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 Friday, October 18, 2024

An Epic First for Ohio: OhioMHAS Regional Psychiatric Hospitals Become First State-Run Hospital System in U.S. to Implement Epic  Electronic Health Record

The Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (OhioMHAS) is making an “epic” leap in patient-centered care with the launch of a new electronic health record (EHR) system at Ohio’s six regional psychiatric hospitals. OhioMHAS leaders have successfully migrated Ohio's psychiatric hospital records to Epic Systems.

“Under the leadership of Governor Mike DeWine, providing world-class mental health care is the top priority," said OhioMHAS Director LeeAnne Cornyn. "At OhioMHAS, we are working every day to innovate and streamline the way we do business. We are excited to lead the nation in enhancing patient care in state psychiatric hospitals. This state-of-the-art system will allow our staff to work more efficiently and communicate more effectively, so we can achieve our ultimate goal of putting our patients at the center of care.”

OhioMHAS previously used a dated system that relied on a combination of mainframe and paper tools to document patient treatment and communicate clinical and billing information.

The new software will enhance care by allowing providers to access a patient's health history in one convenient, digital location. The new system will improve patient safety and coordination of care from admission to discharge and will elevate quality and consistency across all six hospitals. Epic will also allow clinicians to communicate better with referral sources. Additionally, the new system will improve discharge planning, making sure patients are not only referred to, but connected with ongoing care when they leave a state hospital.

Discharged patients, including those linked to a CSN (Community Support Network), will have secure, 24/7 online access to their records through MyChart. With MyChart, clients can view their health information and will be able to view appointments, get test results, refill prescriptions, and communicate with their care team.

In preparation for the transition, the OhioMHAS Office of Hospital Services developed more than two dozen workgroups over the past year to collaborate and make decisions related to the design, content, workflow, functionality, and usability of the Epic foundation system. Hospital employees were then trained on use of the system over the past several months.

OhioMHAS Recognizes Hospital Patient Care Professionals for Service Excellence, Dedication

On Thursday, OhioMHAS held a recognition event to honor extraordinary nurses and Therapeutic Program Workers (TPWs) from each of Ohio's six regional psychiatric hospitals. The semi-annual DAISY and ROSE Award Celebration ceremony honored 12 direct patient care professionals — six nurses and six TPWs.

OhioMHAS has been honoring nurses with the DAISY award since 2022 and expanded the recognition ceremony in January 2024 to also honor TPWs with the Recognition of Service Excellence (ROSE) Award. Nominations for the awards were submitted from families, patients, and peers touched by the work of these extraordinary staff members.

Thank you to all our nurses and TPWs who provide extraordinary care to patients and families every day.

Congratulations to our nurses recognized with the DAISY Award: Stacy Sharp, Appalachian Behavioral Healthcare; Renata Sweigard, Central Ohio Behavioral Healthcare; Jordyn Pamer, Heartland Behavioral Healthcare; Emily Shoenberger, Northcoast Behavioral Healthcare; Drew Hertzfeld, Northwest Ohio Behavioral Healthcare; and Ohma Lewis, Summit Behavioral Healthcare.

Congratulations to our TPWs recognized with the ROSE Award: Stacie McCord, Appalachian Behavioral Healthcare; Zavier Tatum-Felder, Central Ohio Behavioral Healthcare; Pamela Dine, Heartland Behavioral Healthcare; Becky Hart-Vanscoy, Northcoast Behavioral Healthcare; Tonya Dodson, Northwest Ohio Behavioral Healthcare; and Fallum Gill, Summit Behavioral Healthcare.

Pictured above (front to back, left to right): Emily Shoenberger, Jordyn Pamer, Chief of Hospital Services and Forensic Operations Merissa McKinstry, Stacie McCord, Tonya Dodson, Renata Sweigard, Stacy Sharp, OhioMHAS Director LeeAnne Cornyn, and  Zavier Tatum-Felder. Not pictured: Drew Hertzfeld, Ohma Lewis, Pamela Dine, Becky Hart-Vanscoy, and Fallum Gill.

