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 Friday, September 6, 2024

Governor DeWine Delivers Opening Remarks at First Kids Summit Hosted by Department of Children and Youth

Event brings together county, state leaders focused on issues impacting children and families across the state

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine today delivered welcoming remarks for Ohio’s 2024 Kids Summit. Hosted for the first time by the new Ohio Department of Children and Youth (DCY), in collaboration with the Ohio Supreme Court, the Kids Summit brought together county leaders from across the state representing children services, the judicial system, law enforcement, parent and family advocates, social workers, and more to learn about DCY: the new agency created last year by Governor DeWine to streamline systems that support children and families.

“Protecting our children is something I’ve always been deeply passionate about throughout my career. Creating our new Department of Children and Youth to focus on this mission, day in and day out, has been an important step toward ensuring all Ohio children can reach their full potential,” said Governor DeWine. “The future of our state is in the hands of our children, and we have an obligation to do all we can to help them thrive.”

Over 800 people who serve children and families in various capacities attended the one-day summit.

DCY was established by Governor DeWine in 2023 to focus on the efficient and effective delivery of services to Ohio's children and their families. Now that many of the state’s child-centered resources and programs are within a single agency, Ohio families have a centralized resource to ask questions, find services, and receive support. DCY supports the following areas: Maternal and Infant Wellness; Early Care and Education; Early Childhood Development; Children Services; Foster, Kinship, and Adoption; Family Support and Stabilization; and Young Adult Support.

For more information, visit ChildrenAndYouth.Ohio.gov.

Governor DeWine Announces Findings of Ohio Juvenile Justice Working Group

This week, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine joined members of the Ohio Juvenile Justice Working Group to announce the group's recommendations for transformational change across Ohio's state and local juvenile justice system. 

Governor DeWine created the Ohio Juvenile Justice Working Group in November, asking group members to conduct a holistic review of juvenile justice operations at the Ohio Department of Youth Services (DYS) and to examine the agency's partnerships with local community corrections facilities (CCFs) and county juvenile detention facilities.

Led by Tom Stickrath, chair of the National Commission on Accreditation for Corrections and a former director of both DYS and the Ohio Department of Public Safety, the working group issued a report listing 26 recommendations for improvement, including several that are already in progress.

"These recommendations all have merit and deserve consideration," said Governor DeWine. "All kids deserve the opportunity to live up to their full, God-given potential, including youth who are incarcerated in state or local juvenile corrections facilities. We must send these youth home with the very best chance to succeed."

Reminder: Extended Deadline for Mobile Response & Stabilization Services Request for Proposals to Expand Program Statewide

You may have heard of the Mobile Response & Stabilization Services (MRSS) program and the plans to expand it statewide in the coming months. This important program is currently providing timely, mobile support for Ohio children and youth aged 20 and under in 49 of Ohio’s 88 counties. OhioMHAS recently issued an RFP seeking qualified providers to help expand the program statewide. Bid proposals are being accepted through Sept. 13 from organizations with the capability to provide MRSS coverage to various regions of the state. MRSS teams consist of trained behavioral health clinicians and crisis intervention specialists who are equipped to assess a situation, de-escalate crises, and connect individuals with appropriate community resources. Teams respond within 60 minutes of receiving a call by coming to the caller’s location or another agreed upon location in the community. In addition to on-site support, MRSS creates comprehensive wraparound care by providing up to 42 days of intensive in-home services. Families, caregivers, and community partners can access MRSS by calling the 24/7 MRSS Statewide Call Center at 1.888.418.MRSS (6777). This program is available at no cost to Ohio residents.

OSAM Network Releases Latest OSAM-O-GRAM

The Ohio Substance Abuse Monitoring (OSAM) Network has announced the release of its latest OSAM-O-GRAM, 988 Awareness and Hotline Utilization. Click HERE to view and download a PDF. Questions? Comments? Please email OSAM Principal Investigator R. Thomas Sherba at Tom.Sherba@mha.ohio.gov or call 614.466.9020. Click HERE to learn more about the OSAM Network and HERE to access an online archive of all OSAM-O-GRAMs.

