OhioMHAS Announces Publication of RFP for Statewide Expansion of Mobile Response Stabilization Services
As part of Ohio Governor Mike DeWine’s pledge to improve Ohio’s ability to respond when a young person is experiencing a mental health emergency, OhioMHAS is taking the next step to expand a program doing this crucial work. Today, OhioMHAS announced the publication of a Request for Proposals (RFP) seeking applicants to establish a contract as a regional provider of Mobile Response and Stabilization Services (MRSS).
MRSS is a rapid mobile response and stabilization service for people under the age of 21 who are experiencing significant behavioral or emotional distress and their families. Through this RFP, OhioMHAS is seeking to make the service available in all 88 counties across the state.
OhioMHAS is seeking to establish contracts with providers in 18 identified regions, with the aim of broadening the service’s coverage to include the full state. OhioMHAS will award up to $12 million to eligible providers to provide MRSS coverage.
|
Each Regional MRSS Provider (RMP) will be responsible for all aspects of MRSS support, including initial dispatch, de-escalation, and stabilization. They will also be responsible for data monitoring and ensuring quality care for Ohio youth requiring these crisis services.
The full RFP can be viewed here. All responses must be received by Friday, Aug. 30 at 5:00 p.m.
Selected applicants must meet minimum qualifications within 60 days of the date of the award. Minimum qualifications include being certified to provide MRSS in accordance with specifications in OhioMHAS rule 5122-29-14 and the MRSS Practice Standards, including any subsequent versions. Additionally, within 30 days of award, applicants must be enrolled as an MRSS provider with ODM or apply to be enrolled, contract with the Ohio Medicaid MCOs and OhioRISE plan, and be in good standing with OhioMHAS’ Bureau of Licensure and Certification. In alignment with these requirements, OhioMHAS published the RFP in coordination with the Ohio Department of Medicaid (ODM) and the Ohio Department Children and Youth (DCY).
OhioMHAS anticipates the new regional model to be implemented by January 2025. At that time, or when the model is operational, all funding and billing opportunities for MRSS available through ODM and OhioMHAS will only be available to RMPs and their subcontractors selected through the RFP process.
Increasing access to MRSS is part of Governor DeWine’s commitment to providing a robust system of behavioral health care supports to all people across Ohio. In his 2024 State of the State Address, Governor DeWine called for MRSS to be taken statewide.
Today, MRSS is offered in 47 Ohio counties. Individuals in need of services can call the MRSS statewide call center 24 hours a day, seven days a week at 1-888-617-6777 (1-888-617-MRSS).
 Montgomery County Summit Spotlights Youth Mental Health
This week, the Montgomery County Alcohol, Drug Addiction and Mental Health Services (ADAMHS) Board spotlighted youth mental health at the Cultivating Resilience Summit 2.0 held July 30-31 at the Sinclair Conference Center in Dayton. The Summit was expanded to two days this year to focus on how communities and youth-serving providers can support young people who are managing trauma as the result of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs). The Summit also highlighted suicide prevention strategies tailored for youth. Nearly 150 professionals — including prevention specialists, school counselors, and others engaged with youth services — were in attendance.
OhioMHAS Chief Advisor Tia Marcel Moretti (pictured above and at right with Montgomery ADAMHS Executive Director Helen Jones-Kelley) delivered opening remarks. She shared how neighbors, teachers, and coaches supported her during her teen years to help her build resilience and find success. She also offered specific ways the can provide support to decrease the likelihood of mental health challenges and self-harm.
The Cultivating Resilience Summit 2.0 is the second year of the conference hosted by Montgomery County ADAMHS, with funding provided by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Minority Health, SAMHSA, the CDC, and OhioMHAS.
|
Funding Opportunity: Landlord Incentive Program
OhioMHAS is seeking requests for Expression of Interest in providing funding opportunities to Alcohol, Drug Addiction and Mental Health Services (ADAMHS) Boards interested in participating in the Landlord Incentive Program. The funding provides incentives to landlords to rent to individuals with a criminal record who have a mental illness and/or substance use disorder, or persons who are being discharged from a psychiatric hospital. This opportunity will provide up to $1 million for incentive payments to participating private landlords who provide permanent housing settings with standard landlord-tenant leases to the program’s target population in Ohio communities.
Interested applicants should submit an e-mail of interest to housinggrant@mha.ohio.gov by 3:00 p.m. on Aug. 30.
Informational Webinar: An informational webinar will be held on Aug. 14 at 10:00 a.m. for interested applicants. The call-in number is 1.614.721.2972 (Conference ID: 348 547 440#) or join virtually with Teams Meeting Link.
ODM Survey Seeks to Understand Ohioans' Experiences Returning to their Community After Incarceration
As a part of the ongoing 1115 Reentry Waiver Demonstration Opportunity, the Ohio Department of Medicaid (ODM) is exploring ways to help improve transitions for individuals who were formerly incarcerated. ODM has developed a survey to better understand people’s experiences of returning to their community after incarceration.
ODM kindly requests your assistance in reaching out to previously incarcerated individuals within your network to encourage their participation in this survey.
