OhioMHAS NewsNow | Governor DeWine Release Competency Restoration and Diversion Workgroup Report...Allen County Breaks Ground on Expanded Crisis Center...988 Team Donates Dash Calendars to Highway Patrol...International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day...OneOhio Announces Latest Grants...National News...Upcoming Trainings...In the News

Ohio Department of Behavioral Health sent this bulletin at 11/21/2024 05:00 PM EST

Friday, November 22, 2024

Governor DeWine Announces Work Group Recommendations to Help More Ohioans Access Mental Health Treatment

Governor’s Work Group on Competency Restoration and Diversion unveils recommendations to free up state psychiatric hospital beds, expand various mental health services statewide

Under the leadership of Governor Mike DeWine, Ohio continues to take bold steps to ensure all people facing mental health challenges are able to access care in the best setting for their needs.

On Thursday, Governor DeWine and Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (OhioMHAS) Director LeeAnne Cornyn released the final recommendations of the Governor’s Work Group on Competency Restoration and Diversion. The recommendations aim to free up more beds in the state’s psychiatric hospitals, while also expanding local options for mental health treatment and support across Ohio.

“At the heart of these recommendations is our desire to help all Ohioans in need of mental health supports access the right care, in the right place, at the right time,” said Governor DeWine. “The work group’s comprehensive recommendations give us a unique chance to improve our delivery of mental health services and streamline recovery timelines for everyone from individuals involved in the criminal justice system who have been ordered to our state psychiatric hospitals, to Ohio families whose loved ones are facing a mental health crisis and are in urgent need of treatment

View the Recommendations Report

Governor DeWine convened the work group earlier this year to address the lack of available beds in Ohio’s six state-operated regional psychiatric hospitals. These hospitals are currently at 96% capacity, and their populations almost exclusively consist of individuals involved in the criminal justice system, including individuals transferred from jails, those ordered for restoration to competency to stand trial, and those ordered for treatment after a Not Guilty by Reason of Insanity acquittal.

“This makes it practically impossible for anyone to use this valuable community resource without committing a crime first. Something needed to change,” said Director Cornyn, who served as chair of the work group. “At the same time, our group understood that we needed to go beyond merely adding additional hospital beds and understand the root causes of the gridlock. We met with experts in the mental health and criminal justice fields, as well as people who have lived in jails and our psychiatric hospitals, and many others, and determined that – considering the many interwoven aspects of mental health and criminal justice – there were several opportunities for improvement across these systems.

“After months of research, we are proud to release our final report,” Cornyn continued. “We are confident our recommendations will improve how the mental health and criminal justice systems work together to help improve outcomes for all types of patients, while at the same time, opening up new doors to treatment in our communities.”

Implementation of many of the recommendations is already underway:

Further supporting statewide mental health crisis services – like the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline – to ensure all Ohioans have someone to call, someone to respond, and somewhere to go when experiencing a mental health crisis.
Increasing the number of available beds within the state’s network of regional psychiatric hospitals.
Exploring strategies to recruit and retain the best and brightest minds to work in the state’s mental healthcare and criminal justice fields.
Expanding cross-training opportunities for professionals working in the mental healthcare and criminal justice fields to help them understand their counterparts’ processes.
Launching “navigation teams” to engage individuals with mental health and/or substance use disorders throughout the criminal justice system and to link these individuals with opportunities to receive the care they need.
Creating local programs that proactively respond to individuals who interact repeatedly with criminal justice and mental health systems.
Developing practices to better evaluate the mental health needs and risk concerns of those entering the criminal justice system early on in the process.
Streamlining motions for competency evaluation through screening tools to ensure the right individuals are evaluated and access care.
Improving the consistency in access to necessary medications for those in jails with mental health and/or substance use disorders.
Continuing ongoing work to expand the availability of community-based residential treatment facilities as avenues to step individuals out of inpatient care, while continuing the proper treatment needed to sustain recovery.

“We have the ability to implement many of the recommendations in the report within our existing structure at OhioMHAS and across our mental health and criminal justice systems. In fact, much of this work has already begun,” said Director Cornyn. “Through these recommendations, we believe we can safely and thoughtfully reduce the current strain on our regional psychiatric hospitals and increase access to care for non-criminally-involved patients – linking more people to the type of care that’s right for them and improving health outcomes for our state.”

Among other ongoing efforts across the state, the report also spotlights Ohio’s continued work to increase inpatient psychiatric treatment capacity:

- The Hospital Access Funds program allows community mental health and addiction recovery boards to utilize state funds to pay for patient stays in private mental health hospitals when a state bed is not available.
- In May, Governor DeWine, Director Cornyn, and other mental health system leaders opened Central Ohio Behavioral Healthcare – a new, state-of-the-art facility in Columbus, which has added 30 more beds to Ohio’s regional psychiatric hospital in Columbus.
- The most recent State Capital Budget, signed by Governor DeWine in June, also includes $10 million for the design and planning of a brand new behavioral healthcare hospital in the Miami Valley. This new hospital will add more than 200 patient beds to the state system, increasing access to care for those in need of inpatient services, while reducing the burden on hospitals in other regions.

