In partnership with ReLink.org, the dashboard also serves as a hub for accessing prevention-related resources. Visitors can find information and links to community support services, family and individual counseling, naloxone distribution programs (like the Ohio Department of Health’s Project DAWN), and outpatient treatment programs in their area.

The new dashboard builds on Governor DeWine’s comprehensive efforts to combat substance use disorders across Ohio. Recently, the Governor announced that Ohio saw a 9% decrease in overdose deaths in 2023, marking the second consecutive year of progress, and well ahead of the national average.

The dashboard project was led by RecoveryOhio and IOP, with additional support from the Ohio Department of Health, Ohio Department of Job and Family Services, Ohio Department of Public Safety, Ohio Board of Pharmacy, Ohio Supreme Court, Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, Ohio Department of Medicaid, and Ohio Department of Administrative Services. It exemplifies Ohio’s whole-of-government approach to tackling the addiction epidemic.

For FAQs and instructions on how to access the dashboard, visit: RecoveryOhio.gov/ODEarlyWarning.

At this week's annual meeting of the Governor’s Human Trafficking Task Force, the Ohio Department of Public Safety announced the launch of a new human trafficking dashboard that combines data from several state agencies into a centralized location to increase accessibility for the public, policy makers, and researchers.

The dashboard, available on the DataOhio Portal, houses the human trafficking data previously maintained separately by the Ohio departments of Children and Youth, Developmental Disabilities, Mental Health and Addiction Services, Rehabilitation and Correction, and Youth Services. Public Safety will add its data in the coming months. Each agency is a member of the Governor’s Human Trafficking Task Force. Users can access anonymous data about potential and confirmed survivors of human trafficking, filter information by demographics to better understand the characteristics of survivors served in state systems, and view a statewide and county perspective of human trafficking.

OhioMHAS, in collaboration with the National Organization for Victim Advocacy (NOVA), is planning a series of regional NOVA Crisis Response Team Trainings for 2025. These free trainings, funded through SAMHSA’s Bipartisan Safer Communities Act Grant, will take place between February and August 2025, in counties across Ohio. This hands-on, practical training explains the impact of trauma from various internal and external dimensions. It prepares participants to respond in the context of early psychological intervention for individuals and groups. Trainings are geared toward mental health professionals, victim advocates, law enforcement personnel, and others who confront human crisis in their work.

Training options include the Basic Training, a Basic Refresher Training, and an Advanced Training. A full Basic training series must be completed prior to any registration for Advanced Training. Both Basic and Advanced trainings will include three day, in-person sessions. Participants who complete these trainings will receive a NOVA Certificate and will be offered the opportunity to sign up for the Ohio Crisis Response Team (OCRT), a highly qualified, all-volunteer mobilization group that may be deployed to respond to traumatic events in Ohio and other states. 

The four-hour Basic Refresher trainings will be conducted virtually. Refresher courses are offered for those that have completed the Basic training series but would like an updated basic review before moving to the Advanced course series.

OhioMHAS is currently scheduling up to 13 Basic and Advanced trainings, which will each be open to 25 Ohio residents on a first come, first serve basis. The four-hour Basic Refresher course will be open for up to 100 attendees per session.

For more information, training dates and locations, and to register click HERE.

The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) has released a new Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) to increase access to behavioral health services. The Behavioral Health Workforce Education and Training Program for Paraprofessionals aims to enhance community-based experiential training for students preparing to become mental health workers, peer support specialists, and other behavioral health-related paraprofessionals. A special focus is placed on the knowledge and understanding of the specific concerns of children, adolescents, and young adults who have experienced trauma and are at risk for behavioral health disorders. HRSA will award approximately $10.9 million to up to 29 awardees over a period of four years.

Eligible applicants include:

• Faith-based and community-based organizations
• Hospitals
• HRSA-funded health centers and Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs)
• Public and private institutions of higher education
• Rural health clinics
• State, city, county, township, and special district governments
• State-licensed mental health nonprofit and for-profit organizations
• Tribal governments and tribal organizations

Applications are due by 11:59 p.m. on March 18. HRSA is hosting a technical assistance webinar (click HERE to join via Zoom) on Jan. 29 from 2:00-3:30 p.m. to learn about this funding opportunity, including application requirements. 