Completing the survey is voluntary and will only take a few minutes. Whether or not a person participates in this survey will not impact their Medicaid benefits in any way. ODM will not ask for their name or other identifying information as part of their response. ODM will review and share responses to help improve Medicaid eligible individuals’ transition from correctional settings to the community. Respondents’ identity will remain undisclosed. Survey responses are due on Aug. 16, 2024.
A sample email message is available for your use to invite previously incarcerated individuals to participate in ODM's survey. Click the button below to see model language and a survey link to forward to potential respondents. Your continued support and dedication to this process is appreciated.
NIMH Releases Back to School Resources for Mental Health
Returning to school can be exciting and challenging for children and teens. During this season, the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) focuses on the importance of children’s mental health and early diagnosis and treatment.
Share these resources on coping strategies and guidance for seeking help during this stressful time. NIMH also offers brochures and fact sheets on mental disorders and related topics for children and adolescents free of charge. Brochures and fact sheets are also in digital formats and available in English and Spanish.
|
Free “How To” Practice Guides and Presentations Available from the Ohio HEALing Communities Study
Free “how to” practice guides and presentations are now available from the Ohio HEALing Communities Study, a federally funded effort to address opioid overdose deaths. The HEALing Communities Study (HCS) was a research study in four states heavily impacted by opioid overdose deaths (Ohio, New York, Kentucky, and Massachusetts).
HCS aimed to decrease opioid overdose deaths through the implementation of evidence-based practices to increase overdose education, naloxone distribution, and access to medications for opioid use disorder. HCS has resources available for download including how-to guides for implementing strategies, scientific article one-page summaries, and success stories from communities involved in the study intervention.
HCS Ohio team members are also available to meet with interested groups to present information and findings from the study, share key lessons learned and guidelines for implementation, and provide connections to agencies and communities involved in HCS. Click HERE to learn more and view available resources. To schedule a dissemination presentation for your agency, organization, or community group, email HEALingCommunities@osu.edu.
|
2024 The Business of Recovery Summit — Aug. 15-16
The Opioid Response Network and the Northern Ohio Recovery Association (NORA) are teaming up to host a free Business of Recovery Summit on Aug. 15-16 at NORA's Main Office in Cleveland.
The Summit aims to bring together community leaders interested in developing programs that support Peer Recovery Support Services. After completion, free technical assistance will be available to business leaders. For more information, email Anita Bradley at abradley@norainc.org.
|
Constructing Crisis Care: Lessons from the Development of a Crisis Receiving Center — Aug. 27
Peg's Foundation, through its Clear Pathways Initiative, will host a Lunch & Learn webinar, Constructing Crisis Care: Lessons from the Development of a Crisis Receiving Center, on Aug. 27 from noon-1:00 p.m. Leaders from the Mental Health, Addiction, and Recovery Services (MHARS) Board of Lorain County will share their experience and insights into the development of a crisis receiving center. This session will provide a guide for communities embarking on similar projects, offering practical strategies and lessons learned. Whether you are in the early stages of planning or looking to refine your approach, this webinar will provide you with insights to navigate the complexities of initiating crisis facility capital development and/or infrastructure projects. Questions? Email Aly Feye at afeye@pegsfoundation.org.
|
Community Catalyst Conference — Sept. 6
On the Front Lines Community Alliance is hosting a Community Catalyst Conference for recovery support professionals on Sept. 6 in Blue Ash. The conference is designed by and for people with lived experience and aims to empower and uplift the voices of all those who have lived experience and are working in the field of recovery. The conference will to provide recovery professionals with comprehensive resources, continuous professional development, and meaningful connections in a nurturing setting, fostering a supportive network for recovery and wellness through peer-led education and conversations. Cost is $30.
Conference organizers are currently seeking workshop proposals. Proposals are due by Aug. 12. Sponsorship opportunities are also available. For more information, email Hannah Schilling at hannah@frontlinescommunity.com.
|
In the News...
Official: Mahoning County, state, battling suicide numbers Youngstown Vindicator, August 2, 2024
Townhall addresses high suicide rate in Mahoning County WFMJ-TV, August 2, 2024
Tri-County Board hosting art show, kickoff concert Sidney Daily News, August 2, 2024
Leading mental health experts in OH speak on suicide prevention at town hall meeting WKBN-TV, August 1, 2024
PTSD treatment helps 'reset' mental health Spectrum News 1, August 1, 2024
Ohio State University offers free teletherapy for all students WOSU 89.7, August 1, 2024
Kirwan Institute conference offers community-building resources Ohio State News, August 1, 2024
Lorain County resource fair to provide addiction help, naloxone kits WEWS-TV, July 31, 2024
Here's what Mahoning Valley residents can expect at suicide prevention town hall Mahoning Matters, July 31, 2024
Boosting access: BHP expands mental health services in Knox, Licking counties Knox Pages, July 31, 2024
Bipartisan bill would create mental health hotline for first responders WCMH-TV, July 31, 2024
OSU study: Dual use of vaping and smoking quadruples lung cancer risk News-Medical.net, July 31, 2024
Nearly 1 in 3 U.S. adolescents are getting mental health treatment HealthDay News, July 31, 2024
Montgomery County ADAMHS hosts youth mental health summit WKEF-TV, July 30, 2024
|