View Full Media Announcement

Allen County Breaks Ground on Crisis Center Expansion

As the demand for mental health and addiction treatment services continues to rise, Coleman Health Services and the Mental Health and Recovery Services Board of Allen, Auglaize and Hardin Counties are working together to meet that need through an expansion of the We Care Regional Crisis Center in Lima.

Officials hosted a groundbreaking celebration on Wednesday. Planned upgrades to the crisis stabilization center include the addition of a second secure entrance, additional space for assessments and observation, and nine extended stay beds for residents recently discharged from inpatient psychiatric care who aren't ready for permanent supportive housing or independence. Along with added living space, the planned addition will also feature a kitchen area to help residents learn the skills they need to successfully transition back into the community.

OhioMHAS contributed a total of $1.5 million toward the project to help support construction and technology upgrades. The addition is expected to be completed by October 2025, and will serve residents from Allen, Auglaize, and Hardin counties.

OhioMHAS 988 Team Donates Calendars to OSHP to Remind Troopers That Sometimes “We All Need a Little Backup”

OhioMHAS 988 Technical Manager Tom Gerber (pictured at right, below), a retired Ohio State Highway Patrol Sergeant, recently delivered a box of about 2,500 dash calendars to Sgt. Andrew Perez (pictured at left, below) of the OSHP Columbus Metro Patrol Post and OSHP Inventory Control Supervisor Alex Ell (not pictured).

The small calendars are routinely used by first responders when setting court dates for citations and other planning purposes while conducting field operations. The Patrol will further distribute the shipment to OSHP Districts and Posts for use by Troopers and Motor Carrier Enforcement Officers.

The calendars were designed to increase awareness of 988 for Ohio’s first responder community. Further distribution of calendars to other Ohio first responders will be taking place throughout the remainder of the year.

A new brochure to link Ohio's first responders to 988 and local resources was also recently added to the 988 Ohio Toolkit.

International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day — Nov. 23

The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) will observe International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day on Saturday, Nov. 23. International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day is an event in which survivors of suicide loss come together to find connection, understanding, and hope through their shared experience. The day is dedicated to providing support, connection, and healing for individuals who have lost someone to suicide. It offers a safe space for survivors to share their stories, honor their loved ones, and find comfort in a community that understands their grief.

Click HERE to learn more about Survivors of Suicide Loss Day and access ASPF suicide prevention resources.

OneOhio Recovery Foundation Announces New Grant Awards

This week, the OneOhio Recovery Foundation announced it has awarded more than $2.4 million in grants to 13 organizations across the state to help combat substance misuse by supporting prevention, treatment and recovery efforts across Ohio.

These 13 new grant awards are part of more than $51 million allocated for the 2024 Regional Grant Cycle and were selected from 1,442 funding requests totaling $581 million from organizations statewide. Grantees were chosen in a collaborative process that included input from the OneOhio Regions, Expert Panel, Grant Oversight Committee and Board of Directors. Additionally, the OneOhio Recovery Foundation’s Board of Directors has given preliminary approval for more than 150 additional grant awards. This approval authorizes Foundation staff to negotiate grant agreements with recipient organizations, and awards are publicly announced once grantee organizations complete the grant verification process. Several grant recommendations remain in the review process.

View List of Awardees

SAMHSA Accepting Public Comments on Draft Model Behavioral Health Crisis Services Definitions

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) is welcoming public comments on the draft Model Behavioral Health Crisis Services Definitions. SAMHSA developed the draft document for state, territory, Tribal, and local entities; crisis services providers; public and private payers; regulators; and help seekers and their supporters to clarify and distinguish the different types of crisis services for people across the nation. Comments will be accepted through 11:59 p.m. on Dec. 5.

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DEA and HHS Extend Telemedicine Flexibilities Through 2025

The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) in partnership with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has issued a third extension of telemedicine flexibilities for the prescribing of controlled medications, through Dec. 31, 2025.

In 2023, in response to a set of proposed telemedicine rules, DEA received more than 38,000 comments and held two days of public listening sessions. In light of that feedback and discussion, and to give DEA time to consider a new path forward for telemedicine, DEA and HHS extended current telemedicine flexibilities through the end of 2024. Both agencies continue to carefully consider the input received and are working to promulgate a final set of telemedicine regulations.

