On Monday, Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (OhioMHAS) Chief Advisor Tia Marcel Moretti welcomed guests to the sold-out Ohio Prevention Conference (OPC) where she stressed the importance of prevention at every point along the continuum of behavioral health. Marcel Moretti highlighted key initiatives including the Family Supports Landscape Analysis, Mobile Response Stabilization Service (MRSS), the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, suicide prevention efforts, and wellness workforce initiatives.

The morning also featured keynote remarks from Capt. Christopher Jones, Pharm.D., Dr.P.H., M.P.H., Director of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) Center for Substance Abuse Prevention, who advocated for putting prevention front and center in addressing the nation's ongoing substance use and overdose crisis. 

The conference, which was held Aug. 19-20 at the Hyatt Regency in Columbus, is the premier educational opportunity for prevention specialists, health educators, business professionals, and community members dedicated to fostering a healthier environment. This year's theme was "Prevention is More." Click HERE to view the full conference agenda. Thank you to Prevention Action Alliance for partnering to host this important training event.

OhioMHAS awarded $1.6 million in SOAR Network Innovation Grant funding to Hazel Health – a national leader in school-based telehealth – to work with school systems to build the technological infrastructure needed to bring convenient mental health services directly to students. The initiative will connect local, licensed on-staff mental health professionals with students in need of services to help them overcome challenges like anxiety, depression, bullying, stress at home, and academic pressure.

DEW will be distributing information about this opportunity to all Ohio school districts. Districts must indicate interest and provide information on existing partnerships and current wait times for services. The information will be reviewed by both DEW and OhioMHAS, and services will be offered to the districts found to be in greatest need. Services are expected to be available beginning in October 2024.

This marks the first SOAR Network Innovation Grant awarded by OhioMHAS. Created in the FY24-25 state operating budget with the support of Governor DeWine and the Ohio General Assembly, the SOAR Network is a strategic collaborative, acting to improve behavioral health outcomes in Ohio. As part of the SOAR Network, OhioMHAS is awarding $10 million in Innovation Grants. Any organization or person with an innovative concept that stands to benefit the mental health of Ohioans across the state is welcome to apply for future rounds of grant funding. More information can be found HERE.

Student mental health needs in Ohio are increasing. The free Ohio Healthy Youth Environments Survey (OHYES!) helps schools and communities identify and address mental health needs, improve overall student health, and make a positive impact. OHYES! data can help school and community leaders:

• Identify local trends in youth risk and protective factors including mental health needs, school culture and climate, and overall student health;
• Tailor positive behavioral interventions and mental health supports;
• Partner with local mental health and health organizations to improve student health;
• Provide local data for behavioral health and health department needs assessments; and
• Support funding applications and outcome reporting (e.g., Student Wellness and Success Funds and federal discretionary grants).

About OHYES!
Administered by OhioMHAS, in partnership with the Ohio departments of Education and Workforce (ODEW) and Health (ODH), the survey is:

• Free, voluntary, and web-based;
• Anonymous for students;
• Designed for students in grades 7-12; and
• About 30-35 minutes in duration.

Two versions of the survey —  the standard 110-question survey and an optional 120-question survey — are available on the OHYES! website. The website also offers information about parent/guardian consent, registration, administration, and confidentiality.

Informational Webinars
ODEW and OhioMHAS will host a webinar for interested school administrators on Sept. 5.  OhioMHAS will also host an informational webinar for behavioral health organizations on Sept.10. Register HERE.

To decide if OHYES! is right for your community, please visit the OHYES! website to learn more. Superintendents and principals will be emailed with a link to register for the survey. Questions? Email info@ohyes.ohio.gov for more information.

The Ohio Program for Campus Safety and Mental Health is now accepting proposals for the SFY 25 Campus-Community Collaborative Grants (CCG). These grants  support the development of suicide prevention, mental health promotion, and stigma reduction programs for campus faculty, staff, and students of Ohio's institutions of higher education. Proposals should demonstrate a collaborative relationship between one or more colleges, universities, technical schools and/or community colleges within the area and a local community organization.

Applications are due by 5:00 p.m. on Sept. 6. All questions regarding the SFY25 CCGs should be directed to opcsmh@neomed.edu.

September is National Recovery Month and the team at the OneOhio Recovery Foundation is interested in learning more about the activities that you or your organization have planned for the month. Share your plans using this form. 

Be sure to visit the OhioMHAS website to download digital resources, including graphics and sample social media posts to help promote Recovery Month. 

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) has announced the release of a new Early Recognition and Effective Treatment of Early Serious Mental Illness resource. This brochure emphasizes the crucial role of early detection and intervention in serious mental illnesses, emphasizing the need for prompt attention at the first onset of symptoms. In addition, the resource highlights the importance of youth and family engagement in early intervention services and supports. Early detection of serious mental illness and the provision of effective treatment can improve outcomes for individuals and promote long term mental health recovery.

To mark its 75th Anniversary, the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) hosted a new podcast series, Mental Health Matters. The series explores the stories behind influencers and innovators in mental health research and takes listeners into the lives of people with mental illnesses. The latest podcast episode, “Overcoming Childhood Anxiety: Hope Through Research,” explores how developing the best treatments for children requires research designed specifically for them. In this episode, NIMH talks with Laurie and her 11-year-old daughter, Joanne, about their challenges with childhood anxiety. Listeners will learn about their experience in an NIMH clinical trial and their future outlook.