Ohio Children's Alliance Fall Conference

The Ohio Children's Alliance (OCA) held its Fall Conference (view agenda) on Oct. 15-16 in Columbus. More than 350 leaders and professionals from Ohio's child-serving behavioral health and social service sectors gathered to engage, learn, and inspire.  OhioMHAS Chief Advisor Tia Marcel Moretti (pictured, right) joined Ohio Department of Youth Services Director Amy Ast (pictured, left) on day one for a plenary session where they discussed what Ohio is doing to improve outcomes for children and families. The two leaders highlighted agency priorities and collaborative efforts aimed at connecting youth with the behavioral supports they need to thrive. Conference attendees also heard from a number of other experts who shared the latest trends and advancements, cutting-edge research, innovative practices, and success stories. Mark your calendar: OCA will host its 49th Annual Spring Conference on March 31 and April 1, 2025 at the Cherry Valley Hotel in Newark.

Ohio Wellness Campus Collaborative Grants

The Ohio Wellness Campus Collaborative, funded by OhioMHAS, is now accepting applications from Ohio higher education institutions for grant funding to enhance mental and behavioral health on college campuses. This initiative is designed to foster partnerships between colleges and local community organizations to enhance student mental and behavioral health. Who is Eligible?  All Ohio higher education institutions — including public, independent, community colleges, and regional campuses — are invited to apply. Special priority will be given to institutions that have not previously received funding under the Rise and Thrive or Ohio Wellness Campus Collaborative initiatives. Grant Details: Up to $15,000 in funding per selected campus Program implementation period: November 2024–May 2025 How to Apply: Submit a Letter of Intent by Nov. 6 at 5:00 p.m. Questions? Email Julie Cameron at julie@prevention-first.org.

New HPIO Brief Explores Protection Against ACEs Harms

The Health Policy Institute of Ohio has released a new policy brief titled “Protecting against the harms of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs).” Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) can be traumatic, but the harms associated with ACEs are not inevitable. Protective factors are positive experiences, resources and assets, including supportive people, that can buffer children and families against the harmful effects of ACEs and trauma. They are also associated with improved health and well-being and are valuable for all people throughout life.  This brief describes:  Policy options to foster and strengthen protective factors at all levels  Protective factors that help children and families build resilience at the community, interpersonal and individual levels  Analysis of Ohio protective factors data  Since 2020, HPIO has analyzed ACEs and what Ohio can do to address them. Informed by a  multi-sector advisory group, HPIO’s  Ohio ACEs Impact Project  includes a series of policy briefs and an  online resource page  to build on and amplify current efforts to address ACEs in Ohio.

Spanish Language Youth Mental Health Resources

Mental Health America has released free Spanish language versions of its 2024 Supporting Young Minds guides. These resources provide tools for youth to help them feel empowered to address their mental health and support each other. The guides also offer tools for adults to support young people as they explore and navigate complex situations and emotions in the places they live, learn, and play. Be sure to check out  MHA’s complete collection of Spanish resources at mhanational.org/recursos-en-espanol.

Substance Use Disorder Center for Excellence (SUD COE) Trainings

The Ohio Substance Use Disorder Coordinating Center of Excellence (SUD COE) has recently added a new series of training programs designed to equip professionals with the latest and most effective strategies in the provision of SUD treatment. A variety of essential/core topics are continually available, as well as newly added content areas each month which include:

• Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAD)/Medication for Opioid Use Disorder (MOUD)
• Stages of Change
• Motivating Behavior Change
• Clinical Documentation 

All sessions are offered free of charge to ensure accessible professional development with complimentary CEUs with active participation.

Training registration for the full array of both virtual and onsite learning events can be accessed at:  https://case.edu/socialwork/centerforebp/ohio-sud-coe/free-sud-coe-events

Upcoming Great Lakes PTTC Webinars and Trainings

The Great Lakes Prevention Technology Transfer Center (PTTC) has released a schedule of upcoming training opportunities for prevention professionals. Click the links below for more information and to register. Oct. 23 | Unlock the Power of Protective Factors with the Social Development Strategy  Nov. 7 | Deep Dive into Our Prevention Code of Ethics: Engaging Our Partners in Challenging Discussions  Nov. 13 | Addressing Risk Factors for Youth Substance Misuse on the Road to Prevention Success  Dec. 5 | Deep Dive into Our Prevention Code of Ethics: Considerations for Fidelity and Adaptation  Dec. 10 | Be Your Own Spielberg: Using Storytelling Techniques to Create Highly Engaging and Impactful Presentations  Jan. 6, 9, 13, and 16 | Virtual SAPST: SPF Application for Prevention Success Training

2024 Ohio Council Annual Conference — Oct. 30-31

The Ohio Council of Behavioral Health & Family Services Providers (Ohio Council) will host its 2024 Annual Conference on Oct. 30-31 at the Hilton Columbus at Easton. This conference is an exciting opportunity to connect with over 300 behavioral health care professionals from throughout Ohio. Attendees will include chief executives, service and program managers, clinical directors, human resources staff, and fiscal staff of provider organizations. This year's theme is, "Unmasking Our Potential." Click HERE to view the conference agenda.

