On Friday, Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services Director LeeAnne Cornyn and other members of the department's senior leadership team visited the East Ohio Regional Hospital in Martins Ferry. The group toured the hospital, learning about outpatient mental health and addiction services provided by Access Ohio.

Following the tour, the team met with EORH leadership to discuss ways the hospital can help increase local treatment capacity in the region amid the ongoing opioid epidemic and mental health crisis. During the visit, Director Cornyn told WTRF news, "There isn't one single organization that can solve this problem themselves...we need everybody in the game addressing this together. That's the only way we're really going to be able to combat (behavioral health challenges) and help all Ohioans live up to their full potential."

Ohio START (Sobriety, Treatment and Reducing Trauma) is currently accepting applications to be part of the program’s seventh cohort. Ohio START is an evidence-informed children services-led intervention model that helps public children services agencies (PCSAs) bring together caseworkers, behavioral health providers, and family peer mentors into teams dedicated to helping families struggling with co-occurring child maltreatment and substance use disorder. Applications are due by April 19. PCSAs will be notified of acceptance by May 3.

Click HERE to learn more about Ohio START. Questions? Contact Fawn Gadel, Director of Ohio START, at 614.244.5802 or email Fawn@pcsao.org. 

NAMI Ohio and the Ohio Adult Care Facilities Association have announced the 2024 Housing Institute for the development of Residential Facilities Class 2 (aka Adult Care Facilities) in Ohio. This training series is designed for teams seeking to develop and navigate the complex process of securing funding to develop new Residential Facilities Class 2 for adults (age 18 and older) living with severe and persistent mental illnesses.

The Housing Institute will help teams build their knowledge base and understand the necessary funding and long-term commitments necessary to create quality Residential Facilities Class 2. The Institute offers comprehensive training and capacity building that helps non-profit organizations move from concept stage to competitive funding applications. The Institute will be held both in person in Columbus and remotely (on alternating weeks). Teams will receive 50 hours of training, including individualized technical assistance and resources to assist in completing their project. In addition, experts from across the state, including staff from NAMI Ohio and local partners, will provide insight on management, best practices, financing, and building design.

To learn more about the 2024 Housing Institute, the commitment, requirements, and to request an application, you must attend one informational session. Participation in the Institute is not a guarantee of funding from NAMI Ohio, OACFA or any other sources.

April 17 - 1:30 p.m. | Register
April 19 - 11:00 a.m. | Register

The Washington County Behavioral Health Board will present Hope: The New Epidemic on April 19 from 6:00-9:00 p.m. at Washington State College of Ohio, Arts & Science Building Auditorium in Marietta. Attendees will discuss local behavioral health challenges, learn about available services and how to get help, and be inspired to help make a difference. Attendees will also hear remarks from Anne Moss Rogers, author of Diary of a Broken Mind. Light refreshments will be provided. Questions? Email Tara Plaugher at tplaugher@wcbhb.org.

Ohio Citizen Advocates for Addiction Recovery will host its 3rd Annual Recover Out Loud Celebration on April 24 from 11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. at Worthington Hills Country Club. The celebration provides a space for people in recovery and recovery supports providers from across the state to gather and celebrate recovery out loud. This event will include lunch, opportunities for education, and recognition of leaders in the field statewide and nationally. Questions? Email advocate@oca-ohio.org or call 614.600.9822. 

Relink.org will present The Role of Spirituality in Strengthening Recovery on April 30 at 2:00 p.m.  Led by Pastor Greg Delaney, this virtual presentation will uncover the practical benefits of integrating faith and spirituality into the recovery journey. Attendees will learn five practical, proven ways a spiritual connection can foster greater resilience in one's recovery plan and path. Questions? Email Rachel Sobitz at rsobitz@relink.org.

OhioPRO's Peer Technical Assistance Centers (PeerTACs), in partnership with Sinclair Community College, are hosting free and virtual workforce development training sessions for peer recovery supporters looking to enter the professional workforce or advance in their chosen careers.

The Workforce Ready Series is perfect for entry-level workers, workers returning to the workforce, or anyone who wants to establish a strong foundation for workplace success. The series includes four sessions, each occurring from noon- 1:30 p.m. Below are the dates and topics for each training session.

April 23 | Professionalism and Communication in the Workplace
April 30 | Email Etiquette
May 7 | Writing a Resume that Works
May 14 | Interviewing Basics: Key Concepts

This trainings will provide participation credits that can count towards recertification renewal. Find additional details about each training on the OhioPRO website. Questions? Email Uele Boxill at uboxill@ohio-pro.com. 

Save the Date! The Military Veterans Education Foundation (MILVETS) will host its 38th Annual Armed Forces Day Luncheon on May 17 at 11:00 a.m. at the Villa Milano Banquet and Conference Center in Columbus. This year's luncheon will feature remarks from Col. Marqus Randall, Commander, National Space Intelligence Center, United States Space Force.