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 Monday, May 20, 2024

OhioMHAS Unveils New Branding for State’s Behavioral Health Care Hospitals

Two Hospitals Renamed, Unified Logos Adopted to Promote Cohesive Identity

The Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (OhioMHAS) announced that it is rebranding its hospital system, signaling a new chapter for Ohio’s six, state-run regional behavioral health care hospitals. In addition to promoting a cohesive look and feel with unified hospital names and logos, the move is intended to increase public understanding of the services provided at the facilities and to further reduce the stigma often surrounding serious mental illness.

“Under Governor DeWine’s leadership, Ohio has forged a strong reputation as a trailblazer in the behavioral health care field,” said OhioMHAS Director LeeAnne Cornyn. “Through this rebranding, we hope to build on that that identity and position Ohio as ‘The Heart of Hope,’ where the well-being of all citizens, especially those living with serious mental illness, is a top priority.”

OhioMHAS currently operates six regional psychiatric hospitals, with locations in Athens, Cincinnati, Columbus, Massillon, Northfield, and Toledo. As part of the rebranding effort, all six will receive updated logos. In addition to each hospital’s name, the new logos will also identify the facilities as part of OhioMHAS. The addition of the “Heart of Hope” tagline to each, is symbolic of the high-quality, person-centered health care system that provides healing and hope to patients and their families.

In addition to new logos, two hospitals will undergo a name change to promote systemwide cohesiveness. What was previously known as Northwest Ohio Psychiatric Hospital in Toledo will transition to Northwest Ohio Behavioral Healthcare (NOBH), while Twin Valley Behavioral Healthcare in Columbus will become Central Ohio Behavioral Healthcare (COBH).

“This is a new day for behavioral health care in Ohio,” said Director Cornyn. “Uniting under one brand will help people know who we are and what we do, further destigmatize the behavioral health care industry, and inspire hope in communities across our state.”

Click HERE to learn more about Ohio’s regional psychiatric hospitals and to view a map of hospital catchment areas.

Athens Hospital Hosts Community Mental Health Expo to Commemorate 150 Years of Service to Southeast Ohio

On Saturday, Appalachian Behavioral Healthcare (ABH) hosted a Community Mental Health Expo to celebrate 150 years of serving the mental health needs of Southeastern Ohio. More than 100 community members, regional partners (including county ADAMH boards and providers), and past/current employees came out to show their support. The Expo featured informational displays, a rare, behind-the-scenes tour of the hospital’s treatment mall, and a patient art show. OhioMHAS Director LeeAnne Cornyn provided brief remarks along with ABH CEO Elaine Crnkovic, and Chief Clinical Officer Dr. Rob Wyatt.  ABH opened in 1993, replacing the former building, which had operated on the ridges above Athens since 1874. The original hospital building, which accepted its first patient on New Year’s Day 1874, still stands and is currently owned by Ohio University. Today, ABH averages around 235 patient admissions annually, and employs more than 200 compassionate workers, including psychiatric physicians, nurses, therapeutic program workers, and others. Click HERE to watch the ABH 150th Anniversary video, featuring a historical overview of the hospital and interviews with current hospital staff.

Governor DeWine Supports Local Drug Task Forces
with $2.1M in RecoveryOhio Funding

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine announced Friday that nearly three dozen local drug task forces in Ohio are receiving state support for their work to disrupt the drug trade and promote substance use awareness, prevention, and recovery.

More than $2.1 million in grants from Governor DeWine’s RecoveryOhio Law Enforcement Fund will be awarded to 35 existing drug task forces to help officers identify high-level drug traffickers, dismantle large drug trafficking organizations, interrupt the flow of money and drugs from international cartels, and prevent the sale of illegal narcotics.

Grant funding will be used to support the mission of Governor DeWine's RecoveryOhio initiative, which aims to increase substance use and mental health awareness, implement age-appropriate prevention education in schools, connect those who need help with treatment, and promote recovery.

Ohio Tourism Day at the Statehouse — May 21

Ohio Tourism Day is a celebration of Ohio’s tourism industry and provides the opportunity for consumers to plan their Ohio vacations while visiting with tourism destinations and attractions from across the state. The free event will be held from 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. on May 21 on the West Plaza of the Ohio Statehouse. The day will include entertainment, demonstrations, interactive experiences and booths represented by Ohio’s tourism industry leaders.. Visit Ohio.org/TourismDay or RSVP for the Facebook event today.

ABH Staff Wears Green for Mental Health Action Day

In recognition of Mental Health Action Day on May 16, OhioMHAS employees at Appalachian Behavioral Healthcare in Athens wore green to show their support for mental health awareness. Mental Health Action Day encourages and empowers everyone to take action for themselves, for their loved ones, or for their community based on what works best for them. If you have concerns about your or someone else's mental health, please contact a medical professional or call 988 for a free, confidential conversation.

OCAM Network High School/College Prevention Internship Program

The Ohio Coaching & Mentoring (OCAM) Network is seeking applicants for its 2024 High School/College Prevention Internship Program. The program provides reimbursement to prevention providers who host high school/college interns in prevention roles. The program seeks to provide prevention organizations with the talent they need, while also providing students with valuable work experience at an early age. Interns will be expected to perform job duties similar to what is expected of an entry-level employee in prevention roles that focus on education and service delivery, communication, community organization, public policy, and environmental change. Providers will receive a $5,120 stipend per intern. To qualify, prevention providers must complete one application per intern and compile a brief report of the duties the intern completed.  The deadline to submit an application is May 31. Questions? Email Christi Valentini-Lackner at cvalentini-lackner@prevention-first.org.

