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September 2024 | #GETMHIA |
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Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder Support Awareness
by Judith L. French, Ohio Department of Insurance Director
September marked National Recovery Month, a dedicated time to raise awareness about mental health and substance use disorders, celebrate those in recovery, and promote understanding throughout Ohio.
This year, RecoveryOhio and its partners introduced a digital toolkit aimed at empowering communities statewide to support this important initiative. The Ohio Department of Insurance and its Mental Health Insurance Assistance Office (MHIA) conducted a statewide media effort explaining how MHIA can help Ohioans.
Mental health and substance use disorders affect 1 in 5 Ohioans, making it crucial to provide clear, accessible information about available resources. The toolkit includes a wide range of digital assets designed to spread the message of recovery. These resources are crafted to help reduce the stigma surrounding mental health and substance use, encouraging more individuals to seek the support they need for treatment.
The Ohio Department of Insurance and MHIA play a pivotal role in this effort. MHIA is committed to empowering individuals and families in Ohio to best navigate behavioral health benefits provided in their health insurance plan.
Throughout the year, let us champion mental health and substance use recovery and raise awareness of available resources to support Ohioans in finding the care they need.
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Governor DeWine Launches Ohio Recovery Friendly Workplace Program
Ohio Governor Mike DeWine announced the launch of the Ohio Recovery Friendly Workplace program. Led by the Governor’s RecoveryOhio initiative, the new program is designed to create job opportunities for people in recovery from a substance use disorder or mental health condition, combat stigma surrounding addiction and mental illness in the workplace, and provide a boost to Ohio businesses.
Companies that implement recovery-friendly practices as part of their everyday operations and core values will be able to earn the official designation as an Ohio Recovery Friendly Workplace.
The Ohio Department of Insurance maintains a toolkit to help employers and employees understand and navigate mental health insurance.
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Out in the Community
It has been a busy last several months out in the community for the MHIA team. In this photo, MHIA informational handouts and swag are set up and ready for the action! Some of the recent outreach highlights include:
- July: RecoveryOhio's Mental Health Day at the Ohio State Fair was a success. The MHIA team and other state agency partners engaged fairgoers on different mental health support topics!
- August: MHIA Director Hannah Wells attended the 2024 OhioPro Peer Recovery Summit in Columbus. It was a great opportunity to explain MHIA's mission to peers and those who work in prevention alike!
- September: Keon Green from the Ohio Department of Insurance's Consumer Services Division attended the National Alliance on Mental Illness Lorain County's Alternate Pathways to Mental Wellness Workshop. He discussed MHIA's mission and services, and interacted with workshop participants.
If you have a mental health event or group that would benefit from free, unbiased, mental health insurance information, let us know. Email us at getmhia@insurance.ohio.gov. We are here to help!
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The Ohio Mental Health Insurance Assistance Office (MHIA) is committed to empowering individuals and families in Ohio to navigate their behavioral health benefits provided by their health insurance company.
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The 988 Lifeline provides 24/7, free, and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals in the United States. Text 988 or CHAT WITH THE 988 LIFELINE.
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