#BeThere Twitter/X Chat — Sept. 9

In recognition of September as Suicide Prevention Month, join the National Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention on Sept. 9 at 1:00 p.m. for its annual #BeThere Twitter/X Chat to discuss suicide prevention strategies and share resources. Follow @Action_Alliance and use the hashtags # BeThere and #SPM24. Also, be sure to check out these suicide prevention resources from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) Evidence Based Practices Resource Center: Prevention and Treatment of Anxiety, Depression, and Suicidal Thoughts and Behaviors Among College Students Advisory: Addressing Suicidal Thoughts and Behaviors in Substance Use Treatment (based on TIP 50) Treatment for Suicidal Ideation, Self-Harm, and Suicide Attempts Among Youth

PGNO 2025 Fellowship Applications: Now Open

The Problem Gambling Network of Ohio (PGNO) is seeking applicants for its 2025 Ohio Gambling Treatment Fellowship. The Fellowship is an intensive, year-long educational and supervisory program for gambling treatment professionals. The goals of the program are to prepare clinicians in providing gambling treatment services, aid private practitioners and community agencies in improving gambling treatment services, provide professional development, and strengthen Ohio’s workforce. Click HERE for more information. Applications must be submitted by Sept. 16. Applications submitted after the due date may not be considered. 2025 Problem Gambling Service Consultation Program PGNO is also accepting applications for its 2025 Problem Gambling Service Consultation program. The goals of the Consultation Program are to assist problem gambling service-provider agencies in the delivery of comprehensive services throughout the continuum of care. This includes intake and assessment procedures, referral to treatment, clinical and prevention services, human resources, marketing and communications, and internal policy. The Consultation Program is comprised of objective and goal setting, training, consultation, and outcome evaluations. Click HERE for more information. Applications must be submitted by Sept. 23.

Red Ribbon Week 2024 - Oct. 23-31

Each year, from Oct. 23-31, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and countless organizations across the country observe Red Ribbon Week, to create opportunities for awareness and conversations about substance use and the risks that exist today. Red Ribbon Week began with high school students in California, following the kidnapping and murder of DEA Special Agent Enrique “Kiki” Camarena in Guadalajara, Mexico. After Kiki’s death, people started wearing red ribbons to honor his sacrifice. Red Ribbon continues to be a campaign aimed at youth and young adults to encourage them to live a drug-free life. Through the Go Red for Red Ribbon Week initiative, the DEA is reaching out to community, city, and state leaders to encourage the lighting in red of public landmarks (e.g., buildings, monuments, bridges) to raise public awareness and promote a drug-free lifestyle. Go Red for Red Ribbon is an opportunity to engage individuals, families, communities, schools, and organizations to come together to raise awareness, even virtually, on living a healthy and drug-free lifestyle. Photos can be posted on social media platforms and tagged #DEARedRibbon and #GoRed4RedRibbon.

NIDA News: Cannabis and Hallucinogen Use Among Adults Remained at Historic Highs in 2023

Past-year use of cannabis and hallucinogens stayed at historically high levels in 2023 among adults aged 19-30 and 35-50, according to the latest findings from the Monitoring the Future survey. In contrast, past-year use of cigarettes remained at historically low levels in both adult groups. Past-month and daily alcohol use continued a decade-long decline among those 19-30 years old, with binge drinking reaching all-time lows. However, among 35- to 50-year-olds, the prevalence of binge drinking in 2023 increased from five and 10 years ago. The Monitoring the Future study is conducted by scientists at the University of Michigan’s Institute for Social Research, Ann Arbor, and is funded by the National Institutes of Health.

Upcoming Prevention Action Alliance Trainings

Prevention Action Alliance has released a schedule of upcoming trainings for prevention professionals. Click the links below for more information and to register.

Sept. 9-10 | Implementation of DBT STEPS-E Curriculum
Sept. 24 | DFC Grant Coalition Training — Session 1: Prevention Fundamentals
Sept. 24 | DFC Grant Coalition Training — Session 2: Cultural Competence
Oct. 1 | Emerging Trends Summit

Ohio Healthy Youth Environments Survey: OHYES! 101 for Behavioral Health Organizations — Sept. 10

Students are not immune to the growing mental health challenges in Ohio. Some face anxiety, depression and thoughts of suicide, while others engage in unhealthy and risky behaviors. On Sept. 10, from 10:00-11:15 a.m., learn about how the Ohio Healthy Youth Environments Survey, known as the OHYES!, can help district and school leaders identify mental health needs and environmental challenges among students to help tailoring positive behavioral interventions and mental health supports, advance school culture and climate goals, make strategic use of Student Wellness and Success funds, and partnering with local mental health and health organizations to improve student health. OHYES! is a free, voluntary and web-based survey designed for students in grades 7-12, and takes about 30-35 minutes in duration. This session will be led by Dr. Lara M. Belliston, OhioMHAS Health Services Policy Manager.

