For many, the holiday season is a time of joy and celebration, but for some, the stretch from Thanksgiving to the New Year is not always the most wonderful time of the year. High expectations, loneliness and stress can lead to being overwhelmed. That’s why the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (OhioMHAS) in partnership with the Ohio Department of Health this week unveiled a new round of public service messages urging Ohioans to “Check In On Yourself.” The campaign, which includes digital ads, social media messages and billboards, helps Ohioans assess their stress level and offers tips to manage it in a healthy way.

“Stress is a normal part of life. In most cases the symptoms are temporary, but they can quickly snowball into something more serious if they last for more than two weeks,” said Dr. Justin Trevino, OhioMHAS medical director.  “Knowing how to recognize the signs of stress and cope with those feelings in a healthy manner is one of the best gifts you can give yourself and others this holiday season.”

Check In On Yourself encourages Ohioans to rate their stress level on a simple, color-coded spectrum from green (manageable) to orange (severe stress), and provides suggestions to help manage stress, including:

• Find a safe space where you can relax and be alone or spend time with someone you trust
• Take a moment of calm – practice deep breathing exercises and other grounding techniques
• Connect with others – find someone you trust and talk about how you’re feeling
• Focus on accomplishing one thing at a time
• If you are living with grief, loss, trauma, or loneliness, gently remind yourself that as circumstances change, traditions will change as well.

“Sometimes, you or someone you know needs a bit more help. That's okay,” explained Dr. Trevino. “Anyone can call, text, or chat the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline to reach a trained specialist who can offer help and support. The easy-to-remember, 3-digit number provides 24/7, free and confidential support to Ohioans in a behavioral health crisis.”

The Licensure & Certification Tracking System (LACTS) has been upgraded. Effective Nov. 15, when a currently certified provider starts a renewal or update application, the provider will be directed to the upgraded/revised Community Behavioral Health Services application. There will be new fields you need to complete on the following pages: Provider Information, Governing Structure, Services/Program, Program Agency Locations (you will need to “edit” each location and answer the 1st question), Staff Credentials, and Supporting documentation. If you have questions, please contact your lead surveyor. 

OhioMHAS is working to increase awareness of the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline in Ohio. We’ve updated our 988 Ohio Toolkit to share materials with partner agencies, stakeholders, and the media to help promote 988 consistently, statewide. Available materials include social media videos and sample posts, logos and brand guidelines, key messages, printable materials for download, 988 Ohio stock images, QR codes, and media guidance for directing to the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.

Most recently we’ve added social media videos, for both in feed and in story sharing, drawing attention to what’s really behind those “everything’s fine” responses. Letting Ohioans who see themselves in these statements know that they’re not alone and encouraging them to reach out to the 988 Lifeline for trusted, confidential support anytime, anywhere. As more resources become available, especially seasonal social media content or tools from the upcoming campaign, we will update the toolkit. Check back frequently for new items. For more information about the Lifeline, visit: 988.ohio.gov.

The Ohio Children of Incarcerated Parents Initiative, with support from OhioMHAS, is currently offering funding for community and/or faith-based organizations to implement the Creating Last Family Connection (CLFC) curriculum.  Information about the project can be found in the RFP. The deadline to apply has been extended to 5:00 p.m. on Dec. 1. 

If you are a professional who works with youth, including youth and community service organizations, pediatric health care professionals, technology industry leaders, policymakers, and other collaborators, please consider joining the SAMHSA-funded American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) Social Media and Youth Mental Health’s ECHO. This learning collaborative will provide professionals with an opportunity to ask questions, share best practices, problem-solve, and learn from a multidisciplinary faculty team through a series of virtual meetings. 

This ECHO opportunity is open to professionals who work with youth or have the opportunity to help youth navigate technology and social media including youth and community service organizations, pediatric health care professionals, technology industry leaders, AAP members, policymakers, and other collaborators who:

• Want to learn more about the risks and benefits of social media and how it impacts youth wellbeing
• Want to help empower youth and families to create a better digital ecosystem for the individual child
• Share resources and best practices regarding youth and social media use
• Are interested in networking and problem-solving with others

As part of the ongoing Prevention Exchange series, the Ohio Center of Excellence for Behavioral Health Prevention and Promotion will host Digital Literacy Skills for Youth: Simulating Online Dilemmas & Strategies on Nov. 30 from 1:00-2:00 p.m. This session will explore resources and digital platforms that give young people an opportunity to build digital literacy skills in a simulated environment. Register once for the entire series using the button below. 

Prevention Action Alliance iwill host the 2023 Coalitions Rising Virtual Conference on Dec. 5 from 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. and feature presentations from state and national experts on the intersection of prevention and technology. This year's theme is Prevention in the Digital Age: Exploring Technology's Impact and Potential. The agenda will focus on: Artifical Intelligence, deepfakes, and prevention; using technology to prevent gaming-related harm; GIS mapping, and gambling in the Metaverse.

Coalitions Rising is part of a series of knowledge-building learning opportunities to deliver the most current prevention science and workforce development education to coalition leaders. Coalition leaders across the nation will enhance their knowledge, skills, and abilities, and bolster the statewide coalition infrastructure. Last year’s attendees spanned over 27 states. Continuing education units for prevention professionals, social workers, and health education specialists will be applied for. Cost is $50. 

The Problem Gambling Network of Ohio (PGNO) will host a free Gambling Disorder Case Presentation session on Dec. 5 from Noon-1:00 p.m. During this session, Jesse Wodrig, MBA, LCDCIII-GAMB, OCPSA will share a case study of a former client diagnosed with a co-occurrence of stimulant use disorder and gambling disorder. Wodrig will discuss the client’s summarized personal history and challenges that he experienced due to his disorders. Jesse will also present on other factors relevant to the case study including the client's legal involvement, engagement with services and treatment goals, and treatment completion. Information pertaining to the co-occurrence of gambling disorders with substance use disorders will also be reviewed. This training will provide 1.0 CEU through the Ohio Chemical Dependency Board, the Ohio Counselor, Social Worker, and Marriage and Family Therapist Board, and the International Gambling Counselor Certification Board.