Cuyahoga ADAMHS, The Centers, and Cuyahoga County Partner to Create New Crisis Receiving Center
A new Behavioral Health Crisis Receiving Center (CRC) planned for Cuyahoga County will soon help strengthen the region’s crisis continuum of care. The Alcohol, Drug Addiction and Mental Health Services (ADAMHS) Board of Cuyahoga County, The Centers, and Cuyahoga County recently announced plans to create a facility in Cleveland’s Central neighborhood that will support individuals experiencing a mental and/or addiction emergency. Construction is expected to begin this spring.
A first-of-its kind in Cuyahoga County, the CRC will provide accessible, short-term behavioral health care for people experiencing a mental health crisis or substance use disorder. CRCs can help reduce the need for emergency department visits, jail bookings, and divert individuals from psychiatric hospitalizations by providing a community-based, home-like alternative environment. When the CRC opens in fall 2026, The Centers will operate a comprehensive 24/7 facility that includes services such as urgent care, medication refills, de-escalation, triage, assessment, observation, treatment, coordination, linkage to services, and the management of both voluntary and involuntary clients, in addition to other services.
As proposed, the CRC will employ an estimated 200 caregivers and serve about 17,000 people. The project is made possible through the ongoing collaboration of public and non-profit partners, including a $6.8M capital award from OhioMHAS. The funding will be used to renovate the first two floors of an existing building at 2322 E. 22 St.
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Mahoning County Mental Health and Recovery Board Celebrates African American Mental Health Pioneers
 RECOVERY SPOTLIGHT: Magnolia
Colleen Slattery is the first face you see when you walk into the Legal Aid Society of Cleveland. Serving as the organization’s receptionist, she loves her job and is considering studying for the Ohio Bar Exam to practice law herself.
These days, she’s looking toward the future, both a far cry and a stone’s throw from her past.
Slattery had previously been hospitalized for suicidal ideation while attending law school. She eventually graduated in 2015 and landed a federal clerkship but continued to struggle with her mental health. She was fired from two jobs during that time.
“I thought my mental health was struggling because I was in the wrong career," she explained. "I just felt like I needed liberated.”
In 2020, she went looking for a fresh start in Los Angeles, and that was where she had her first experience with psychosis. At one point, she found herself sleeping on a beach. “I didn’t want to talk to anyone anymore,” she said. “I chose to be homeless because I was triggered by other people. I just felt safer.”
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Eventually, Slattery was diagnosed with bipolar disorder. Her father intervened and brought her back to Ohio for treatment. Slattery was living in Cleveland at the University Circle Transition Program in 2023 when she toured the nearby Magnolia Clubhouse. The non-profit organization gives people with mental illness a place to go for socialization, employment and educational support, and access to medical and psychiatric services in a safe environment.
“At Magnolia, I found community and acceptance; a place for me to ‘practice’ being employed again in a low-risk, highly supportive environment,” said Slattery, who began working in Magnolia Clubhouse’s billing department.
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Request for Applications: SFY25 Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Training DC:0-5
The Ohio Children’s Alliance, on behalf of the Child and Adolescent Behavioral Health Center of Excellence (COE), is accepting applications from eligible organizations to promote expertise in infant and early childhood mental health. The Alliance will use approximately $43,500 of total funding from the COE to award 50 clinical professionals from OhioMHAS-certified CMHAs to complete the DC:0-5 clinical training program offered by Zero to Three. For your application to be considered, the following must be received via email to: COE@ohiochildrensalliance.org no later than noon on Friday, March 14: Section One: Agency Information (two-page maximum) and Project Narrative (three-page maximum). Section Two: Budget in provided Microsoft Excel form.
Click HERE to view an electronic copy of the RFA or send an email requesting an electronic copy to COE@ohiochildrensalliance.org.