From Illness to Wellness - Adversity to Advocacy — Sept. 10

Join the Ohio University — Zanesville CARE Team Committee and Zane State College on World Suicide Prevention Day (Sept. 10) from 4:00-6:00 p.m. at the Elson Hall Auditorium for a free presentation on From Illness to Wellness - Adversity to Advocacy. The session will be led by attorney, activist, and award-winning author Melody Moezzi, who will share her personal experiences and discuss the challenges people often face when seeking mental health support. Moezzi will highlight societal and cross-cultural stigmas, as well as the complexities of mental health conditions and treatments. Attendees will gain valuable insights into overcoming these obstacles and fostering a more inclusive approach to mental health care. Participants will also receive information about local and state mental health resources and opportunities for further learning. Questions? Email zanesville@ohio.edu or call 740.588.1547.

35th Annual Statewide UMADAOP Conference — Sept. 11-12

The Mansfield Urban Minority Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Outreach Program (UMADAOP) is hosting the 35th Annual Statewide UMADAOP Conference on Sept. 11-12 at the Kingwood Center Gardens in Mansfield. This year's theme is Connect...Engage...Empower! Dr. Shantel Thomas, CEO, A Sound Mind Counseling Service, will provide the keynote presentation, The Importance of Connection, Empowerment and Engagement When Helping Clients Work Through Trauma. Dr. Chanté Meadows, LISW-S, Meadows Counseling Group, will present a workshop on the experiences of Black clinicians in delivering mental health care during the COVID-19 pandemic. Scholarship opportunities available through the Ohio Coaching and Mentoring (OCAM) Network. Click HERE to learn more. Questions? Email Jill Frost at jillkfrost@gmail.com.

Celebrating Recovery Residences in Recovery Month — Sept. 12

In recognition of September as Recovery Month SAMHSA will host a free Celebrating Recovery Residences in Recovery Month webinar on Sept. 12 from 1:00-2:00 p.m. This presentation will highlight the important role a safe and stable home environment plays in the recovery journey of people with mental health conditions and substance use disorders. Visit SAMHSA’s Recovery and Recovery Support webpage for more information.

Bullying, Violence Exposure and Mental Health in the Era of Social Media: What to Know, What to Do — Sept. 12

As part of the Abigail Wexner Research Institute's Discovery Seminar Series, Nationwide Children's will present Bullying, Violence Exposure and Mental Health in the Era of Social Media: What to Know, What to Do on Sept. 12 from noon-1:00 p.m. The session will be led by Daniel Flannery, PhD, Director, Begun Center for Violence Prevention, Research and Education at Case Western Reserve University. Participants may attend in-person in the Discovery Auditorium or virtually. Click the link above for full details. 

The Deaf and Hard of Hearing Client: Developing Clinical Competency in Mental Health Treatment Two-Part Training 

The Cleveland Hearing & Speech Center has announced upcoming dates for its free, two-part training, The Deaf and Hard of Hearing Client: Developing Clinical Competency in Mental Health Treatment. This training equips Ohio clinicians with knowledge and insight into the Deaf & Hard of Hearing Community, a cultural and linguistic minority with very limited access to mental health care. Participants will learn how to adapt their treatment approaches so they become more skilled in treating deaf patients faced with mental illness and substance use disorder. Most importantly, participants will learn how to effectively work with a sign language interpreter in their work. All sessions are virtual and held from 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. ASL interpreters and Zoom captioning will be provided. Questions? Email Rachel Leffel at rleffel@chsc.org. Part 1 | Sept. 13 and Jan. 10 | View Flyer Part 2 | Oct. 4 and Feb. 7 | View Flyer

Workforce Development Trainings for Certified Peer Recovery Supporters

The Recovery Center of Hamilton County, in partnership with OhioPRO, has announced two, free, upcoming, virtual training opportunities for Certified Peer Recovery Supporters. Click the links below for more information, and to register. Questions? Please call Andrea McCrate at 513.579.5416.  

Sept. 13 | A Beginner's Guide to Working in Peer Support | Register
Sept. 27 | How to Soar in Peer Support | Register

Pathways to Recovery for African Immigrants — Sept. 14

Global Health Education and Development (GHEAD), in partnership with SomaliCAN, will present Pathways to Recovery for African Immigrants: Resources, Support, and Networking on Sept. 14 from 9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. at 1900 E. Dublin-Granville Road in Columbus. The event will feature information sessions where attendees can learn about resources to help individuals thrive, resource booths with information on how to access services related to employment, housing, and more, and opportunity to connect with community providers and leaders. Questions? Email info@ghead.org.