The National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) invites nonprofit problem gambling prevention programs to apply for one of its 2025 Agility Grants. This funding will support the innovation and amplification of prevention programming by encouraging new activities, validating growing initiatives, expanding proven programming, and more. Interested applicants are invited to learn more by attending an informational webinar on Jan. 23 at 1:00 p.m. The deadline to submit an application is Feb. 26. 

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) recently issued a notice of funding opportunity for Sober Truth on Preventing Underage Drinking Act Grants. The purpose of this program is to prevent and reduce alcohol use among youth and young adults ages 12-20 in communities throughout the U.S. Award recipients will be expected to implement activities that support capacity building such as implementing evidence-based community approaches, enhancing collaboration, cooperation and coordination among communities, federal, state, and local and tribal governments, and convening Town Halls. This funding opportunity is open to public and private nonprofit entities that are current or former Drug Free Communities (DFC) Support Program recipients. SAMHSA anticipates awarding 13 grants of $60,000. The deadline to submit an application is March 17.

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) has released a new National Guidance on Essential Specialty Substance Use Disorder (SUD) Care. This resource articulates a core or essential set of services for adults with SUD that should be available at any specialty treatment facility. The goal of this guidance is for the intended audiences to use this tool to identify treatment gaps, support evidence-based planning, and improve outcomes for adults with SUD.. 

Black youth suicide rates have been on the rise over the past two decades. SAMHSA’s Issue Brief, Black Youth Suicide Prevention, highlights the pressing concern of Black youth suicide and the role state leaders can play to address Black youth suicide in their communities. This Issue Brief addresses the following:

• Suicide risk factors of Black youth;
• How suicidal ideation may present among Black youth;
• Integrating protective factors for Black youth;
• The role of state leaders in reducing Black youth suicide; and
• Ways behavioral systems can improve to address Black youth suicide amid funding limitations.

The Ohio Substance Use Disorders Center of Excellence (SUD COE) has added more than 150 new training events and learning opportunities to its website calendar which are now open for registration. Trainings are offered as a mix of virtual- and community-based to ensure a range of accessible programs are available to SUD treatment professionals. Content areas range from core competencies in SUD treatment to new and emerging topics pertinent to the learning needs and professional development of SUD service providers and community stakeholders. Trainings are both free to attend and CEU approved. Follow the SUD COE on LinkedIn and Facebook to be the first to know about new tools and training opportunities that can help you provide even better care to those you serve.

Prevention Action Alliance, in partnership with the Ohio Coalition Institute and OhioMHAS, is hosting a communication training series that will elevate your communication skills and help you connect, lead, and collaborate effectively with diverse professional settings. Earn CEUs through PAA while exploring strategies to build confidence, establish presence, navigate hybrid interactions, and foster inclusive, productive meetings. All trainings are virtual and will take place between 10-11:30 a.m. on their respective days.

Jan. 24 | Leadership Communication: The Key to Career Success | Register
Feb. 18 | Best Practices for Virtual and Hybrid Meetings | Register
March 14 | Ground Rules for Effective and Inclusive Meetings | Register
March 21 | Presentation Myths Debunked | Register

The Ohio Center of Excellence for Behavioral Health Prevention and Promotion invites those working in youth vaping prevention to join its upcoming ECHO session, Youth as an Equity Deserving Community: Marketing Tactics That Prey on Youth Vulnerability, on Feb. 12. This session explores how vape advertising targets youth and their decisions to (or not to) use. Participants will discuss the elements of an effective counter message to communicate the dangers of vaping effectively to both youth and adults. Sessions are interactive and are a great place to share your successes or “workshop” your ideas with subject matter experts and colleagues. CEs are available. Recordings are also available for previous sessions

