In memory of
Mark Rubish
Mark grew up in northeastern Ohio as the oldest of three brothers. A two-time Ohio State wrestling champion in 1978 and 1979, he achieved a remarkable accomplishment that still stands as a record at Columbiana High School. His name remains synonymous with the grit, determination, and perseverance that define Ohio’s rich wrestling tradition.
The discipline, dedication, and sportsmanship Mark developed on the wrestling mat shaped the man he became. Those qualities carried into every area of his life, influencing the way he loved, worked, and cared for others.
To his two younger brothers, Mark was much more than a champion athlete. He was a mentor, a protector, and a hero. His compassion, kindness, and genuine love for others set a powerful example of how to live with integrity and treat people with respect. The lessons he taught through both his words and his actions will remain with them for a lifetime.
Losing a brother-especially one who embodied such strength, humility, and love-is an unimaginable heartbreak. Yet Mark’s legacy lives on in the lives he touched. His spirit, leadership and the example he set will continue to inspire all who had the privilege of knowing and loving him. His family thanks Speak Up for providing this opportunity to remember Mark and share his story with others.
Statistics
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1 in 5
U.S. Adults experience mental illness each year
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1 in 6
U.S. Youths between the age of 6-17 experience a mental health disorder each year.
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Suicide
is the 2nd leading cause of death among people aged 10-34
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11 years
It takes an average of 11 years from the onset of a mental illness before that person will seek treatment. We need to remove the stigma.
Help is available.
If you need help call or text the mental health hotline now at 988
It’s Time to Speak Up!
We need to be able to have open conversations about mental health and suicide in order to make changes. Education and connection is the key. We need to work with our youth along with parents and the community.
Our Mission:
Our mission is to remove the stigma of mental illness and provide education on mental health, mental illness, and suicide awareness.
We offer age-appropriate programs to our youth to teach them the importance of being mentally healthy. We work with community centers, schools and hold townhall meetings. We also work with parents to educate them on the signs to look for if their child is experiencing a mental health crisis, how to talk to their children and how important it is to listen to them. Speak Up partners with law enforcement agencies to educate the officers how to interact with a person in a mental health crisis. We sponsor unique programs to have our youth involved in their community and to build relationships with them. We offer resources to those that have lost someone to suicide or who may know someone with a mental illness. Through the power of lived experience our goal is to provide hope and healing for those affected by mental health conditions and a loss by suicide. We started this organization so we could ensure that the funds we raise are used in our community. 100% of our proceeds go directly to fund local programs and events.