Press & Media
Resources for journalists, producers, and media professionals covering Sam’s OATH and the work of breaking silence around substance use and mental health.
At a Glance
345K+
People Reached
2,000+
Reactions on Viral Post
484
Comments on Viral Post
Worldwide
Reach
About Sam's OATH
- A 501(c)(3) public charity (EIN: 39-5101030) and national community to break silence around substance use and mental health
- OATH stands for Openness, Authenticity, Togetherness, Healing
- Founded in 2025 by Frank Sheeder in honor of his son, Samuel Martin Hagood Sheeder (1998–2025)
- Tagline: “What's Hidden Doesn't Heal”
- Website: samsoath.org
The Solution
- 100,000+ overdose deaths/year and 1 in 5 adults affected, but silence keeps most families isolated
- Sam's OATH gives families a simple, concrete framework: four commitments that replace shame with community
- A national map shows this community. Each pin represents someone who chose openness
- Workplace programs bring Sam's OATH into corporate culture through Safe Listener Training
The Origin Story
Sam Sheeder (1998–2025) lit up every room he walked into. He was handsome, adventurous, and could strike up a conversation with anyone - from CEOs to those experiencing homelessness - making them feel seen and heard. He faced the hard road of substance use disorder with extraordinary courage and honesty, refusing to let silence define him.
After Sam passed away on September 28, 2025, his father Frank made a decision that changed everything. Instead of retreating into silence, Frank wrote openly on LinkedIn about Sam’s life, his struggles, and his love. That post reached 345,000 people. 2,000+ reactions. 484 comments. All saying the same thing: “I thought I was the only one.”
Frank realized the silence itself was the crisis. Sam’s OATH was born from that revelation - a community built on the belief that What’s Hidden Doesn’t Heal, and that healing begins when silence ends, and that community is where recovery starts.
Founder Bio
Frank Sheeder
Founder & Executive Director, Sam's OATH
Frank Sheeder is a father, advocate, and speaker. After his son Sam’s passing in 2025, he channeled his family’s experience into a community of people choosing openness about substance use and mental health.
A seasoned business leader with decades of experience building organizations and leading teams, Frank brings the same strategic thinking and relentless energy to Sam's OATH. His writing about grief, healing, and family has resonated with families across the country and around the world.
Frank’s LinkedIn post about Sam reached over 345,000 people and became one of the platform’s most-engaged personal posts on substance use and mental health. He speaks to organizations, schools, and communities about breaking silence in the workplace and at home.
Available for interviews, keynotes, panels, and podcast appearances. Contact: press@samsoath.org
Story Topics
A Father's Fight to Break the Silence
After his son Sam's passing, Frank Sheeder turned his family's experience into a community of people choosing openness. His LinkedIn post reached 345,000 people, all saying 'I thought I was the only one.' Now he is building the infrastructure so no one has to carry their struggles in silence.
The OATH That's Changing How We Talk About Substance Use
Sam's OATH is the first national framework giving families a concrete way to break through the silence around substance use and mental health challenges. Four simple commitments, Openness, Authenticity, Togetherness, and Healing, replace shame with community and silence with conversation.
Why Language Matters in the Substance Use and Mental Health Crisis
While overdose deaths and mental and behavioral health emergencies make headlines, the silence that prevents families from seeking help remains largely unaddressed. Sam's OATH champions person-first language and open dialogue as the foundation for recovery, connection, and healing.
A Map of Courage: A Community Choosing Openness
An interactive map on samsoath.org shows people across the country who have taken Sam's OATH to be open about substance use and mental health. Each pin represents someone who refused to stay silent. The color-coded system shows whether they are supporting a loved one, standing with others, or sharing their own journey of hope and recovery.
Key Quotes
“Sam lived with courage, honesty, and an open heart. He faced life's challenges, including substance use disorder, with a strength and candor that taught us What's Hidden Doesn't Heal, but community does.”
- Frank Sheeder, from the viral LinkedIn post
“He reminded us daily that it's ok not to be ok, and that joy can be found even on winding roads.”
- From Sam's obituary
“We never doubted for a moment that Sam loved each of us with his whole heart, in his own language, and as best as he could.”
- Sheeder family
“What's Hidden Doesn't Heal. The silence itself is the crisis.”
- Frank Sheeder, Founder of Sam's OATH
For Press Releases
Standard paragraph for use in press releases and media coverage
Sam's OATH is a 501(c)(3) public charity (EIN: 39-5101030) and a community of people choosing openness about substance use and mental health. Founded in 2025 by Frank Sheeder in honor of his son, Samuel Martin Hagood Sheeder, the organization helps people replace shame with openness, isolation with community, and silence with healing. OATH stands for Openness, Authenticity, Togetherness, and Healing. Through its interactive community map, community stories, workplace programs, and ambassador network, Sam's OATH has reached more than 345,000 people across the country and around the world. The organization's tagline, “What's hidden doesn't heal,” captures the core belief that open conversation is the first step toward recovery and connection. Learn more at samsoath.org.
Media Inquiries
For media inquiries, interviews, or speaking requests, contact Frank Sheeder at frank@samsoath.org