OhioMHAS NewsNow | 988 By the Numbers...New RFAs: TIC Mini Grants and OTP Mobile Medication Units...PGNO Fellowship...New Clinical Quick Note...Recovery Services Hosts Inspirational Singer...OhioMHAS Staff Support Heart Health...New Pew Survey...Upcoming Trainings...In the News

Ohio Department of Behavioral Health sent this bulletin at 02/21/2025 12:30 PM EST

Friday, February 21, 2025

New 988 Data Available

More Ohioans in crisis are becoming aware of the help that is available through the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. Since launching in July 2022, Ohioans in crisis have reached out to 988 for help through more than 456,000 calls, chats, and texts. The Lifeline is now averaging more than 18,200 contacts per month. Click HERE to view the 988 By the Numbers: 2024 Year in Review.

Ohioans who are experiencing a mental health or addiction crisis or are in emotional distress can call, text, or chat 988lifeline.org for free, 24/7, confidential support. To learn more about 988 and to access the 988 Ohio Toolkit, which includes downloadable fact sheets, posters, logos, and social media shareables, visit 988.ohio.gov.

RFA: Trauma-Informed Care Mini-Innovation Grants

The OhioMHAS Office of Community and Family Resiliency has released a Request for Applications (RFA) soliciting applications from qualified non-profit organizations, governmental entities, schools, local ADAMHS and Recovery Service Boards to provide trauma-informed care (TIC) services that reach families, organizations, communities and/or regional levels with new innovative scalable TIC approaches, best-practices, and prevention and intervention programs or ideas. This RFA seeks to select 6-10 grantees.

Selected applicants will be responsible for providing trauma-informed care supports, services, applications, professional development opportunities, and/or programming to one of the six Ohio Trauma-Informed Care Collaborative Regions (see map); and increasing knowledge, awareness, and impact of trauma-informed care (TIC) work to facilitate possible future scaling. OhioMHAS will award funding only to qualified non-profit organizations or governmental entities that provide trauma-informed best practices at regional levels, increasing TIC services, awareness, education, knowledge, and/or implementation practices. Applications are due by 3:00 p.m. on March 7.

View RFA

RFA: Opioid Treatment Program – Mobile Medication Unit

The OhioMHAS Office of Treatment Services is soliciting applications from actively licensed Opioid Treatment Programs (OTP) to provide mobile medication unit services in accordance with Ohio Administrative Code (OAC) 5122-40-15. This RFA seeks to select two grantees. OhioMHAS aims to increase access to MOUD treatment services in areas of high need including Appalachian counties and counties under 60,000 residents. This funding opportunity is supported by State Opioid and Stimulant Response (SOS 4.0) funds and must be spent by Sept. 29, 2025. Applications are due by 3:00 p.m. on March 7.

View RFA

PGNO Seeking Applications for Inaugural Ohio Problem Gambling Prevention Fellowship

The Problem Gambling Network of Ohio (PGNO) has announced the launch of the inaugural Ohio Problem Gambling Prevention Fellowship, designed to empower prevention professionals with the skills, resources, and support to develop solutions to reduce gambling-related harm in Ohio. The deadline to apply is March 14.

Fellowship Highlights:

Develop practical prevention initiatives designed to advance the problem gambling prevention field
Strengthen leadership & project management skills
Collaborate with key stakeholders & industry leaders
Receive a $2,500 stipend for program expenses
Program Timeline: March 28 – Oct. 10, 2025

Learn More and Apply

Ohio SUD COE Releases New Clinical QuickNote

The Ohio Substance Use Disorders Center of Excellence (SUD COE) has released a new Clinical QuickNote. Family Grief and Loss Experiences Following Unintentional Lethal Overdose is a concise, evidence-based guide for clinicians on supporting families after an unintentional overdose death. It emphasizes the importance of understanding grief, addressing stigma, and connecting families to timely support such as counseling, peer groups, and community resources, while promoting compassionate, individualized care.

View QuickNote

Recovery Services Hosts Singer to Instill Hope in Men Incarcerated at Mansfield Correctional Institution

The OhioMHAS Bureau of Correctional Recovery Services recently invited singer/songwriter Matt Butler to Mansfield Correctional Institution to perform to a large group of incarcerated men. Matt's one-man show, Reckless Son, is inspired by his journey performing at more than 100 concerts in jails and prisons across the country.

Through a powerful combination of spoken words and song, Reckless Son humanizes the experiences of the incarcerated by giving them voices and telling their stories. Turning a compassionate eye to their lives before, during, and after their time behind prison walls, the performance evokes empathy and understanding for those who are all too often considered out of sight and out of mind. It’s a story of hope, forgiveness, and what it means to discover a deeper sense of purpose through service to others.

