Last week, Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (OhioMHAS) Director LeeAnne Cornyn and 988 Administrator Doug Jackson joined leaders from Ohio's 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline to celebrate and reflect on how far 988 has come and collaborate on the future of our contact centers. Representatives from all 19 Ohio contact centers participated, sharing public awareness successes, and discussing ways Ohio can continue to lead the nation in the modeling of how 988 can serve within a state network.

Since launching in July 2022, Ohio's contact centers have responded to more than 400,000 calls, chats and texts — an average of 15,000 contacts per month. During that time, Ohio contact centers have exceeded the national average speed to answer rate, with an average response rate of 25 seconds, compared to 36 seconds nationally. Director Cornyn presented certificates of appreciation to contact center staff and highlighted that every connection represents someone in crisis and an opportunity to get them the help and support they need. This work would not be possible without the dedication of these trained specialists and the assistance they offer to those in crisis. Thank you for all you do for Ohioans!

All OhioMHAS iPortal applications will begin to use Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) starting Dec. 9. Current iPortal users have less than two weeks to get their OHID accounts updated with MFA before this change happens.

Take action today: Adding MFA to your existing OHID account is simple. Log into OHID.ohio.gov and click Account Settings. Next, choose 2-Step Verification and follow the directions. Check out our videos on How to Set Up an OHID and How to Set Up MFA for an OHID.

The change to MFA will make iPortal apps such as GFMS, LACTS, CE, and others more secure by requiring an extra layer of authentication when users log into the platform. After Dec. 9, when you log into iPortal you will enter your OHID and password, and then you will be prompted to verify through the second authentication method.

If you need any additional assistance, you can also open an OIS helpdesk ticket. 

The Mahoning County Mental Health and Recovery Board observed International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day (Nov. 23) with a ribbon cutting and dedication of a new Reflection Garden at its Campus of Care located in Mineral Ridge.

The garden was developed in collaboration with the Western Reserve Port Authority. Sunstone Garden of Struthers will design and plant the flowers around the gazebo. The space will provide a quiet, reflective setting for loved ones to walk or sit and reflect on peaceful memories of those we have lost.

"With the increase of numbers in suicide deaths in Mahoning County, we knew that there was a need for something like this to not only raise awareness, but to show those who have lost someone to suicide that there is a place to go, and support is available to them," said MHRS Board Executive Director Duane Piccirilli.

Survivors who attended the dedication ceremony were given Cosmos flowers, which symbolize resiliency. The garden, which is located between buildings 8 and 9 on the campus, will feature a gazebo surrounded by different colored roses, each with its own meaning.

Pictured top, l-r: A representative from Sunstone Garden, Mahoning County Commissioner Carol Righetti, Mahoning County MHRS Board Executive Director Duane Piccirilli, OhioMHAS Office of Community and Family Resiliency Manager Valerie Leach, and Mahoning County MHRS Board Suicide Prevention Program Coordinator Lee DeVita.

The OhioMHAS Office of Community and Family Resiliency was proud to join with the Appalachian Children Coalition, Joe Burrow Foundation, Gallia Jackson Meigs ADAMH Board, and Gallia Local Schools to support the first Healthy Meals for Healthy Minds program at Vinton Elementary School in Gallia County on Nov. 23. The event, which drew more than 800 community members, was designed to support the health and well-being of families while celebrating the spirit of gratitude and giving. Attendees had access to free blood pressure checks, hearing screenings, flu shots, and COVID vaccines. Additionally, 18 community organizations provided resources on health, nutrition, mental health and the connection between healthy eating and overall wellness. Partners also distributed frozen turkeys, fresh produce, and non-perishable grocery items to more than 200 local families. 

The OhioMHAS Bureau of Recovery Supports is pleased to announce that incarcerated individuals, as well as those on probation and parole, can be certified as peer supporters. Previously these individuals were able to complete peer supporter training, but not able to complete the certification process while in custody or under court sanctions. This change in interpretation of Ohio Administrative Code Rule 5122-29-15.1 expands access to meaningful employment for more individuals upon release.

“Peer supporters provide tremendous value to individuals in recovery and the behavioral health system. I am always advocating for additional pathways to employment for those with lived experience,” said OhioMHAS Director LeeAnne Cornyn. “Thanks to advocacy from the peer community and partnership with the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Corrections, we reexamined Administrative Code and determined that individuals do not have to wait until court sanctions have expired before applying for certification. We are thrilled to provide this new opportunity to prospective peer supporters.”

