Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (OhioMHAS) Director LeeAnne Cornyn visited Northwest Ohio Psychiatric Hospital (NOPH) in Lucas County Monday where she and other members of the Central Office Executive Leadership Team met with hospital administrators and toured the facility. The 114-bed hospital serves patients from Allen, Auglaize, Darke, Defiance, Erie, Fulton, Hancock, Hardin, Henry, Huron, Lucas, Mercer, Miami, Ottawa, Paulding, Putnam, Sandusky, Seneca, Shelby, Van Wert, Williams, Wood, and Wyandot counties. The team also met with local board directors (inset photo) to discuss regional issues, opportunities, and challenges. 

In recognition of March as Problem Gambling Awareness Month, Problem Gambling Network of Ohio (PGNO) has announced that it is hosting free property tours at Ohio's 11 casinos and racinos to learn more about responsible gambling practices. The tours are free to anyone; however, space is limited. Click the button below to schedule your visit(s). For more information about what Ohio is doing to address problem gambling, visit https://ohio.gov/responsible-gambling.

Please Note: these tours are for those 21+ and educational purposes only. The tour will include various aspects of the gaming floor. Please use discretion in attending, as elements of the tour may be a trigger for those in recovery.

Americans see poor mental health as one of the biggest threats to public health, ranking just behind obesity and the long-running opioid epidemic, according to the latest Axios-Ipsos American Health Index. Overall, 17 percent said mental health was the top threat to public health, while 19 percent said obesity, 24 percent said opioids and fentanyl, and 15 percent said it was access to guns. The study also found the winter surge in COVID-19 cases wasn't matched by an increase in concern over the virus or changes in how infrequently Americans are masking or testing these days.

Results from a large clinical trial funded by the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) show that an intervention for anxiety provided to pregnant women living in Pakistan significantly reduced the likelihood of the women developing moderate-to-severe anxiety, depression, or both six weeks after birth. The unique intervention was administered by non-specialized providers who had the equivalent of a bachelor’s degree in psychology, but no clinical experience. The results suggest this intervention could be an effective way to prevent the development of postpartum mental health challenges in women living in low-resource settings.

The Ohio Mental Health Network for School Success (OMHNSS) has announced dates for its March 2024 regional meetings. These meetings serve as a vital forum for schools, providers, and community organizations to come together, share insights, and stay informed about the latest advancements in mental health resources and support. Through these gatherings, OMHNSS aims to foster a culture of collaboration and empowerment, driving positive change and innovation in our shared mission to support mental wellness. Click the links below for more information and to register. Questions? Please email OMHNSS Director Kathleen Oberlin at oberlink2@gmail.com. 

March 19 | Southwest Regional Network Meeting Register
March 20 | Central Ohio Regional Network Meeting Register
March 25 | Northwest Regional Network Meeting Register
March 27 | Northeast Regional Network Meeting Register
March 28 | Southeast Regional Network Meeting Register

RecoveryOhio is sponsoring a free Ohio Child and Family Services Responding to Addiction virtual training on March 22 from 10:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m. The training is open to all child and family service workers interested in learning more about addiction and building the skills to respond. Like CPR, the training program, which was developed by the Addiction Policy Forum, is designed to help child and family service workers build the skills to support and respond to someone who needs help. Participants will learn the science of addiction, signs and symptoms of addiction, evidence-based treatment options, and how to respond to someone in crisis. All participants receive a certificate at the completion of the course. Attendees will also receive a copy of the Responding to Addiction participant manual. Please register by March 11 to allow time for the manual to be mailed.

Register now for the 2nd Annual Ohio Children of Incarcerated Parents Initiative Summit to be held April 16-17 at the Embassy Suites Columbus – Dublin. The summit is designed for community members, treatment and prevention staff, restored/justice-involved citizens, adult family members, faith and ministry leaders, and service providers. This year's theme is "Cultivating Strong Family and Community Connections: Sowing Seeds to Harvest Hope". Learn more at ohiocip.org.

The Cleveland Hearing & Speech Center, in partnership with OhioMHAS and the Cuyahoga County Board of Developmental Disabilities, will host a free, two-part Developing Competency in Mental Health Treatment for Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Individuals. ASL interpreters will be provided. Click the links below for more information and to register. Questions? Please email Rachel Leffel at rleffel@chsc.org.

April 15 | Part 1 View Flyer
May 17 | Part 2 View Flyer