OneOhio Recovery Foundation Announces Final 2024 Regional Grant Awards Totaling $3.4M
The OneOhio Recovery Foundation announced its final grant awards for the 2024 Regional Grant Cycle, awarding $3.4 million to seven projects, all of which fund youth-focused prevention initiatives and supports for children and families impacted by substance use disorder. These seven final grant awards are part of more than $45.4 million awarded in the 2024 Regional Grant Cycle and were selected from 1,442 funding requests totaling $581 million from organizations statewide. With all 2024 Regional Grant Cycle awards now announced, a complete list of recipients can be found at OneOhioFoundation.com/GrantAwards. The 2024 Regional Grant Cycle is just the first of several grant opportunities to come. Organizations and leaders seeking to submit applications in the future can sign-up on the Foundation’s website here to receive updates.
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Peer Support Leadership Training Series
Courage to Caregivers has announced a new Peer Leadership Training series featuring 18 virtual training sessions focused on Ohio Certified Peer Specialists (CPRS, CYPS, and CFPS) and their Supervisors. Each workshop will provide 1.5 hours of continuing education for peer supporters. Click HERE to view a full list of training dates and topics, and register. Questions? Email kristi@couragetocaregivers.org.
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How to Help Black Americans in Recovery — Feb. 19
BrightView Health will host a webinar on How to Help Black Americans in Recovery on Feb. 19 from noon-1:00 p.m. BrightView's Director of Operations James George will lead a discussion examining the impact of substance use disorders on Black Americans and ways to improve recovery outcomes for all patients. Attendees will earn one continuing education credit. Click HERE to learn more and to register. Questions? Email info@brightviewhealth.com.
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Advanced Prevention Practice ECHO, Developing Leaders from Within: Coaching Skills to Boost Team Success — Feb. 21
The Ohio Center of Excellence for Behavioral Health Prevention and Promotion invites Ohio's experienced behavioral health prevention professionals to join the upcoming Advanced Prevention Practice ECHO session, Developing Leaders from Within: Coaching Skills to Boost Team Success, on Feb. 21. Participants will gain insights into practical coaching techniques that boost leadership abilities, build resilience, and create a culture of trust and teamwork. 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, and Nursing will be available. Click HERE to register.
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Upcoming Suicide Prevention Trainings
The Ohio Suicide Prevention Foundation (OSPF) has announced a trio of upcoming suicide prevention training opportunities. Click the links below for more information and to register. Questions? Email austin.lucas@ohiospf.org.
Feb. 24 | First Responder QPR Instructor Training March 21 | Collaborative Assessment and Management of Suicidality (Columbus) April 4 | Assessing and Managing Suicide Risk (Columbus)
Over-the-Counter (OTC) Medication Safety Evidence-Based Resources for Your Community Webinars — Feb. 28 and March 4
Join the Ohio Coaching and Mentoring (OCAM) Network for an informative and engaging presentation on CADCA’S Over-the-Counter (OTC) Medication Safety Toolkit. Whether used regularly or occasionally, understanding how to use OTC medications safely is essential for health and well-being. These sessions will cover key insights needed to address OTC medication misuse in your community. Developed in collaboration with experts in the field, the toolkit features resources for parents, teachers, healthcare professionals, and families. Participants will receive access to all materials and have the opportunity to participate in an ongoing learning community to continue building capacity. These sessions are offered as part of the OhioMHAS SPF Rx (Strategic Prevention Framework for Prescription Drugs) grant. The training will be offered on Feb. 28 (9:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m.) and again on March 4 (6:00-9:30 p.m.). Click the links for more information and to register.
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PGNO Offering Property Tours at Ohio's Casinos and Racinos
In alignment with March as Problem Gambling Awareness Month, the Problem Gambling Network of Ohio (PGNO) is offering property tours at Ohio's 11 casinos and racinos. Property tours build relationships with operating venues while fostering collaboration to strengthen practices. These relationships have led to resource tabling events at all Ohio properties, and an enhanced commitment to mitigating gambling-related harm. Please note: these tours are for educational purposes only and open to Ohioans age 21 and over. The tour will include various aspects of the gaming floor. Please use discretion in attending as elements of the tour may be a trigger for those in recovery. Click HERE to watch an informational video.
