Molina Healthcare Invests $1.25 Million to Improve Health Outcomes of Ohioans Struggling with Behavioral Health and Substance Use Disorders
 On Thursday, Molina Healthcare of Ohio announced an investment of $1.25 million to improve the health outcomes of members struggling with mental illness, substance use disorders, and chronic conditions. Several members of the OhioMHAS executive leadership team were on hand for the announcement.
The funding will accelerate the implementation of an integrated system of care model, led by the Ohio Behavioral Healthcare Provider Network, to connect multiple providers, hospitals, and social care organizations that will share data and best practices that improve health outcomes. Molina’s financial commitment will also enable OBHPN to hire and train community health workers who will directly engage with members and providers to ensure efficiency and continuity of care.
Due to the growing number of Ohioans in need of this support, OBHPN recently entered a partnership with Alera Health (“Alera”) to convert OBHPN into a clinically integrated ONEcare network. Alera will equip OBPHN with population health expertise, technologies, and informatics support. Its analytics platform uses patient information to identify risk factors, gaps in care, and trends that allow ONEcare providers to anticipate and avoid a patient crisis. Molina’s financial commitment will significantly accelerate data aggregation, technology optimization, practice transformation, and other processes needed to implement the model.
RFA: Expansion of Peer-Run Organizations
The OhioMHAS Office of Community Services is pleased to announce the release of a Request for Applications (RFA) for the purpose of soliciting applications from eligible applicants for expansion of services of existing certified peer-run organizations. This RFA seeks to select multiple organizations for this funding opportunity. The responsibilities of the selected applicants will include expansion of services as outlined in the Scope of Work. OhioMHAS will award funding only to qualified non-profit organizations or governmental entities that provide services as outlined in the Scope of Work. The deadline to submit an application is Oct. 18 at 3:00 p.m. Visit the OhioMHAS Funding Opportunities webpage for more information.
Ohio Department of Medicaid Introduces Mental Health Peer Support Services
The Ohio Department of Medicaid (ODM) is offering new coverage to help more Ohioans with mental health needs. The new mental health peer support service connects trained, certified peer supporters who are in recovery with people seeking support for similar conditions. The approach is designed to complement the role therapists, social workers, and other behavioral health specialists serve in the treatment and recovery process.
Certified peer supporters use their lived experience to help others impacted by mental illness or substance use disorders, offering a “level of acceptance, understanding, and validation not found in many other professional relationships” according to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). The service has been shown to:
- Increase a member’s sense of control and ability to bring about positive changes
- Increase engagement in self-care and wellness
- Decrease hospitalizations, inpatient days, and cost of care
- Decrease psychotic symptoms, substance use, and depression
- Strengthen a member’s whole health, including the ability to manage chronic conditions like diabetes
Ohio offers three types of peer supporter certification: Adult, Family, and Youth/Young Adult. Until today, these services were available only for individuals with substance use disorder (SUD) or as part of specific practices such as Assertive Community Treatment (ACT), Mobile Response and Stabilization Service (MRSS), and Intensive Home-Based Treatment (IHBT), among others.
Recovery Housing Residence Certification Requirements Effective Jan. 1, 2025
New recovery housing certification requirements will take effect beginning Jan. 1, 2025. The requirements are the result of a several changes enacted by the General Assembly in July 2023 that state: a person or government entity is prohibited from operating a recovery housing residence unless the residence is (1) accredited by an appropriate accreditation organization or (2) actively engaged in efforts to obtain the appropriate accreditation, if the residence has been operating for less than 18 months.
Acceptable accreditations include Ohio Recovery Housing's certification and Oxford House's charter. In addition, CARF certification for community housing will be temporarily accepted as appropriate certification. Agencies with CARF community housing certification are expected to transition to Ohio Recovery Housing’s certification on or before their next accreditation renewal date.
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SAMHSA Announces Launch of Serious Mental Illness Training & Technical Assistance Center
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) this week announced the launch of new Serious Mental Illness Training & Technical Assistance Center (SMI TTAC). The Center will build upon the work previously done through the SAMHSA-funded SMI Adviser.
The SMI TTAC will provide an innovative continuum of training and technical assistance (TA) that include core knowledge building activities and materials such as learning communities that provide focused training and individualized support to address site-specific needs. This project also provides comprehensive training, TA, and resources to empower professionals to improve the identification, assessment, treatment, and recovery supports available for individuals with SMI and early SMI. Services will be delivered through virtual TA, resource development, virtual learning events, and virtual meetings. A dedicated website is in development and will be available soon.
