Ohio Governor Mike DeWine announced this week that Aimee Shadwick, director of RecoveryOhio, has taken a new role in the private sector. Shadwick, who has led the initiative since January 2022, stepped down on April 9. Governor DeWine has appointed Erin Reed (pictured), current assistant policy director of the Governor's public safety policy team, to serve as the next director of RecoveryOhio. 

Reed has served in the Governor’s Office since 2023, focusing on public safety initiatives including efforts to reduce overdose deaths, expand reentry programs, and support first responders. She previously worked on criminal justice and behavioral health policy in state government.

“I am honored to take on this role and continue the important work of RecoveryOhio,” said Reed. “Governor DeWine has made it a priority to ensure that every Ohioan struggling with mental health and substance use has access to treatment, support, and recovery resources. I look forward to building on the progress made under the leadership of Director Shadwick.”

OhioMHAS has awarded more than $820,000 in mini-grants aimed at strengthening Ohio’s behavioral health workforce. This new investment will support 10 projects focused on increasing career awareness, supporting recruitment and retention, and enhancing contemporary practice for Ohio mental health and addiction professionals. 

Selected projects address the following priorities:

• Building new and/or expanding existing partnerships between community and regional entities, such as regional Workforce Development Boards; county Alcohol, Drug, and Mental Health Boards; and local Community Behavioral Health Centers (CBHCs) to elevate the awareness of behavioral health workforce needs.
• Providing connections to competitive career opportunities, such as establishing local job boards, creating hiring events, or job fairs for behavioral health career opportunities.

Funded projects include:

• 5 Star Salon Academy - $150,000 (Montgomery County)
• Catalyst Life Services - $55,000 (Richland County)
• Hamilton County Mental Health and Recovery Services Board - $108,920
• Hancock County Board of ADAMHS – $50,000
• MHAAC - $98,625 (Cuyahoga County and SW Ohio)
• Mental Health and Recovery Services Board of Lucas County - $19,458
• MHRS Board of Allen, Auglaize, and Hardin Counties - $125,425
• Paint Valley ADAMH Board – $65,000 
• Project Lift - $79,950 (Cuyahoga County)
• Shawnee Mental Health Center - $68,412 (Scioto County)

“APP artists can explore their environment through a new angle,” said the non-profit organization’s executive director Nate Thomson. “Making photographs and reflecting on them each week gives us a sense of connection, purpose, and orientation in life, which I feel is necessary within the recovery journey.”

With funding from OhioMHAS, along with the Athens-Hocking-Vinton Alcohol, Drug Addiction and Mental Health Services Board; Osteopathic Heritage Foundations; and the Ohio General Assembly, the Athens Photographic Project provides a range of arts-related services for teens and adults, led by instructors, peer mentors, and volunteers.

Peer support is something Thomson said the organization has provided informally for years, but OhioMHAS recently certified it as a Peer-Run Organization, which means it is recognized by the state to provide support for individuals and their families who are in recovery.

“Our commitment to being a peer-run organization is a value that infuses everything we do,” Thomson said.

Pictured Top: Athens Photographic Project artists pose together at one of the group's public art installations in Athens. Inset: Bradley O'Quinn poses with one of his printed photographs for an installation. (Credit: Athens Photographic Project.)

The Ohio Department of Development recently announced $1.2 million in grants to help more than 1,000 Ohioans recovering from substance use disorder obtain access to safe and stable housing. The awards, funded through the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Recovery Housing Program, will support 11 Alcohol, Drug Addiction, and Mental Health (ADAMH) boards across the state in administering transitional housing assistance. Funded communities include:

Clermont County | $37,154 
Cuyahoga County | $168,547 
Hancock County | $25,036 
Lake County | $53,584
Logan and Champaign counties | $33,572 
Lucas County | $303,076 
Mahoning County | $109,678 
Montgomery County | $139,881 
Paint Valley ADAMH Region | $25,645
Trumbull County | $284,426 
Union County | $36,484 

“Ohio has several programs preparing inmates to reenter the workforce through specialized job training for the state’s most in-demand industries,” said Lt. Governor Tressel. “Now, we need Ohio employers to hire these people. We need to help them find the dignity, purpose, and hope that comes with a job.”

“Ohio believes in giving people second chances, and we encourage restored citizens and those nearing their release to take advantage of all the free services available at OhioMeansJobs.com and the state’s OhioMeansJobs Centers,” Damschroder said. “Hiring justice-involved individuals also can be beneficial for employers. Many have found their formerly incarcerated employees to be more motivated to succeed, more loyal to the organization, and less likely to quit.”

