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 Friday, June 28, 2024

Governor Mike DeWine Signs $4.2 Billion
Capital Budget into Law

House Bill 2 includes $133.5 Million to Continue the DeWine-Husted Administration’s Efforts to Strengthen Ohio's Statewide System of Mental Health Care 

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine, Lt. Governor Jon Husted, and members of the Ohio General Assembly today announced significant investments contained in House Bill 2, the capital budget bill. The bill includes $133.5 million to continue the DeWine-Husted Administration’s efforts to build a statewide system of mental healthcare and will provide lifelines of support for Ohioans living with mental illness.

This funding includes $10 million for the design and planning of a new, state-of-the-art behavioral healthcare hospital in the Miami Valley. The proposed hospital will add more than 200 patient beds, increasing access to care for those in need of inpatient services, while reducing the burden on hospitals in other regions of the state

House Bill 2 also provides funding for enhancements Ohio’s six existing behavioral healthcare hospitals, support for recovery housing so that people facing mental health challenges can receive treatment from the comfort of a loving home, and funding to expand and renovate facilities like youth centers, Boys and Girls Clubs, and educational service centers – which host programs where children learn about the importance of building a strong foundation of mental health. 

Click HERE to view a Capital Budget fact sheet and HERE to read the Governor's full media announcement. 

Governor, First Lady DeWine Cut Ribbon on New Residential Facility Serving Ohioans With Mental Health Challenges

Melissa’s House will stand as a beacon of hope for Ohioans
facing mental health challenges and their loved ones

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine and First Lady Fran DeWine joined central Ohio mental health and community leaders at a ribbon-cutting ceremony Wednesday to celebrate the opening of a new residential facility in Columbus known as Melissa’s House. The home will provide a comfortable, supportive, and secure environment for individuals facing serious mental health challenges to focus on their treatment and recovery.

“By opening Melissa’s House, we are opening the doors to what will be one of the finest residential mental health care facilities in the country,” said Governor DeWine. “It’s yet another example of our all-of-the-above approach to building a world-class system of mental health supports in Ohio. Recovery is for everyone. We are expanding a continuum of housing options, so all Ohioans – no matter their circumstance in life – have access to the care and support they need, when they need it.”

Located in Old North Columbus, Melissa’s House will offer up to 16 beds for individuals facing various mental illnesses. Staff will be on-hand 24/7 to coordinate quality treatment in a holistic, family-centered environment – creating a sense of community among residents and bringing peace of mind to residents’ family members that their loved ones are being supported in their recovery journey.

Melissa’s House is named after Melissa Goldberg. A central Ohio native, Melissa was a standout student and athlete who was known for her infectious laugh. However, during her college years, she began to struggle with serious mental illness. With the love and support of her family, Melissa spent many years in and out of institutional settings throughout the country. But despite their best efforts, Melissa’s illness continued to become more pervasive. She died in 2006 at the age of 36.

In the years since, the Goldberg family has worked to establish a residential adult care facility that would provide a loving home for individuals facing mental health challenges who do not need medical care in an institutional setting, but who also may not be ready for independent living. The Goldberg family was successful in raising the necessary funds to open such a facility, but over the years, they continued to run into roadblocks preventing Melissa’s House from becoming a reality.

That all changed recently. Under the leadership of Governor DeWine and his commitment to building a multifaceted system of mental health supports, the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (OhioMHAS) approved a $1 million capital grant to help finance the purchase of a location for Melissa’s House.

“When we received the call to help, we didn’t hesitate. The Governor made a commitment to build the community system of care that was promised decades ago, but never fully realized. With his unwavering support, we are doing that every day,” said OhioMHAS Director LeeAnne Cornyn. “Melissa’s House represents the best of us. It’s a symbol of collaboration, determination, and compassion. Today is more than a ribbon-cutting. We are opening doors, restoring hope, and inspiring new beginnings.”

The Alcohol, Drug, and Mental Health Board of Franklin County has also provided assistance with the project, working with OhioMHAS and NAMI Ohio to help process the purchase of Melissa’s House. Ohio-based nonprofit New Housing Ohio Inc. has been brought in to handle daily operations and management of Melissa’s House. They currently operate numerous homes across Ohio that serve individuals with mental illness or developmental disabilities. Additionally, Columbus City Council and the University Area Commission each unanimously approved zoning adjustments necessary to make  Melissa’s House possible.

The result of this collaboration is a top-of-its-class adult care facility, which will provide all the modern amenities of home for residents. Each resident will have their own room and access to shared kitchen facilities, as well as other common areas. In addition to helping with personalized treatment needs, staff will also coordinate group activities, both inside and outside of the home.

Click HERE to read the full media release. 