Prevention Action Alliance’s G.A.P. Network, in collaboration with the Ohio Suicide Prevention Foundation, will host a Suicide Postvention as Prevention webinar on Feb. 13 from 11:30 a.m.-1:00 p.m.  Shannon Ortiz, Founder and President of Light after Loss, will present on suicide postvention — an organized, immediate, short- and long-term response to suicide loss survivors. The intention of suicide postvention is to provide support, promote healing, and mitigate grief and trauma responses to being exposed to a suicide death. Research also shows that appropriate suicide postvention is also part of suicide prevention, as being a suicide loss survivor is a risk factor for attempting suicide. But, what does that actually look like and mean? This presentation will introduce the concept of suicide postvention and discuss suicide postvention interventions and models.

Youth to Youth International will present Youth at the Helm: Driving Successful Prevention with a Youth-Led Approach on March 4 from 9:00 a.m.-4:15 p.m. at Quest Conference Center – Polaris. This dynamic and interactive event is ideal for individuals new to youth-led prevention, as well as those looking to enhance their existing programs. Participants will explore the principles of youth-led initiatives and learn how this approach can significantly impact the mental and behavioral health of young people. With expert insights from Matt Bellace, Ph.D., and Ty Sells, Ohio Certified Prevention Consultant, this training is a must for anyone committed to fostering youth leadership and creating stronger communities through the power of youth-led prevention.

Prevention Action Alliance will host the 2025 Ohio Alcohol Conference on March 18 at the Quest Conference Center in Westerville. Sponsored by OHLQ, the conference aims to address alcohol misuse through innovative prevention methods and collaborative discussions. This year's theme is, "Enhancing Prevention Approaches for Underserved Communities." Attendees will explore effective prevention strategies tailored to prevent alcohol-related harms while focusing on the unique needs of underserved groups. Registration is $50 and CEUs have been applied for. Registration closes March 12. 

Sandusky County Public Health, in collaboration with the Prevention Partnership of Sandusky County, the Mental Health and Recovery Services Board of Seneca, Ottawa, Sandusky, and Wyandot Counties, the Ohio Coaching and Mentoring Network, Rural Communities Opioid Response Program, and Sandusky County Family and Children First Council, will host an in-person Substance Abuse Prevention Skills Training (SAPST) on March 24-27 in Fremont. The training is designed to prepare prevention practitioners who are new to prevention or early in their career (1-5 years of experience). It is also appropriate for professionals in related fields who have limited experience in prevention. The training is free; however, spots are limited and there is an application process. Due to funding sources, applicants in Ashtabula, Sandusky, Fairfield, and Seneca Counties, and those in Northwest Ohio, will be given priority, but anyone interested is encouraged to apply. The deadline to submit an application is Feb. 7. Those selected to participate in the training will be notified no later than Feb. 14. Questions? Call 419.334.6366 or email Jamie Belcher at jbelcher@scpublichealth.com.

Prevention Action Alliance will host the annual G.A.P. Network Grief Conference on April 3 at Cohatch Polaris. This year’s theme is building a grief-responsive community — a community where everyone has a basic understanding of grief and how it affects individuals as well as the broader community. Led by Litsa Williams, MA, LCSW-C, and Co-Founder of What’s Your Grief, this event will bring together community members who may not typically be recognized as grief support providers—such as tattoo artists, garden group leaders, and death doulas—with those working to offer grief support within their communities, as well as individuals who are grieving. We will explore how to bridge gaps in existing support systems and identify ways to connect more effectively with different groups. The conference will also provide grief support to bereaved families through social interaction, resource sharing, and community-building opportunities. Registration is $30, and CEUs have been applied for. Registration closes on March 26.

The Ohio Youth-Led Prevention Network (OYLPN) Youth Council will hold its 2025 We Are Change Rally on May 2 from 10:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. at Columbus Commons. This year's theme is "Empowering Growth — Youth on the Move." Registration is free and includes lunch, swag, and parking. Travel stipends are available on a first come, first serve basis. Watch the Prevention Action Alliance website for more updates.