2^nd Campus Safety and Suicide Prevention Symposium — Sept. 19

The Ohio Program for Campus Safety and Mental Health will host its second annual Campus Safety and Suicide Prevention Symposium: Shifting from Awareness to Action on Sept. 19. The symposium will be held virtually and welcomes participants from across the state and beyond to gain insight and learn from leading mental health experts and participate in meaningful discussion related to the action steps that can be taken on campuses to promote the mental health and wellbeing of Ohio’s college students Registration is now open and will close on Sept. 18 at 4:00 p.m.

Women's Treatment and FASD Symposium — Sept. 19-20

In recognition of September as FASD Awareness and Prevention Month, OhioMHAS will host the 2024 Women's Treatment and FASD Symposium on Sept. 19-20. Attendees have the option to attend in person at the Embassy Suites by Hilton, 2700 Corporate Exchange Drive, Columbus, or virtually.

This year’s daily themes are:
Sept 19 | SUD and Family Impact, with the keynote address by Dr. Stephanie Covington, "Women & Addiction: The Upward Spiral of Transformation,"
Sept 20, FASD | Painting a Portrait of Diversity throughout Ohio, with the keynote address by Dr. Jeffrey Wozniak, "The State of the Science in Understanding and Treating Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders." 

The deadline to register is Sept. 13. 

House of Hope: Celebration of Hope 2024 — Sept. 19

House of Hope will host its Celebration of Hope 2024 fundraiser on Sept. 19 from 5:00-8:00 p.m. at The Boat House at Confluence Park in Columbus. The evening will feature keynote remarks from actor/recovery advocate Kelly McGillis. Since 1959, House of Hope has provided comprehensive services that allow people with substance use disorders to thrive in recovery. Located in Columbus, House of Hope provides short-term stabilization, long-term residential treatment for men and outpatient services for men and women, recovery residences for men, wellness programs, cognitive behavioral therapy, supported employment services, financial literacy counseling, and 12-Step integration, as well as individual, group, and family counseling for adults. For more information, contact Richard Mason, Development Director at 614.255.8431 or email rmason@hofhope.org.

Adult Low-Risk Drinking ECHO Launches Sept. 25

The Ohio Center of Excellence for Behavioral Health Prevention and Promotion  invites those working in vaping prevention to participate in the Adult Low-Risk Drinking ECHO. The group will hold its inaugural meeting on Sept. 25 from noon-1:00 p.m. Hear from experts in the field and learn how other Ohio communities are working to promote low-risk drinking among adults. Sessions are interactive and are a great place to share your successes or “workshop” your ideas with subject matter experts and colleagues. Continuing Education credit hours for Prevention, Social Work, Health Education, Nursing and Psychology will be available.

OPHA Connections Webinar: Bridging Public Health Science and Practice — Sept. 25

The Ohio Public Health Association, in partnership with OhioMHAS, will host its first in a series of program, OPHA Connections: Bridging Public Health Science and Practice on Sept.25, from noon-1:00 p.m. This free webinar is aimed at demonstrating the importance of connecting research to fieldwork. The session will focus on "An Evaluation of Ohio's State Targeted Response to the Opioid Crisis: Implications for Public Health Practice," OSAM research published by the presenters, Tom Sherba, Julia Dionne, and Jessica Linley in the Ohio Journal of Public Health. 

One hour of CE credit will be provided for attending the session and completing the evaluation. This webinar is sponsored by the College of Public Health at Kent State University. Questions? Email events@ohiopha.org for more information.

Free Substance Use Disorders ECHO Series for Ohio

The Weitzman Institute, in collaboration with Buckeye Health and Ohio University, will kick off a new Substance Use Disorders ECHO series: Managing Patients with Substance Use Disorders in Primary Care on Oct. 7 from noon-1:00 p.m.

Weitzman ECHO Substance Use Disorders is a no-cost continuing education learning community for Ohio primary care medical providers, behavioral health providers, and other care team members. This ECHO will feature a multidisciplinary team of experts and offer best practices on medication-assisted treatment, integrated care, and trauma-informed care. Future sessions will be held the first and second Monday of every month. 

