The Ohio Substance Abuse Monitoring (OSAM) Network has announced the release of its June 2023 Drug Trend Report. Surveillance of Drug Use Trends in the State of Ohio: January – June 2023 is now available on the OhioMHAS website. Questions? Please email OSAM Prinicipal Investigator R. Thomas Sherba, PhD, MPH, LPCC, CPM,
at Tom.Sherba@mha.ohio.gov.

To mark its 75th Anniversary, the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) is hosting a new podcast series that explores the stories behind influencers and innovators in mental health research and takes you into the lives of people with mental illnesses.

NIMH's third podcast episode, “The Evolution of Brain Stimulation Therapy,” explores the field of brain stimulation therapy. This safe and effective treatment has provided a road to recovery for many people with hard-to-treat depression. In this episode, NIMH Director Dr. Joshua A. Gordon talks with Dr. Sarah Holly Lisanby, an internationally recognized innovator in electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) and other brain stimulation tools. We’ll dispel misconceptions about brain stimulation, learn how seizure therapies can help with depression, and touch upon the future of this lifesaving treatment.

Prevention Action Alliance will host the Ohio Adult Allies Summit on Jan. 19, 2024, from 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. at the Quest Conference Center in Westerville. This year's theme is, "Cultivating Change: Youth-Driven Solutions." This conference is tailored for adult allies, including school and community-based youth leaders. Participants will explore the dynamic world of youth-led initiatives and their pivotal role in addressing the evolving needs of young people today. Attendeees will also discover innovative strategies, collaborate with passionate advocates, and empower the next generation to steer the course toward a brighter future. Cost is $50. 

Ohio Recovery Housing has announced its January 2024 training schedule. Click the links below for more information and to register. Questions? Please email info@ohiorecoveryhousing.org.  

Jan. 2 | Intro to Recovery Housing
Jan. 31 | Outcomes Tool Training

The 2024 Ohio Problem Gambling Conference is less than two months away. Join the Problem Gambling Network of Ohio and Ohio for Responsible Gambling partners on Feb. 1-2 for the virtual pre-conference and Feb. 15-16 at Nationwide Hotel and Conference Center in Lewis Center, for the main conference.

Attendees will learn from local, national, and international experts and network with other professionals in the problem gambling service system, including those who work in prevention, treatment, recovery, operators, regulators, and more. Up to 18.75 CEU hours for prevention and treatment professionals will be offered through the Ohio Chemical Dependency Professionals Board, Ohio Counselor, Social Worker, and Marriage & Family Therapist Board, and the International Gambling Counselor Certification Board.

For full conference details including the agenda, registration information, and sponsorship opportunities, visit PGNOhio.org/conference. Early registration rates end on Dec. 31.

Mark your calendar! The Ohio Children's Alliance this week announced that it will host its 48th Annual Spring Conference on April 15-16, 2024, at the Center of Science and Industry (COSI) in Columbus. Watch the Alliance website for more information.

The Ohio Children of Incarcerated Parents Initiative (CIP) will host its 2nd Annual Summit on April 16-17, 2024, at the Embassy Suites Columbus–Dublin. Click HERE for registration information, HERE for scholarship information, and HERE to book rooms at the host hotel. The Summit group rate is $149 + tax. You can also book your rooms by phone by calling 1.800.220.9219. Be sure to mention the Group Name: 2024 Ohio Children of Incarcerated Parents Summit and Group Code: 92N.

The Ohio Association of County Behavioral Health Authorities (OACBHA), in partnership with OhioMHAS and the Ohio Departments of Health and Rehabilitation and Correction, will host Ohio's 2024 Mental Health and Addiction Conference: Building the System of Care on June 3-4 at the Hyatt Regency in Columbus. The conference will focus on efforts related to mental health, opiate and other addiction prevention, education, intervention, treatment, recovery, family supports, community engagement, and more. It will also highlight Governor Mike DeWine’s investment in the mental health and wellbeing of Ohioans. More information will be available soon. Questions? Please email Shelby Embrey at sembrey@oacbha.org.

Call for Presentations extended to Jan. 17, 2024
OACBHA is requesting presentations from all categories of professionals, individuals in recovery, and family members to present during the conference. The deadline to submit a workshop proposal has been extended to Jan. 17, 2024.