OhioMHAS NewsNow | 988 Materials Generator Available...DeWine Administration Releases Model Policy for Cell Phones in Schools ...OhioMHAS Staff Visits Hope Recovery Community Farm...Ohio Youth Encouraged to Join 'Hey I'm Here Resilience Squad'...New NIMH Podcast...Ohio Gambling Telehealth Network RFI...Upcoming Trainings...In the News

Ohio Department of Behavioral Health sent this bulletin at 05/31/2024 05:18 PM EDT

Friday, May 31, 2024

New Innovative Tool Generates Customized
988 Materials for Ohio Communities

Just ahead of the two-year anniversary of the launch of the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline in Ohio, a new tool has been created to allow anyone throughout the state to design free, customized 988 materials that can be shared within their communities.

The easy-to-use OHIO988 Materials Generator will help stakeholders and individuals throughout Ohio to create handouts, posters, and social media graphics with messaging and visuals that can be tailored to their respective audience. Users of the Materials Generator will be taken through a series of prompts, including questions about what language they would like to use for the materials (English and Spanish), what 988 key messaging they would like to use, the format they would like to have the materials created in, and what logos and contact information they would like to have appear on the materials.

A video tutorial showing how to use the Materials Generator is available to watch HERE.

In addition to the Materials Generator, Ohioans can also access the 988 Ohio Toolkit, which is continually updated with downloadable fact sheets, posters, logos, and social media shareables.

The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline launched in Ohio and across the nation on July 16, 2022. Ohioans who are experiencing a mental health or addiction crisis, and their family members, are able to call or text 988, or chat 988Lifeline.org to reach a trained call specialist who can offer help and support. Learn more about Ohio’s suicide prevention efforts by visiting 988.ohio.gov.

Learn More

Governor DeWine, Lt. Governor Husted Announce
Model Policy for Cell Phones in Schools

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine, Lt. Governor Jon Husted, and Department of Education and Workforce (DEW) Director Stephen D. Dackin this week announced the publication of a model policy designed to minimize student use of cell phones during school hours.

“By removing the distraction of cell phones from classrooms, our school children will be free to flourish and will see improved academic engagement and social interaction,” said Governor DeWine. “Schools that implement this model policy will quickly see positive results by giving children a break from the nonstop notifications that have proven to be harmful to student performance and mental health.”

The model policy prohibits students from using cell phones or similar electronic communications devices on school property during school hours. It also requires that students keep their cell phones in a secure place – such as their locker, a closed backpack, or a storage device provided by the district – at all times when cell phone use is prohibited. Exceptions are included for students using a cell phone for a documented purpose as part of an Individualized Education Program (IEP) or for monitoring a health concern.

DEW created the model cell phone policy as part of the requirements of House Bill 250. Recently signed by Governor DeWine, HB 250 calls for every school district in the state to establish an official policy governing cell phone usage and emphasizes limiting cell phones to the greatest extent possible. School districts can either adopt DEW’s model policy or create their own policy, provided that it adheres to all of the requirements within HB 250.

Along with the model policy, DEW has also published a toolkit with resources and tools for school administrators, teachers, parents, and students. Specifically, the toolkit includes guidance to support school engagement without cell phones, as well as strategies for families to promote healthy behavior, set expectations for screen time, and reduce cell phone use outside of school.

Read the Full Media Announcement

OhioMHAS Staff Members Visit Hope Recovery
Community Farm in Medina County

Director Cornyn and several members of the OhioMHAS team had the opportunity to travel to Medina County on May 24 to tour the Hope Recovery Community Center and Farm — a recovery community organization (RCO) focused on increasing sustained recovery by providing hope, support, advocacy, and resources to those impacted by addiction.

The Hope Recovery Farm boasts a vast landscape of fruits and vegetables and hosts a wide array of animals, including chickens, goats, bees, a donkey, and a pony, all of which are cared for by individuals in recovery living on the farm. Through their time on the farm, individuals in recovery attend trainings and learn from various peer supporters and leaders who are successful in their careers and recovery journeys. Learning crucial skills such as budgeting, planning, science, maintenance, record-keeping, bookkeeping, marketing, research, and customer-service — truly encourages residents to find their passion in life and pursue their dreams.

During their visit, Director Cornyn and team completed two service projects: painting a peace pole and planting a few rows of bell peppers that will be ready for the summer harvest. The food grown on the farm feeds both those living on the farm and members of the Medina community.

View More Photos

A Real-Life Movement to Grow Resilience in Ohio Youth:
Join the Hey, I’m Here Ohio Resilience Squad

Young people across the state of Ohio are being invited to take part in the Hey, I'm Here movement, a diverse, youth-led campaign on a mission to grow real-life resilience.

Data shows that in Ohio alone, one in three high school students reports challenges with anxiety and the number of high-school-aged kids with major depressive episodes has nearly doubled over the past decade. It’s no secret that young people today are navigating a myriad of stressors that impact their mental health and well-being.

In its fifth year, The Hey, I'm Here Ohio campaign was launched in response to this crisis in mental health by meeting youth where they are: in digital spaces. Since then, the campaign has reached more than three million people worldwide. In 2022, the campaign formed the Resilience Squad, a 20-member team of Ohioans ages 14-27, to ensure youth share directly in the vision and decision-making process that drives the campaign.

Each month, the Resilience Squad participates in a coaching and community space to gain and share practical resilience skills. They’re also given opportunities for professional development and a platform to share their insights with thousands of followers along the way.

