Montgomery is hosting a free public presentation on Oct. 29 featuring former Major League Baseball player Drew Robinson, who survived a suicide attempt in 2020 and now shares his story to help others. The event, called “Drew Robinson: Strength Isn't Always Physical,” is set for 7 p.m. at The Hotel Rambler, 7711 Roosa Street, in Montgomery Quarter.
According to the City of Montgomery, Ohio Government, attendees must register ahead of time to attend. The city's post did not specify how registration works or whether space is limited, so residents interested in attending should watch for further details from the city directly.
Robinson was the Texas Rangers' fourth-round pick in the 2010 draft and went on to play in Major League Baseball, according to a profile in the Star-Telegram. In April 2020, overwhelmed by depression, he pointed a gun at his temple and pulled the trigger — and woke up 20 hours later, surviving the attempt, the outlet reported.
From Survival to Advocacy
Robinson now works as a mental-health advocate with the San Francisco Giants, per the same Star-Telegram report. He has described sharing his story as nothing less than his life's mission, telling the outlet that discussing his struggle with depression openly has become central to his purpose.
“Telling my story has become my super power,” Robinson said, according to the station's report, describing the impact his openness has had on others. A February 2023 report from MLB.com noted that Robinson had been working on his recovery through therapy, meditation, antidepressants, and increased communication with family and friends.
Robinson has also spoken about why he continues to put his experience on public display. “I share my experience hoping people will reach out long before they get to such a dark place,” he has said.
Part of a Broader Statewide Push
Montgomery's event arrives amid a wider effort in Ohio to address suicide prevention at the community level. The Ohio Department of Health says that in 2024, the state's mental health and addiction services agency partnered with Butler County and Mahoning County to implement a community-based suicide-prevention process aligned with federal and CDC prevention frameworks.
Separately, the department has identified Montgomery County as one of 10 high-priority counties for these efforts statewide, alongside Clark, Cuyahoga, Hamilton, Lorain, Lucas, Mahoning, Marion, Richland, and Summit counties. State officials say the goal is to build a community of practice focused specifically on adult men and other high-risk groups.
The City of Montgomery described Robinson as a former Major League Baseball player and mental health advocate in its event materials. Residents with questions about the Oct. 29 presentation can reach Montgomery City Hall, located at 10101 Montgomery Road, at 513-891-2424.