The state’s career and job search website, OhioMeansJobs.com, includes a section with resources specifically for restored citizens. In addition, 13 state correctional facilities now have certified in-house OhioMeansJobs Centers. Justice-involved individuals can go there to improve their skills, search job listings, and connect to services in their home county so they will be ready to start working as soon as they return to the community. They may also receive job training while incarcerated, including registered apprenticeships, certificate programs, and even college degrees. Federal rules allow justice-involved individuals to access financial aid through the Second Chance Pell Grant.

Employers who hire workers with criminal histories may qualify for federal tax credits through the Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC) program. In addition, employers can request a fidelity bond at no cost to reduce any possible financial risks from hiring individuals with a criminal past.

OhioHWC is a cross-systems, trauma-informed program aimed at ensuring that children who are exposed to adverse events receive appropriate interventions at school and have opportunities to build resilience through positive relationships with school staff and community first responders. When a law enforcement officer or other first responder encounters a school-aged child during a call, that child’s name and three words, HANDLE WITH CARE, are forwarded to the school. 

The school implements individual, classroom, and whole-school, trauma-sensitive strategies to handle potentially traumatized students with care. If a student needs more intervention, on-site mental healthcare is made available at school. First responder visits (opportunities for first responders to visit schools) provide a platform for law enforcement and other first responders to build positive relationships by connecting with all students. County Coordinators oversee implementation, supported by OhioHWC through consultation, training, and resources, including the OhioHWC Implementation Handbook. To learn more and bring Handle With Care to your county, email handlewithcare@hopewellhealth.org.

Ohio Recovery Housing (ORH) has announced several upcoming trainings. For more information, email Danielle Gray at danielle@ohiorecoveryhousing.org. 

10-Part Certification Prep Webinar Series
Whether you're seeking certification for the first time or are already certified, this training series is designed to help housing operators understand the new ORH application and measures. Sessions begin April 14 at noon and continue through May 6. Click HERE to view the upcoming training schedule and access registration links for each session.

Two-Day Certification Training (Trumbull County) — May 28-29
ORH is hosting a two-day certification prep training on May 28–29 at the Trumbull County Mental Health and Recovery Board in Warren. This training will assist recovery housing operators in completing their certification applications. Participants will receive hands-on guidance from ORH staff, collaborate in small groups, and finalize their applications by the end of the event. This event is for both new housing operators and those seeking to renew certification. Click HERE for more information and to register.

Peer-to-Professional Training Series
This six-week training series is tailored for those who are passionate about a career in recovery housing. The program offers a comprehensive curriculum covering topics from crisis intervention to ethical practices, delivered through a mix of self-paced online modules and interactive webinars. The series is designed to enhance the skills of current and aspiring individuals who want a career in direct service in recovery housing, ensuring they are well-equipped to support recovery communities effectively. Participants will also benefit from expert guidance and a supportive peer network. Click HERE to learn more and apply. 

The Substance Use Deflection Initiative housed in the Northeast Ohio Medical University (NEOMED) Criminal Justice Coordinating Center of Excellence will host its first, virtual technical assistance session for teams engaged in substance use and overdose response and outreach on April 17 from 10:00-11:00 a.m. Three deflection teams from across Ohio will share their experiences collaborating with emergency departments (EDs). Presenters will discuss the practical elements of partnership, from initiating contact and building trust to aligning goals and improving follow-up after emergency care. This session will explore successes and challenges when deflection teams partner with EDs and will offer practical insights for other communities looking to strengthen or develop these vital connections.

Registration is not required. To join the Zoom-based session, click the button below and use meeting password 136384. Questions? Email Ashley Morgan at amorgan2@neomed.edu.

The Ohio Prevention Professionals Association (OPPA) is hosting three Listening Sessions for professionals providing supervision of prevention professionals to garner input on resources and tools needed for prevention supervision. The sessions will be held via Zoom. Listening Session dates include: April 17 (10:30 a.m.-noon), April 23  (3:00-4:30 p.m.), and May 9 (8:30-10:00 a.m.). Participants are NOT required to be prevention credentialed but should be providing supervision (or plan to) of prevention professionals either as staff within an organization or as an independent consultant.

Click HERE to complete the Listening Session form. Questions? Email OPPA at mail@ohiopreventionprofessionals.org.

Multiethnic Advocates for Cultural Competence, Inc. (MACC), in partnership with the Franklin County Office on Aging, will host The Right Dose: Senior Overdose Prevention Summit on April 23 from 10:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. at The Ohio State University Fawcett Center. This free, in-person summit will focus on preventing medication misuse and overdose among older adults. This event will bring together Franklin County leaders, medical professionals (including doctors, nurses, and physicians), community stakeholders, and health influencers to identify actionable strategies to keep seniors safe.