OhioMHAS would also like to thank Governor DeWine and ODRC Director Annette Chambers-Smith for their endorsement of this change. Certain disqualifying offenses remain for prospective Peer Supporters. More information on disqualifying offenses can be found HERE.

The Ohio Center of Excellence for Behavioral Health Prevention and Promotion has released its latest podcast episode: Promoting Mental Health for the Holiday Season. In this episode, host Dr. Holly Raffle speaks with Jessica Zavala, Burk Steinman, and Maureen Fagans to identify unique mental health challenges and needs associated with different populations and explore practical coping strategies and resources to support mental health and reduce social isolation across varied communities year-round.

The Cuyahoga County ADAMHS Board has published its 2024 Coping with the Holidays booklet to offer suggestions on things like how to reduce stress, deal with loss or change and enjoy the holidays on a budget. In addition, resource numbers are listed for individuals who find the stress of this holiday season too much to handle. The 24-Hour Warm Line is available at 440-886-5950. Peer-supporters will listen and talk you through things. In crisis, call or text 988.

Among other topics, this year's booklet includes:
        •  Tips for Overcoming Holiday Stress
        •  7 Holiday Season Self-Care Tips
        •  Grieving During the Holidays
        •  Tips for Individuals in Recovery
        •  Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
        •  Hosting a Recovery-Friendly Holiday Celebration

Mental Health America of Ohio (MHAOhio) is currently accepting requests from OhioMHAS-licensed agencies to participate in its free Occumetrics workplace health assessment.

Through thoughtful survey analysis and carefully facilitated focus groups, Occumetrics helps organizations of all sizes assess what is driving turnover and what staff need most to feel more satisfied at work. A tailored leadership report provides recommendations rooted in employee feedback and best practices for a psychologically healthy, successful work environment. The process concludes with optional implementation support specific to each agency’s needs, such as follow-up conversations or presentations. Follow-up reassessments are offered every two years.

MHAOhio has conducted 130 assessments with 68 OhioMHAS-licensed agencies, gathering information from more than 13,000 employees in Ohio. Increased engagement with Peer Run Organizations is a goal in 2025. To request an assessment or learn more, please contact Brandi Allen at ballen@mhaohio.org.

As part of a nationwide effort, Nov. 30 has been declared National Methamphetamine Awareness Day. The day aims to educate the American public about the effects of methamphetamine abuse on families and communities. Methamphetamine is one of the most common illicit drugs used in the United States and worldwide, and its use is spreading, according to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). Check out the latest blog from SAMHSA for more information and resources. 

Ohio Citizen Advocates for Addiction Recovery (OCAAR), is hosting a town hall listening session on Dec. 3 from 6:00-7:00 p.m. at the Overcomers Recovery Welcome Center in Columbus. This free event will be dedicated to hearing the voices and experience of people in recovery from substance use disorders. Anyone with lived experience is encouraged to attend. 

The Great Lakes Rural Opioid Technical Assistance Regional Center (ROTA-RC) will host an Impact of Stigma on Recovery in Professional Communities webinar on Dec. 12 at 10:00 a.m. Presenter Alex Elswick, Ph.D., will explore the impact of stigma on professional communities as well as evidence-based strategies to reduce it. Click the button below for more information and to register. 

The Higher Education Center for Alcohol and Drug Misuse Prevention and Recovery (HECAOD) at The Ohio State University is hosting the 2024 Cannabis Symposium on Dec. 12 from 11:00 a.m.-4:15 p.m. The symposium aims to provide evidence-based insights and strategies for tackling cannabis-related challenges in higher education settings and will feature expert-led sessions covering key topics such as cannabis potency, mental health, harm reduction strategies, and effective communication approaches. 

Star Behavioral Health Providers has announced two free, virtual Tier 1: Introduction to Military Culture and Deployment trainings fin 2025. Star Behavioral Health Providers is a free training program that will help participants better understand and serve veterans, service members, and their families as clients. Organizations that complete the trainings may be listed in an online directory. Click the links below for more information and to register. Questions? Email nicole.laurenzi@osumc.edu.

Jan. 16 | 8:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m. | Flyer | Register
Feb. 20 | 8:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m. | Flyer | Register