Problem Gambling Treatment Ethics — May 24

The Problem Gambling Network of Ohio (PGNO) is hosting a virtual Treatment Ethics workshop for problem gambling specialists on May 24 from 9:00 a.m.-12:15 p.m. This training will explore the ethical guidelines for work within the field of problem gambling. The presentation includes a review of the most common ethical problems and a format for resolution. The workshop is both didactic and experiential. Registration is available at no cost for PGNO members or $20 for non-members. Questions about membership? Email Membership@PGNOhio.org for more information.

Ohio's 2024 Mental Health & Addiction Conference — June 3-4

The Ohio Association of County Behavioral Health Authorities (OACBHA), in partnership with OhioMHAS, the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction (ODRC), and the Ohio Department of Health (ODH), will host Ohio’s 2024 Mental Health and Addiction Conference: Building the Systems of Care on June 3-4 at the Hyatt Regency in downtown Columbus.  Governor DeWine will discuss his vision and priorities for the mental health and well-being of Ohioans. He will be joined by RecoveryOhio Director Aimee Shadwick, OhioMHAS Director LeeAnne Cornyn, ODRC Director Annette Chambers-Smith, Ohio Department of Children and Youth Director Kara Wente, and ODH Director Dr. Bruce Vanderhoff. Other featured speakers include: Dr, Josephine Ridley and Dr. Mike Hogan; Dona Dmitrovic, SAMHSA Senior Advisor; and Mark Sanders, Project Manager Illinois for Great Lakes ATTC, Mental Health and Prevention TTC.

ORH Certification Application Webinar — June 5

Ohio Recovery Housing (ORH) will host a webinar on June 5 at 11:00 a.m. to provide an overview of its new, updated Recovery Housing Certification application system. Questions? Email info@ohiorecoveryhousing.org.

Franklin County NAMI Walk — June 8

The Franklin County chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) will host its annual NAMI Walk on June 8 from 9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. at Victory Park in Pickerington.  The event seeks to promote mental health awareness and support. This year’s theme is, “Hope to Inspire, Hope to Impact, Hope to Change.” The event will feature family-friendly activities, games, food, entertainment, and more. Questions? Email kristin@namifc.org.

Bridging Policy and Research for Suicide Prevention in the Americas: A Joint PAHO/NIMH Symposium on Suicide Prevention — June 13-14

The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) and the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) are teaming up to host a Bridging Policy and Research for Suicide Prevention in the Americas: A Joint Symposium on Suicide Prevention on June 13-14. The symposium aims to unite researchers, policymakers, and mental health advocates to explore innovative strategies for suicide prevention, evidence-based prevention approaches, service delivery models, and national experiences in implementing these strategies. The symposium will be live streamed with simultaneous translation in English and Spanish. No registration is required to watch the live stream.

In the News...

Could a new phone app save lives from drug overdoses?
Cleveland.com, May 20, 2024

Cleveland Clinic enters Metaverse to promote mental health wellness
Cleveland Clinic, May 20, 2024

How local jails are adapting to influx of mental health challenges
Dayton Daily News, May 20, 2024

ADAMH board announces 'We Do Recover'
Hillsboro Times-Gazette, May 20, 2024

Drug overdose deaths drop in Franklin County to lowest level since pandemic
Columbus Dispatch, May 19, 2024

State of mind: mental health remains a high priority following pandemic
Toledo Blade, May 19, 2024

Series of children's books by local author teaches kids how to build emotional health
WBNS-TV, May 19, 2024

Musicians play to bring mental health into focus
WCMH-TV, May 19, 2024

Mobile Crisis Response Team explained
Tiffin Advertiser-Tribune, May 18, 2024

Hundreds come together at Toledo NAMI walk for mental health awareness
WTOL-TV, May 18, 2024

Week of Hope reinforces positive childhood experiences
Youngstown Business Journal, May 18, 2024

Ohio announces $2M for pilot program to help foster kids
SpectrumNews1, May 17, 2024

Editorial: Decrease no excuse to let up in drug fight
Marietta Times, May 17, 2024

Column: Empowering mental health in our community
Lima News, May 17, 2024

$9.4M from liquor permits boosts Ohio's mental health services
Scioto Valley Guardian, May 17, 2024

Anthem offers self-directed, online behavioral therapy
WKRC-TV, May 17, 2024

Women struggling after drug addiction get a second chance
SpectrumNews1, May 16, 2024

Medina County sees significant dip in overdose deaths
Cleveland.com, May 16, 2024

New Progressive Community Initiatives offers accessible counseling in downtown Akron
Cleveland.com, May 16, 2024

Local coalition hosts mental health conference
WCH Record-Herald, May 16, 2024

U.S. drug overdose deaths decreased in 2023 for the first time in five years
CNN, May 15, 2024

U.S. drug deaths declined slightly in 2023 but remained at crisis levels 
NPR, May 15, 2024

UTMC integrates mental health services into primary care 
Toledo Blade, May 13, 2024

Got News?

If you would like to submit a news item or training for consideration for publication in OhioMHAS NewsNow, please email content to Eric.Wandersleben@mha.ohio.gov. 

Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services

Mike DeWine, Governor | LeeAnne Cornyn, Director