OhioMHAS Partners with ODRC, OACBHA to Host Ohio’s
First “Inside” Recovery Celebration 

Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (OhioMHAS) Director LeeAnne Cornyn was joined by Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction (ODRC) Director Annette Chambers-Smith and Cheri Walter, executive director of the Ohio Association of County Behavioral Health Authorities (OACBHA) on Wednesday for the Ohio's first “inside” recovery celebration.

The "Recovery for Me Too" event was open to the more than 2,000 men incarcerated at Chillicothe Correctional Institution and included speakers sharing their lived experiences with addiction and recovery and messages of hope for the future. Informational booths were set up where the incarcerated men could learn more about recovery and mental health resources available during and after incarceration.

“With the support of our staff and partners like OhioMHAS and OACBHA, we embrace the efforts of incarcerated Ohioans to change their lives by committing to recovery,” said ODRC Director Annette Chambers-Smith. “For us, hope is job one, and we will continue to do what we can to provide hope for our population and encourage them on their road to recovery. We want to send people home as healthy as possible.”

While small, select groups of incarcerated individuals have been permitted to attend recovery celebrations outside the prison walls in the past, this was the first time such an event was held inside an Ohio prison.

“Under Governor DeWine’s leadership, we are working hard to make services more visible, accessible, and effective for all – including the thousands of men and women in our prisons. Recovery and the promise of a brighter tomorrow apply to all Ohioans, no matter their circumstance in life,” said OhioMHAS Director LeeAnne Cornyn. “Our ongoing partnership with ODRC leverages our combined expertise to increase treatment within prisons and ensures a better connection to clinical and recovery supports upon release to help the men and women we serve be well, get well, and stay well.”

“We’re immensely proud to be a part of this extremely exciting, first of its kind, recovery event in an institution,” said Cheri L. Walter, CEO, Ohio Association of County Behavioral Health Authorities. “We’re thankful for the partnership with the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction, the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, the team at the Chillicothe Correctional Institution, and the Ohio Suicide Prevention Foundation. As we celebrate recovery and promote the benefits of accessing and engaging in services and supports, we’ll continue to show individuals throughout Ohio that treatment works, people recover, and Recovery Is Beautiful!”

OhioMHAS Bureau of Correctional Recovery Services Chief John Sexten called the event powerful, noting it was both motivating and inspirational for the men at CCI. "After talking to many of the incarcerated men yesterday I believe the event helped inspire those who attended, and it will have a lasting positive effect for them and those who hear about the event," he said. "It was a boost to those in recovery, both from substance and mental health issues. "The messages and interactions carried forth yesterday will undoubtedly help spur and motivate people to open up, be honest about their needs and either continue their involvement in recovery or begin the journey of recovery."

Click HERE to view more photos.

Overdose Awareness Day Request for Expression of Interest

OhioMHAS is announcing a funding opportunity for Alcohol, Drug Addiction and Mental Health Services (ADAMHS) Boards to support Overdose Awareness Day 2024. Each participating ADAMHS Board can receive up to $14,000 in one-time funding to host community outreach events on or around Aug. 31, 2024. The funds are intended to support event infrastructure and ensure access to harm reduction and treatment linkage materials for all attendees.

Interested ADAMHS Boards must submit their expressions of interest to richard.massatti@mha.ohio.gov by July 9 at 3:00 p.m. All funds must be fully obligated by Sept. 29, 2024, with no opportunity for carryover or extension.

MOMS Request for Expression of Interest

OhioMHAS has a new funding opportunity for existing Maternal Opiate Medical Supports (MOMS) recipients. This initiative aims to expand or enhance treatment services for the remainder of the 2024 federal fiscal year. Eligible organizations can apply for up to $75,000 to support substance use treatment and related activities in Ohio communities. The funds must be utilized for services provided within the current fiscal year and spent by Sept. 29, 2024.

Interested MOMS recipients are encouraged to submit their email of interest to richard.massatti@mha.ohio.gov by July 5 at 3:00 p.m.

Bipartisan Safer Communities Act Funding Flows to Boards

OhioMHAS has awarded more than $1.4 million to 35 ADAMHS Boards as part of the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act (BSCA) Communities grant initiative. BSCA provides funding to help states address behavioral health system preparedness and enhance community emergency preparedness and response strategies that offset the traumatic experiences and lingering consequences of tragedies that may happen within our Ohio communities.

Major tasks include: developing new or enhanced mental health emergency plans; reinforcing collaboration between behavioral health, law enforcement, justice systems, local agencies, and public health stakeholders; trainings to agencies and providers; CLC tailored messaging about behavioral health supports; mobile crisis response units and development of research and evidence-based assessment of services for those affected by mental health emergency/crisis-related trauma.