Recovery Friendly Workplaces Panel Filming — Oct. 7

Hamilton County Public Health is inviting interested individuals to join the audience on Oct. 7 from 10:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. at CET/PBS in Cincinnati for the filming of an expert panel session to learn how you can begin fostering a recovery friendly work environment. Featured panelists include: Shonda Sullivan, SPHR, MBA/Founder of Advanced HR Services; Matthew A. Rich, ESQ/Employment Lawyer with Katz Teller; Luis Villagrana, CDCA, CEI/Substance Abuse Counselor with The Bluffs; and Jennie H. Hahn, MD/Addiction Psychiatry Specialist with UC Health.

Ohio Children's Alliance Fall Conference — Oct. 15-16

Ohio Children's Alliance is hosting its 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. Sessions will explore the latest advancements and strategies to improve outcomes for children and families across Ohio. The Oct. 15 plenary session will feature OhioMHAS Chief Advisor Tia Marcel-Moretti and Ohio Department of Youth Services Director Amy Ast.

2024 PF! Coalition Academy — Oct. 29

PreventionFIRST! will host its 2024 Coalition Academy on Oct. 29 from 8:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. at Great Wolf Lodge in Mason. This year's theme is "Strengthening the Roots of Coalitions." Cost is $130 ($100 for PF! members) and includes meals and CEUs. For more information, contact Jade Jacobs at 513.751.8000 ext. 19 or email jjacobs@prevention-first.org.

11^th Annual Current Concepts in Integrated Healthcare — Nov. 2

Summa Health System will present the 11th Annual Current Concepts in Integrated Healthcare symposium on Nov. 2 from 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. at House Thirty Three in Akron. Participants may attend in-person or virtually. The agenda will focus on mental illness and  substance use and the intersection of each with physical illness.

In the News...

Cincy Lifestyle: Ohio's 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
WCPO-TV, September 5, 2024

New support team aims to help Montgomery County survivors in aftermath of suicide
WYSO 91.3, September 5, 2024

Gambling intervention programs bracing for uptick in calls during 2024 NFL season
WBNS-TV, September 5, 2024

Ohio recognizes September as Recovery Month
SpectrumNews1, September 4, 2024

National Suicide Prevention Month: 5 Things to Know
CNN, September 4, 2024

Community invited to free Recovery is Beautiful Festival
WTVG-TV, September 4, 2024

Ohio farmers face mental health struggles amid drought, low yields
WSYX-TV, September 4, 2024

Ohio's 988 suicide crisis lifeline launched two years ago. Here's how it's going.
The Ohio Newsroom, September 3, 2024

Providing healing and hope to those affected by suicide loss
Columbus Dispatch, September 3, 2024

Ohio initiative prioritizes recovery-friendly workplaces
WCMH-TV, September 3, 2024

Suicide Prevention Month aims to increase awareness of resources
WKBN-TV, September 2, 2024

Local organizations intensify efforts for Suicide Prevention Month in Dayton
WKEF-TV, September 2, 2024

Summer Endex event to benefit area veterans
Tiffin Advertiser-Tribune, September 2, 2024

International Overdose Awareness Day
Tiffin Advertiser-Tribune, September 2, 2024

Registration open for second annual Glow Walk for suicide prevention awareness
WCH Record-Herald, September 2, 2024

Ohio offers Voluntary Exclusion List for problem gamblers as calls to helpline rise
Canton Repository, September 2, 2024

Fairfield County Health Department distributes Naloxone and fentanyl test strips
Lancaster Eagle-Gazette, September 1, 2024

Overdose Awareness Day program recognizes 118 lives lost in Lorain County last year
Elyria Chronicle-Telegram, August 31, 2024

Local agencies honor overdose victims
Steubenville Herald-Star, August 31, 2024

Fentanyl test strips and Narcan handed out during Overdose Awareness Day event
Sidney Daily News, August 31, 2024

$1.6M grant awarded to bring teletherapy to Ohio schools
Northwest Signal, August 31, 2024

Butterflies released to honor those lost to an overdose
Martins Ferry Times-Leader, August 31, 2024

Bruce Moon performs in Sidney for first time
Sidney Daily  News, August 30, 2024

Lake County unites in observance of Overdose Awareness Day
The News-Herald, August 30, 2024

A pioneer of addiction treatment 
Lima News, August 30, 2024

"In Memory We Chalk" Overdose Awareness Event Held in downtown Kenton
WKTN 95.3, August 30, 2024

Data shows number of overdoses in Ohio are falling
WBNS-TV, August 30, 2024

Ohio businesses can now get state recognition for helping workers in addiction recovery
Cleveland.com, August 30, 2024

New Ohio program advocates for more open-arm work policies, targets SUD stigma
WCPO-TV, August 30, 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