The Weitzman Institute and OhioMHAS have partnered to launch a new series of six, quick “microcourses” to expand Certified Peer Recovery Supporter (CPRS) skills and knowledge in key topic areas. Developed by and for CRPSs in Ohio, especially those working in rural areas, this self-paced activity offers six lessons (about 15 minutes each) designed to deepen your skills in:

• Peer Engagement
• Motivational Interviewing
• Building Recovery Capital
• Occupational Safety
• Systems of Care
• Treatment Teams

Each lesson includes:

• Valuable insights in an easy-to-read format, along with links to videos, podcasts, tools, and more
• Practical “challenge tasks” to try out your new knowledge
• The opportunity to earn digital badges
• Downloadable infographic posters that you can share with peers, clinics, and the community

Ohio Recovery Housing has announced a number of upcoming in-person and virtual trainings. Click the links below for more information and to register. Questions? Email info@ohiorecoveryhousing.org.

In-Person
Sept. 12-13 | ORH Application Boot Camp (Cleveland) | Register
Sept. 25-26 | ORH Application Boot Camp (Wilmington) | Register
Oct. 24-25 | ORH Application Boot Camp (Findlay) | Register

Live Webinars
Sept. 4 | Introduction to Recovery Housing | Register
Sept. 5 | Understanding Recovery Housing Staffing Requirements | Register
Sept. 10 | Recovery Housing Outcomes by Level of Support | Register
Sept. 17 | Ohio Recovery Housing Outcomes Tools | Register
Sept. 24 | Best Practices for Documenting Recovery Housing Activities | Register

The National Council for Mental Wellbeing will present A Conversation About Trauma-informed, Resilience-oriented, Equity-focused Systems and Approaches for IDD  Populations on Aug. 29 from noon-1:00 p.m. This session will explore the prevalence and impact of trauma; the key principles of TIROES (trauma-informed, resilience-oriented and equity-focused systems); what being trauma-informed looks like in daily practice; and the connection to self-care and compassion resilience. Attendees will also receive information on how they can continue their organization’s learning journey through the National Council’s consulting services.

The Ohio Center of Excellence for Behavioral Health Prevention and Promotion will host its next Prevention Exchange virtual forum on Aug. 29 from 1:00-2:00 p.m. Featuring speakers from St. Mary Development and  Family Pride of Northeast Ohio, the session will explore successes in tailoring programs that foster social connection to meet the needs and interests of senior adults.  

In recognition of Overdose Awareness Day, the Jackson County Post Overdose Response Team (P.O.R.T.) is hosting a 5K Run/Walk at Man Power Park in Jackson on Aug. 31. Cost is $25 and include a race T-shirt. Registration is at 9:00 a.m. and the race begins at 10:00 a.m. For more information, call 740.418.6907.

For a list of other Overdose Awareness Day events in Ohio, visit the RecoveryOhio website. 

Light After Loss will host its Third Annual Postvention Convention: Whole Health for the Whole Self on Sept. 6 from 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. at The Hope and Healing Center in Canton. This unique event is dedicated to assisting mental health clinicians to appropriately identify trauma and grief experienced by and provide therapeutic support to suicide loss survivors. Presentations will include the Ohio Suicide Prevention Foundation, the Veterans Administration, and topics focused on therapeutic movement, art therapy, writing to heal trauma, and understanding ethics when incorporating experiential techniques into therapy. Cost is $50 and includes lunch and 5.5 CE hours for counselors, social workers, and marriage and family therapists. Questions? Contact Dr. Emily Ribnik at training@lightafterlosstark.org or 330.990.6963.

The Ohio Suicide Prevention Foundation (OSPF) will host its Third Annual Art of Healing Benefit on Sept. 19 from 5:00-8:00 p.m. at The Exchange at Bridge Park in Dublin. The Art of Healing Benefit has grown into a profound celebration of art’s role in healing and an event that focuses on reducing stigma around suicide and mental health. This event has become more than just a fundraiser for OSPF; it is a tribute to the transformative power of art and a testament to the lives touched through our collective efforts. 

Zak Williams will provide keynote remarks. As a passionate global mental health advocate, entrepreneur, and son of the late Robin Williams, Zak will share his unique perspective and inspiring journey on the 10th anniversary of his father’s passing.

Mental Health America will host its 2024 National Conference: Disrupt, Reform, Transform on Sept. 19-21 in Washington, D.C. Virtual participation is also available. Unite with thousands of mental health advocates from across the globe for three days of empowerment, innovation, and connection. MHA's conference offers a welcoming space for sharing personal stories and is open to anyone passionate about mental health.  

The Ohio Children's Alliance (OCA) will host its 2024 Fall Conference on Oct. 15-16 at the Renaissance Columbus Westerville–Polaris. More than 350 leaders and professionals from the child-serving behavioral health and social service sectors will gather to engage, learn, and inspire. The conference will feature dynamic keynote speakers, hands-on workshops, high-level presentations, and discussions on innovative topics. Participants will explore the latest advancements and strategies to improve outcomes for children and families across Ohio. Click HERE to view the agenda and HERE to view speaker bios.