Nominations Now Open for First-Ever SAMHSA Trailblazers
in Advancing Recovery (STAR) Awards

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) is now accepting nominations for the inaugural SAMHSA Trailblazers in Advancing Recovery (STAR) Awards. The STAR Awards honor leaders with lived experience of mental health and/or substance use conditions including youth and family members whose lives have been affected. In addition, the STAR Awards will recognize organizations who have demonstrated commitment to promoting equitable and inclusive access to wellness and recovery supports for individuals with mental health and/or substance use conditions.

New MACC, Inc. Training Series — Emerging Trends: Identifying and Addressing Substance Use Trends

Multiethnic Advocates for Cultural Competence (MACC), Inc. has announced a new Emerging Trends: Identifying and Addressing Substance Use Trends training series. This three-part webinar series will provide an overview of emerging drug trends in the U.S., with a focus on Ohio, explain what is known about the causes behind these trends, and discuss potential implications for the prevention field. It will also discuss how prevention professionals can incorporate addressing emerging trends into their existing workflow. Register individually or use this link to register for multiple sessions. Please check the MACC Website for details on all 2024 Training Sessions. July 2 | Part 1: Updates on Key Trends | Register July 9 | Part 2: The Latest Emerging Substances of Concern | Register July 16 | Part 3: Part 3: How to Determine Priorities and Develop a Public Health Response to Emerging Trends | Register

Problem Gambling Funding: A Review of FY23-24 Reports and Statewide Data — July 10

Join the Problem Gambling Network of Ohio (PGNO) on July 10 from 1:00-1:45 p.m. for a virtual "OhioMHAS Gambling Funding: A Review of FY23-24 Reports and Statewide Data" presentation. During the training, boards and agencies will review statistics from FY23 and FY24 Treatment Allocation Board Reports. Relevant data from the Ohio Gambling Helpline, information on how to ensure placement on the statewide referral list, and recommendations for how to spend gambling prevention and treatment funding will all be covered.

OhioMHAS Virtual Data Forum — July 31

OhioMHAS will host the next quarterly Data Forum on July 31 from 3:00-4:30 p.m. The purpose of the Data Forums is to:

• highlight new data resources, share information about current and upcoming data projects;
• facilitate opportunities for peer-to-peer learning;
• demonstrate how data can be used in the daily practice of ADAMH Boards and Behavioral Health providers; and
• discuss local needs related to data and data infrastructure.

The Forum provides a venue for sharing timely and useful best practices, examples, and resources for ADAMH Boards and behavioral health providers that may be implementing or updating their own data systems and data analytic capabilities. This meeting is intended for any stakeholders who are interested in learning about data and data resources, including ADAMH Board and Behavioral Health provider leadership and staff who work with, manage, and communicate data at all levels.

JULY DATA FORUM AGENDA

1. Update – RecoveryOhio Data Initiatives, Erin Reed, Governor’s Office
2. Impaired Driver Referral Program, Captain Christopher Kinn, Ohio Department of Public Safety, Ohio State Highway Patrol
3. New Data Product – 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline Data Dashboard, Tom Gerber, Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services

Questions? Email QPRAdmin@mha.ohio.gov.

Recovery Resources 2024 Run for Recovery — Aug. 10

Recovery Resources will host its 2024 Run for Recovery on Aug. 10 at Cleveland Metroparks Zoo. Now in its 12th year, this signature community event is an opportunity to move for something that matters — whether that is for health, recovery, or in memory of a loved one. More than 450 runners and walkers are expected to participate to raise funds in support of Recovery Resources' mission of providing hope and help for people struggling with mental illness and addiction. For more information, email ekrasnow@recres.org.

In the News...

Gov. Mike DeWine signs $4.2B capital budget
Cleveland.com, June 28, 2024

In Focus: A look into the passage of Ohio's capital budget
SpectrumNews1, June 28, 2024

Operation BRIDGE hosts successful event in Scioto County
Highland County Press, June 27, 2024

NAMI champions workplace mental health with fourth annual 'Rest Up Week'
National Alliance on Mental Illness, June 27, 2024

Third suicide awareness mural unveiled in Dayton
WDTN-TV, June 27, 2024

Therapist inspires men to prioritize mental health
Toledo Blade, June 27, 2024

Playing youth sports linked to better mental health in adults
Ohio State News, June 26, 2024

Addiction treatment center in Springfield celebrates five years
WDTN-TV, June 26, 2024

Central Ohio officers receive mental health training
WCMH-TV, June 26, 2024

Former OSU swimmer overcomes mental health struggles to qualify for Paris Olympics
Eleven Warriors, June 26, 2024

MetroHealth to open new psychiatric emergency department in Cleveland Heights SpectrumNews1, June 24, 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