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OPPA Annual Psychiatric Update — March 1-2
The Ohio Psychiatric Physicians Association (OPPA) will host its Annual Psychiatric Update on March 1-2 at the Hilton Polaris – Columbus. This year's theme, "Honoring the Past, Celebrating the Present, and Shaping the Future of Psychiatry," celebrates OPPA's 75th anniversary. This milestone event will honor the rich history and remarkable evolution of the psychiatric profession, bringing together a vibrant community of clinicians, researchers, and learners from across the state. The meeting will feature presentations by nationally renowned speakers offering cutting-edge insights and the latest advancements in psychiatric care. Whether you are a seasoned psychiatrist, an emerging researcher, a student passionate about mental health, or a clinician in other behavioral health disciplines, the 2025 Annual Psychiatric Update will provide valuable learning experiences and networking opportunities to enhance your practice and understanding. As a highlight of the event, OPPA invites registrants to attend a special 75th Anniversary Gala on Saturday evening (March 1). This celebration will not only commemorate OPPA’s significant contributions to the field but also provide a chance to connect and reflect with colleagues in a festive atmosphere.
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Ohio Children's Alliance Spring Conference — March 31-April 1
The Ohio Children's Alliance will host its 49th Annual Spring Conference on March 31-April 1 at Cherry Valley Hotel in Newark. This year's conference theme is "Reboot and Rebound: Discovering Joy in Change." The conference brings together more than 800 leaders and professionals from the child/youth-serving behavioral health and social service sectors who will gather to engage, learn, and inspire. Click HERE to view an agenda and HERE for speaker information.
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Call for Proposals: 2025 School SUCCESS Conference
Ohio's School-Based Center of Excellence for Prevention and Early Intervention (SBCOE) is seeking proposals for speaker presentations and table exhibitors at the 2025 School SUCCESS Conference scheduled to be held June 23-25 in Columbus. This year's theme is, "Bounce! Building Resiliency Through Prevention."
The conference planning committee is currently seeking presentations focused on the following areas:
• Behavioral Health and Wellness Coordinator Models • Community Partnerships and Afterschool Engagements • Family and Youth Engagement • School-Based or Afterschool Prevention Programming • Staff Wellness • Stigma Reduction • Suicide Prevention and Postvention Support • Threat Reduction and Safety Connection to Mental Health Support in Schools
The deadline to submit a proposal and reserve table space is March 10. For more information, email Kenyetta Lee at leekl@miamioh.edu.
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In the News...
Ohio grants $750,000 to relocate East Palestine clinic for rural health certification WTOV-TV, February 13, 2025
Moab House holds ribbon cutting of new facility for young adults WKBN-TV, February 13, 2025
Hamilton County issues public health alert after recent spike in overdose deaths WLWT-TV, February 12, 2025
Mental health and suicide awareness: a guide for pharmacists Pharmacy Times, February 12, 2025
Experts warn AI's role in sports betting won't change odds favoring the house over bettors WSYX-TV, February 11, 2025
Plans emerge for $28M crisis center in downtown Cleveland Cleveland.com, February 10, 2025
Cuyahoga County leaders discuss 'first of its kind' mental health crisis center WKYC-TV, February 10, 2025
Lucas County Children Services receives national recognition for addiction program WTVG-TV, February 10, 2025
Available wellness resources empower Ohioans to embrace a healthier, drier 2025 Highland County Press, February 8, 2025
Study links heavy cannabis use to higher death risk, psychosis HealthDay, February 7, 2025
St. Xavier debuts suicide hotline bench promoting mental health awareness WCPO-TV, February 7, 2025
Conneaut renewal court hosts third graduation Ashtabula Star Beacon, February 7, 2025
Placing a bet on the Super Bowl can be fun until it's not. How to avoid problem gambling. Dayton Daily News, February 7, 2025
Things to keep in mind before gambling becomes a problem WTOL-TV, February 6, 2025
Employers reap $190 for every $100 invested in behavioral health Behavioral Health Business, February 5, 2025
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