Applications for the Hey, I'm Here Ohio Resilience Squad are currently open. Interested youth can visit the campaign's official website at www.heyimhereohio.org and navigate to the "Join" section. Interested caregivers and adults who work directly with youth can attend the Virtual Open House on June 20 at 11:00 a.m. More information can be found on the website. The deadline to submit an application to join the Squad closes on July 30.

Pathways to Recovery: Psychosis and Schizophrenia Podcast

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. The latest episode, “Pathways to Recovery: Psychosis and Schizophrenia,” explores this serious mental illness and its symptoms and discusses how treatments have evolved. NIMH Director Dr. Joshua A. Gordon talks with Dr. Robert Heinssen, a leader in developing and adopting coordinated specialty care for treating psychosis. Listeners will learn about the signs and symptoms of psychosis, discuss coordinated specialty care, and discuss how NIMH research in psychosis and schizophrenia fundamentally changed the health care landscape.

Listen to Podcast

Reminder: RFI — Ohio’s Gambling Telehealth Network

OhioMHAS, in partnership with the Problem Gambling Network of Ohio (PGNO), is seeking requests for information (RFI) from behavioral health providers to help inform Ohio’s approach for providing clinical services for individuals with Gambling Disorder through the Ohio Gambling Telehealth Network. The information collected through this RFI will be used by OhioMHAS and PGNO to better inform the current landscape of certified behavioral health care services as they relate to problem gambling in Ohio. By providing the requested information, service providers will indicate future interest in working with the Ohio Gambling Telehealth Network. Responding to this RFI does not guarantee participation in the OGTN at this time. The deadline to respond to the RFI survey is 5:00 p.m. on June 7.

Juneteenth and Public Health — June 9 and June 13

As we approach the commemoration of Juneteenth, Columbus Public Health’s Center for Public Health Innovation is excited to extend a special invitation to you and your organization to join in honoring this pivotal moment in American history. This year, Columbus Public Health is hosting two distinct events that explore the themes of justice, sustainability, and the enduring impact of African Americans in agriculture. Click the links below for more information and to RSVP. For more information, contact CPHInnovation@columbus.gov.

June 9 | 2:00-400 p.m. | Juneteenth Joy: The Journey for Justice and the Pathway to an Agriculturally Sustainable Future

June 13 | 5:00-6:30 p.m. | The Time is Now: Naming, Measuring and Addressing Racism to Achieve Health Equity and Eliminate “Race”-Associated Health Disparities

Uniting for Elder Justice Conference — June 12

Older adults face a myriad of issues in daily life. Oftentimes these issues are compounded by cognitive issues or physical disability. Older adults are statistically more vulnerable to abuse and exploitation than their younger counterparts. Join Direction Home of Eastern Ohio to learn about the unique threats facing older adults at the Uniting for Elder Justice conference on June 12 at the Holiday Inn Youngstown-South in Boardman.

More Information and Register

Virtual enCompass Training — June 24

RecoveryOhio and OhioMHAS are partnering to host a free, virtual enCompass training on June 24 from 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. The training is designed as a resource for family members trying to navigate addiction and help a loved one recover. The training includes in-depth information about substance use disorders, treatment options, communication strategies, and self-care tips for caregivers.

2024 Ohio School Success Conference — June 24-26

The Ohio School-Based Center of Excellence for Prevention & Early Intervention at Miami University has announced that registration is now open for the 2024 Ohio School Success Conference to be held June 24-26 at the Nationwide Hotel & Conference Center in Lewis Center.

This year's conference will focus on several key topics, including: identifying and addressing mental health needs in students and staff, creating a positive school climate, implementing effective intervention strategies, building resilience and coping skills, and cultivating a supportive school community.

Teachers, administrators, school counselors, psychologists, social workers, parents and caregivers, prevention professionals, mental health advocates, and others are encouraged to attend. Questions? Email Kenyetta Lomax Lee at leekl@miamioh.edu or Sharon Custer at custersl@miamioh.edu.

Register

Registration Open: 2024 Peer Recovery Summit — July 29-30

Ohio Peer Recovery Organizations (OhioPRO) will host the 2024 Peer Recovery Summit on July 29-30 at the Hilton Columbus – Polaris. Registration is now open.

This year's theme is, "Peer Faces: Celebrating Resiliency." Ariel Britt, Patricia Deegan, Ph.D. and Ryan Hampton will provide keynote remarks. Other national and local speakers will lead transformative educational sessions that will provide recovery leaders and peer supporters with new ideas and invigoration to continue to do meaningful work in their communities. A full agenda will be available soon.

OhioPRO is also excited to announce a free screening of the award-winning documentary, Inheritance, at this year’s summit. This film explores the underlying causes of the opioid epidemic in America through the life of one boy and five generations of his extended family over 11 years. Following the screening, there will be a Q&A and discussion with Producer, Director, and Cinematographer Matt Moyer and film participant Curtis.

Cost is $75. Registration is limited to 550 attendees. Attendees will receive participation credits that can be used towards recertification.

Register

2024 OCAM Conference — Aug. 1-2

The Ohio Coaching & Mentoring (OCAM) Network will host its 2024 conference on Aug. 1-2 at the Marriott Columbus Northwest. This year's theme is, "Amplify & Grow Our Individual Strengths." Participants will learn about and strengthen skills focused on building professional development. Workshops will focus on leadership enhancement, communication strategies, utilizing your natural talents, emotional intelligence, and finding funding opportunities. Cost is $150.

More Information and Register