OhioMHAS Staff Show Support for Women's Heart Health

Cardiovascular disease is the number one cause of death in women. To bring awareness of this issue and to help save lives, OhioMHAS staff recently wore red in honor of National Wear Red Day, which was observed on Feb. 7. February is also recognized as American Heart Month by the American Heart Association. Learn more HERE.

New Survey from Pew Charitable Trusts Finds Gaps in Universal Suicide Risk Screening in U.S. Hospitals

A new Pew Charitable Trusts survey reveals that 35% of accredited U.S. hospitals do not require universal suicide risk screening, despite the Joint Commission’s National Patient Safety Goal mandating screening for patients aged 12 and older with behavioral health concerns. Barriers to implementation include concerns about workflow disruptions (50.8%) and the lack of formal requirements (49.2%). However, hospitals that have adopted screening protocols highlighted strategies such as leadership support, telehealth, and training to overcome challenges. While many hospitals exceed Joint Commission requirements, resource limitations remain a significant hurdle in providing follow-up care for those who screen positive for suicidality.

Read More

Ohio’s Innovation & Impact Problem Gambling Webinar Series

As a lead up to March as Problem Gambling Awareness Month, the Problem Gambling Network of Ohio (PGNO) will host Ohio’s Innovation & Impact Webinar Series. The free series will highlight innovative strategies, impactful programs, and emerging trends that are shaping the future of problem gambling services. Click HERE for more information, including training dates, topics, and registration information.

Adult Low-Risk Drinking ECHO, Understanding the Landscape of New Alcohol Products — Feb. 26

The Ohio Center of Excellence for Behavioral Health Prevention and Promotion invites those working in adult low-risk drinking to join its upcoming ECHO session, Understanding the Landscape of New Alcohol Products on Feb. 26. This session will explore the emerging trends and innovations in the alcohol industry. Participants will gain insights into the factors driving product development, consumer preferences, and the regulatory environment. By understanding the evolving landscape, attendees will be equipped to identify opportunities and challenges in a dynamic market. CEs for Prevention, Social Work, Health Education, Nursing, and Psychology will be available.

Register

Beyond the Basics: Medicaid and Financial Stability in Ohio — March 4

The Health Policy Institute of Ohio (HPIO) will host a "Beyond the Basics: Medicaid and Financial Stability in Ohio" webinar on March 4 from 1:00-2:00 p.m. Building from data in HPIO’s latest publication, Ohio Medicaid Basics 2025, this webinar will explore research evidence on Medicaid as a financial support for people with low incomes. Speakers will also highlight barriers to employer-sponsored insurance for working Ohioans, and the role that Medicaid plays in supporting Ohio workers.

Register

March FASD Webinar Series

The Indiana Alliance on Prenatal Substance Exposure is hosting a four-part, Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) Uncovered: Understanding the Risks, Impacts, and Prevention of Substance-Exposed Pregnancies webinar series in March. All sessions take place from 10:00-11:30 a.m. Training dates/topics are as follows:

March 5 | FASD in a Nutshell/Deep Dive Into Risk Factors
March 12 | Substance Exposed Pregnancies
March 19 | From Conception to Cognition
March 26 | Prevention of Substance Exposed Pregnancies

More Information and Register

Beachwood Chamber of Commerce Mental Health Summit — March 19

The Beachwood Chamber of Commerce announced that it will host its 2025 Mental Health Summit on March 19 at the Embassy Suites in Beachwood. This year's theme is "Supporting Employee Mental Health & Wellness in the Workplace." Health care professionals, business owner/managers, first responders, HR professionals, community leaders, and educators are encouraged to attend. CEUs will be available. Click the link above for more information.

Register

2025 Minority Health Month Statewide Kickoff — March 25

In recognition of April as Minority Health Month, the Ohio Commission on Minority Health will host a Virtual Statewide Kickoff Ceremony on March 25. The free event will feature an awards ceremony and panel discussion. A complete calendar of Minority Health Month events will be available at www.mih.ohio.gov after March 10.

Register for Virtual Kickoff

Call for Proposals: 12th Annual TIC Summit — May 21-22

The Ohio Children’s Alliance, in partnership with OhioMHAS, will host the 12th Annual Trauma-Informed Care Summit on May 21-22 at the Hilton Columbus–Polaris. The Summit, which is dedicated to exploring and integrating trauma-informed care practices within various professional settings, will bring together HR leaders, first responders, social workers, counselors, trauma-informed designers, and child welfare workers to share knowledge, strategies, and experiences to support staff members and enhance workplace well-being. Conference organizers are currently accepting workshop proposals from individuals interested in presenting at the conference. The deadline to submit a proposal is March 7. Participant registration will be available soon.