OhioMHAS Awards First SOAR Network Innovation Grant to Launch Telehealth Service Supporting Student Mental Health
$1.6M Awarded to Hazel Health to Bring Teletherapy to 160,000 K-12 Students Statewide
As part of Ohio’s efforts to provide increased access to innovative and effective mental health supports across the state, OhioMHAS announced this week it is partnering with the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce (DEW) and Hazel Health to provide teletherapy services to 160,000 students statewide.
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.
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Ohio Healthy Youth Environments Survey (OHYES!) Celebrating 10th Anniversary — Informational Webinars About Fall 2024 Survey Planned for Early September
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.
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 Sept. 8 Recognized as #988Day in Ohio, Nation
Communities Called Upon to Continue to Promote Awareness of the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
Sept. 8 will be observed in Ohio and across the nation as the First Annual 988 Day. The inaugural awareness day’s theme is “No Judgement. Just Help.” Communities can help us continue to raise awareness about the availability of the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by using the social media hashtag #988Day. A 988 Day Digital Toolkit was created by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and contains imagery, social media graphics, and messaging that communities can use in their efforts to help prevent suicide.
Ohioans can also access the 988 Ohio Toolkit, which is continually updated with downloadable fact sheets, posters, logos, and social media shareables, and the Ohio 988 Materials Generator, which allows anyone throughout the state to design free, personalized 988 materials that can be shared within their communities.
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. Through July 2024, Ohio’s 19 call centers have been a lifeline to 339,390 Ohioans who have reached out to 988 via call, text, or chat.
Learn more about Ohio’s suicide prevention efforts by visiting 988.ohio.gov.
RFP: SFY 25 Campus-Community Collaborative Grants
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.
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Share Your Recovery Month Activities With OneOhio Recovery Foundation
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.
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New SAMHSA Resource: Early Recognition and Effective Treatment of Early Serious Mental Illness
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.
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New NIMH Podcast — Overcoming Childhood Anxiety: Hope Through Research
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.
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Self-Paced Lessons to Expand Peer Recovery Supporter Skills
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
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Upcoming ORH Trainings
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
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A Conversation About Trauma-informed, Resilience-oriented, Equity-focused Systems and Approaches for IDD Populations — Aug. 29
Senior Adults: Strong Connections to Support the Cornerstones of Ohio’s Communities — Aug. 29
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.
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Overdose Awareness 5K Run/Walk — Aug. 31
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.
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Third Annual Light After Loss Postvention Convention — Sept. 6
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.
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Third Annual Art of Healing Benefit — Sept. 19
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.
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2024 Mental Health America National Conference — Sept. 19-21
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.
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OCA Fall Conference — Oct. 15-16
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.
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In the News...
Editorial: Schools offering more behavioral health care Lisbon Morning Journal, August 21, 2024
Ohio wants more foster kids to stay with families. A pilot program could help. The Ohio Newsroom, August 20, 2024
New Akron Children's Hospital partnership gives teens 24/7 MH support via app Cleveland.com, August 20, 2024
DEA recognizes National Fentanyl Prevention and Awareness Day DEA.Gov, August 20, 2024
Ohio to establish telehealth services for students struggling with mental health WFMJ-TV, August 19, 2024
Amid youth mental health crisis, Ohio school-based behavioral health services grow The Ohio Newsroom, August 19, 2024
Community Conversation invites neighbors to learn about mental health challenges Dayton Daily News, August 19, 2024
Flying High program expands healthy food initiative Youngstown Business Journal, August 19, 2024
Veteran suicide prevention: 'Treatment does work' WYSO 91.3, August 19, 2024
OU researchers aim to reduce postpartum depression in rural mothers Logan Daily News, August 19, 2024
Waves of Awareness: Overdose awareness event coming to Cleveland's Public Square WKYC-TV, August 18, 2024
Dayton man helps firefighters overcome mental dangers of job Dayton Daily News, August 18, 2024
Elyria to host Chalk the Walk event on Saturday for overdose awareness Elyria Chronicle-Telegram, August 16, 2024
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