is investigating a wide range of factors, including social, environmental, psychological, trauma-related, genetic and biological influences. These all can contribute to or protect against the development of distress, mental illness, substance use, overdose and suicide.

A vision for the future

Alan Stockmeister’s vision for the SOAR Study is one of hope and transformation.

“I see this study as a beacon of hope for many who struggle with mental health issues. By understanding the root causes, we can develop better strategies for prevention and intervention,” he says. “This is about building a healthier, more resilient future for all of us.”

The integrated, “bring science to the people” approach of the SOAR Study ensures that the research is conducted in local communities, making it accessible and relevant to the participants.

By studying generations of families over many years, researchers hope to identify patterns of intergenerational transmission of risk or resilience. This will help families to break the chain of risks for mental illness, substance use and deaths related to persistent distress.

“The contributions of champions like Alan Stockmeister are essential in driving forward the mission of the SOAR Study,” Dr. Phan says. “Together, we can build a world where mental health is prioritized, resilience is fostered and every individual has the opportunity to thrive.”