Portage County Substance Abuse and MH Conference — Oct. 31

The Mental Health and Recovery Board of Portage County will host the Portage County Substance Abuse and Mental Health Conference on Oct. 31 from 8:00 a.m.-3:30 p.m. at the NEW Center Ballroom in Rootstown. Featured speakers include: Dr. Russell Spieth, The Centers; Dr. Laura Markley, Akron Children's Hospital; Preston Moore, Columbus Springs; and Dr. Don Allensworth-Davies, Cleveland State University. The conference is free and open to the public. CEUs are available for counselors and social workers. Questions? Call 330.673.1756.

11th Annual Current Concepts in Integrated Health Care — Nov. 2 

Summa Health System, in partnership with the County of Summit ADM Board, Kent State University, Ohio Osteopathic Foundation, and OhioMHAS, will present the 11th Annual Current Concepts in Integrated Health Care conference on Nov. 2 from 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. at House Three Thirty (formerly the Tangier Restaurant) in Akron. The conference will focus on the intersection of physical illness with mental illness and substance use. Participants may attend in-person or virtually. This CME event has been approved for 8.0 AOA Category 1-A credits and 8.0 AMA PRA Category 1 credits. 

Ohio Suicide Fatality Review Best Practices Summit — Nov. 12

The Ohio Suicide Prevention Foundation (OSPF), in collaboration with OhioMHAS and the Ohio Department of Health, will host the inaugural Ohio Suicide Fatality Review Best Practices Summit on Nov. 12 at the Quest Conference Center in Westerville. This summit will invite suicide fatality review stakeholders from around Ohio (local health departments, mental health boards, coroners, death investigators, pathologists, suicide prevention coalitions, etc.) to learn about best practices from local and national fatality review experts in the field. Ohio communities interested in starting a suicide fatality review (SFR) board and existing fatality review boards are invited to attend to learn from your peer SFRs around the state and other experts.

Understanding Stress and Stigma — Nov. 12

The Great Lakes Rural Opioid Technical Assistance Regional Center (ROTA-RC) and the Ohio Youth Resilience Collaborative at The Ohio State University will host a free, virtual Understanding Stress and Stigma training on Nov. 12. This session will: identify the unique stressors experienced by farmers and rural communities; distinguish specific, key stress and suicide warning signs in farmers as compared to the general population; and choose appropriate resources to aid rural communities. For more information, email Kelly Cabral, ROTA-R Project Director at cabral.48@osu.edu.

Community Conversation: Authentic Voices of the Asian Community — Nov. 19

Multiethnic Advocates for Cultural Competence (MACC) Inc. will host a Community Conversation: Authentic Voice of the Asian Community on Nov. 19 from 5:00-7:30 p.m. at the Martin de Porres Center in Columbus. The event will also be livestreamed. Asian community leaders will discuss a wide variety of pressing issues, including mental health and stigma, and the challenges of immigration and integration.

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 and 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 | Jan. 31 and April 4 | View Flyer | Agenda (Note: New date for January training.)  Part 2 | Feb. 7 and May 2 | View Flyer

In the News...

Ohio's farmers are stressed. What's stopping so many from seeking help?
The Ohio Newsroom, October 17, 2024

A service for youth in crisis is expanding across Ohio
The Ohio Newsroom, October 16, 2024

Ohio will receive $2B in opioid settlement money over the next 18 years
WOSU 89.7, October 16, 2024

MetroHealth opens psychiatric emergency department in Cleveland Heights
Ideastream, October 16, 2024

Problem Gambling Network of Ohio offers free virtual counseling option 
WTOL-TV, October 15, 2024

988 hotline offers immediate help in mental health crisis
The Beacon, October 15, 2024

1st for Fairfield: School wins state gold award for student mental health program
Hamilton Journal-News, October 15, 2024

1 in 4 U.S. adults suspect they have undiagnosed ADHD
HealthDay News, October 14, 2024

Latest study shows depression among college students trending downward
Toledo Blade, October 14, 2024

Franklin County sheriff's initiative gets help to those struggling with addiction
WCMH-TV, October 11, 2024

The Freedom Center expands recovery services at new Mount Vernon location 
Knox Pages, October 11, 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