World Mental Health Day — Oct. 10
World Mental Health Day, observed annually on Oct. 10, serves as a global reminder to prioritize mental well-being. This year's theme is "It Is Time to Prioritize Mental Health in the Workplace." Safe, healthy working environments can act as a protective factor for mental health. Unhealthy conditions including stigma, discrimination, and exposure to risks like harassment and other poor working conditions, can pose significant risks, affecting mental health, overall quality of life, and consequently participation or productivity at work. The World Health Organization (WHO) is uniting with its partners to highlight the vital connection between mental health and work. Check out these resources to help foster dialogue, reduce stigma, and spread awareness.
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Suicide Risk Tied to Local Economic and Social Conditions
The latest CDC Vital Signs report highlights how community-level factors, such as health insurance, broadband access, and income, are linked to lower suicide rates. Counties with the highest health insurance coverage saw suicide rates 26 percent lower than those with the least coverage. Additionally, areas with widespread internet access had 44 percent lower rates of suicide. The report encourages communities to focus on increasing access to these resources to reduce suicide risks.
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Great Minds Fellowship Enhancements Overview Webinar Recording, Slides, FAQ Document Now Available
The OhioMHAS Bureau of Workforce Sustainability hosted a webinar on Sept. 19 to highlight several enhancements to the Great Minds Fellowship behavioral health workforce program. The webinar recording, slides, and a Frequently Asked Questions documents are now available on the OhioMHAS website. Questions? Please contact the workforce email box at: workforce@mha.ohio.gov.
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Business of Aging: Housing, Health Care, and Technology — Oct. 3
The St. Mary Development Corporation will host the 2024 Business of Aging virtual event on Oct. 3 from 11:30 a.m.-1:00 p.m. Join participants worldwide for a shared dialogue on the future of senior care as St. Mary helps to pave the way for a brighter future and quality of life for older adults. The free Business of Aging event promises to empower, change, and inspire new possibilities in senior care. This year's panelists are experts in thinking outside the box and collectively moving the needle of change for sustainable innovative ideas in housing for older adults.
Free CCAR Recovery Coach Academy Training
Thrive Peer Recovery Services is pleased to offer the CCAR Recovery Coach Academy Training, a free, state-required certification program for those interested in becoming certified Peer Recovery Supporters. This training, approved by OhioMHAS, is designed to equip participants with the skills and knowledge needed to provide meaningful support to individuals navigating the challenges of recovery. Training dates include: Oct. 8-9 and Oct. 15-16. Questions? Email aolivo@thrivepeersupport.com.
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School-Based Center of Excellence for Prevention and Early Intervention — October Virtual Trainings
Midwest Suicide Prevention & Mental Health Summit — Oct. 17-18
The Ohio Suicide Prevention Foundation, in collaboration with NAMI Ohio, the Ohio Association of County Behavioral Health Authorities, CareSource, and United Healthcare, will host the Midwest Suicide Prevention & Mental Health Summit on Oct. 17-18 at the Greater Columbus Convention Center. This year’s summit offers incredible keynote speakers, workshops, and networking opportunities. Participants will learn about the latest research, best practices, and resources to support those at risk and promote mental wellness. The deadline to register is Oct. 7.
2024 Ohio Adult Care Facilities Association Conference — Oct. 21-23
The Ohio Adult Care Facilities Association will hold its 2024 Conference on Oct. 21-23 at the Embassy Suites Dublin. The conference brings together professionals from the adult care industry (Residential Facilities RF2 and RF3) to learn from industry experts who will share their knowledge and insights on various topics related to adult care facilities and the residents they serve. Participants will have the opportunity to network with fellow professionals and gain valuable tips and strategies they can implement in their own organization. Click the link above for complete conference details, and to register.
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Building a Peer Supporter Career Event — Nov. 8
Mental Health America of Ohio (MHAOhio), Maryhaven, Southeast Healthcare, and the Alcohol, Drug Addiction and Mental Health Services Board of Franklin County will host a free Building on a PRS Career event for individuals interested in becoming certified Peer Recovery Supporters on Nov. 8 from 9:30 a,m-3:00 p.m. at the Columbus Metropolitan Mai Library, 96 S. Grant St., Columbus. This event will provide insights into the field, the certification process, and valuable resources and support.
In the News...
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Stop Soldier Suicide, American Legion Forge Partnership to Combat Veteran Suicide
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Suicide Prevention Month: Help is available
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Wooster preschool to address behavioral, mental health challenges of students
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American Foundation for Suicide Prevention to hold 'Out of the Darkness' walk
WKYC-TV, September 25, 2024
$831K in grants secured for Erie County
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Silent Watch brings awareness to veteran suicide
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Drought piles stress on farmers
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