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Adult Low-Risk Drinking ECHO, Balancing Celebration & Safety: Navigating Alcohol in Family-Friendly Environments — Nov. 27

The Ohio Center of Excellence for Behavioral Health Prevention and Promotion invites those working in adult low-risk drinking to join us for our upcoming ECHO session, Balancing Celebration & Safety: Navigating Alcohol in Family-Friendly Environments on November 27. This session will explore the challenges and opportunities of managing alcohol consumption in family-oriented settings. Participants will gain insights into creating inclusive and enjoyable environments while prioritizing safety and well-being.

Sessions are interactive and are a great place to share your successes or “workshop” your ideas with subject matter experts and colleagues. CEs for Prevention, Social Work, Health Education, Nursing, and Psychology will be available.

More Information and Register

SFY2025 Enhancing Quality Grant Mini Grants and TA Sessions

The Ohio Adult Care Facilities Association (OACFA) is pleased to announce that the Enhancing Quality Grant funding will be made available in the State Fiscal Year 2025 (SFY2025) to Residential Facilities Class 2 and 3 (RF2s & RF3s) that serve adults with severe mental illness. The awarded funding can be used on limited allowable expenses to improve quality of life for adults living in Residential Facilities Class 2 and 3.

Three mini grants that will be released throughout SFY2025:

Mini Grant #1 - Hiring and Retention Grant
Application available: Dec. 2, 2024
Grant Application Closing Date: Dec. 31
Note: Interested applicants must attend at least one informational session to be eligible to apply. Remaining sessions include (click link to join session):
Dec. 4 - 1:00-2:00 p.m.
Dec. 6 - 11:00 a.m.-noon

Mini Grant #2 - Minor Repair Grant
Application available: Dec. 2, 2024
Grant Application Closing Date: Dec. 31

Mini Grant #3 - Resident Support Grant
Application available: April 1, 2025
Grant Application Closing Date: April 30, 2025
Note: There will be opportunities to attend an informational session before the submission of the Resident Support Grant in March of 2025.

Upcoming Ohio Children's Alliance Trainings

The Ohio Children's Alliance has announced two upcoming trainings in December. Click the links below for more information and to register. Questions? Email admin@ohiochildrensalliance.org.

Dec. 4-6 | Intro to Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT)
Dec. 9 | Virtual Motivational Interviewing Workshop

2024 Coalitions Rising Virtual Conference — Dec. 5

Prevention Action Alliance will present the 2024 Coalitions Rising virtual conference on Dec. 5 from 9:00 a.m.-3:30 p.m. The conference is designed to empower coalitions and community-based organizations with strategies and practical tools to foster meaningful engagement, drive environmental change, and better serve diverse populations. This year's theme is, "People, Places, and Prevention!" The conference will feature four presentations from experts focused on strengthening partnerships across sectors, enhancing community resilience, and addressing the complex needs of special populations.

Register

Family Treatment Courts: An Evidence-Based Approach to Family-Centered Care — Dec. 17

The National Center on Substance Abuse and Child Welfare will host a free Family Treatment Courts: An Evidence-Based Approach to Family-Centered Care webinar on Dec. 17 from 1:00-3:00 p.m. Participants will learn more about family treatment courts (FTCs) and discover how a family-centered approach helps achieve better outcomes. Presenters and panelists will explore how FTCs implement a collaborative approach to resolve barriers in service access and engagement.

Register

2025 Ohio Problem Gambling Conference — Jan. 29-30

The Problem Gambling Network of Ohio (PGNO) will host the 2025 Ohio Problem Gambling Conference on Jan. 29-30 at the Nationwide Hotel and Conference Center in Lewis Center. The conference bring together national experts, state leaders, and local innovators in problem gambling prevention, intervention, treatment, recovery, research, administration, and responsible gambling. Those interested in prevention and treatment of gambling disorder should attend, as well as healthcare professionals who want to learn more about the convergence of risky behaviors such as gambling, substance use, mental health disorders, and health conditions across the lifespan. In addition, gambling operators and regulators interested in promoting responsible gambling and working with service providers in their communities should participate.

Learn More and Register

Call for Presenters: Campus Safety and Mental Health Conference

The Ohio Program for Campus Safety and Mental Health has issued a Call for Presentations for the OPCSMH 7th Biennial Conference, which will be held in-person at the OCLC Conference Center in Dublin on May 15, 2025. The theme for this year's conference is, "The Evolving Landscape of Campus Behavioral Health!" The deadline to submit a proposal is Feb. 1, 2025. Questions? Email opcsmh@neomed.edu.

Submit Proposal

2025 Brain Health Collective Symposium — March 7

Save the Date! The University of Dayton Brain Health Collective will host the 2025 Brain Health Collective Symposium on March 2, at the Daniel J. Curran Place in Dayton. The theme is, "Pathways to a Healthy Life After Brain Injury." Mark Rogal and Tina Rezash Rogal will provide keynote remarks.