Join Clear Pathways on April 24 from 2:00-3:00 p.m. for Part 1 of a three-part series exploring findings from its Interoperability Strategy for 911 Public Safety Answering Points (PSAPs) and 988 call centers. Since 2022, Clear Pathways has developed, piloted, and continuously refined a strategy to enhance coordination between emergency response and behavioral health crisis systems. This session will provide an overview of the strategy and insights from the pilot project that tested it, including a discussion with pilot participants who will share their firsthand experiences and lessons learned from pursuing 911/988 interoperability in their communities. Click HERE for more information. 

The Problem Gambling Network of Ohio (PGNO) has announced three upcoming virtual training opportunities. Click the links below for more information and to register. 

April 25 | Current Events in Gambling Treatment Series
May 2 | Prevention Ethics Training
May 16 | Treatment Ethics Training

The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) will host its 28th National Prescription Drug Take Back Day on Saturday, April 26 from 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. Members of the public are encouraged to remove unneeded and expired medications from their homes as a measure of preventing medication misuse and opioid addiction.

Click HERE to see a searchable database of participating collection sites, HERE for a PSA to help advertise the event, and HERE for more resources. Since launching Take Back Day, the DEA has collected and safely disposed of more than 19.2 million pounds (9,600 tons) of prescription drugs.

The Ohio Suicide Prevention Foundation (OSPF), with support from OhioMHAS, will host the Faith-Based Suicide Prevention in the Black Community Summit on April 29 from 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. at the Embassy Suites by Hilton Columbus – Airport. This event will address the urgent need for mental health and suicide prevention in Black communities, particularly among youth and young adults. By integrating faith-based and evidence-based strategies, the summit aims to reduce stigma and empower leaders to create safe spaces. The summit is a call to action for clergy, mental health professionals, educators, youth leaders, community members, and advocates to unite in fostering pathways to hope, healing, resilience, and lasting transformation.

Youth & Family Summit and Ohio Resiliency Ring — May 5
In honor of National Children's Mental Health Action Week, NAMI Ohio will host a free Youth & Family Summit on May 5 from 10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. at the Plaza Hotel Columbus – Capitol Square. The event is dedicated to parents, caregivers, and youth who have experienced mental health challenges and navigated various youth-serving systems in search of support. The summit will feature keynote speakers, vendors, prizes, giveaways, food, and the annual Resiliency Ring at the Ohio Statehouse. Click HERE for more information and HERE to register.

2025 Statewide Advocacy Day and Luncheon — May 6
Join NAMI Ohio at the Ohio Statehouse for the 2025 Statewide Advocacy Day Luncheon on May 6 from 11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. This free event will bring together volunteers, community leaders, peers, and families from across Ohio for a powerful afternoon of personal testimonies, updates on the state budget, and a celebration of advocacy efforts. Click HERE to register.

Peg's Foundation and the Northeast Ohio Medical University Coordinating Centers of Excellence will present the 2025 Drs. Fred and Penny Frese Lecture, Transforming Mental Health Through Experience-Based Leadership, on May 6 from noon-1:00 p.m. The lecture, which is available in-person and online, will feature insights from Brandon Staglin, Co-Founder and Chief Advocacy and Engagement Officer of One Mind. The presentation is free and open to the public. 

The Drs. Fred and Penny Frese Lecture honors the late Fred Frese, Ph.D., and Penny Frese, Ph.D., by sharing stories of individuals living successfully with schizophrenia and other serious mental illnesses and how their loved ones support their recovery. Questions? Email bestcenter@neomed.edu or call 330.325.6698. 

The University of Findlay Counseling Services is hosting a free Beyond the Stages of Grief training on May 14 from 9:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m. This training, which offers six CEUs, is designed for mental health professionals and those assisting others impacted by grief but is open to anyone. Key topics include disenfranchised grief, complicated grief, making sense out of traumatic loss, and practical interventions for helping those experiencing grief. Dr. Kailey Bradley, Ph.D., LPCC-S, NCC, FT, will provide an in-depth exploration of the complexities of grief and effective strategies for navigating the impact of loss in a professional setting. Participation is limited to 200 attendees. Register by April 28. 

The Ohio Center of Excellence for Behavioral Health Prevention and Promotion invites Ohio's experienced behavioral health prevention professionals to join its upcoming Advanced Prevention Practice ECHO session, Moving Beyond Cultural Competency to Cultural Humility: Embracing Lived Experience, on May 16. Emphasizing the value of lived experience, this webinar will explore how integrating cultural humility enhances prevention efforts, strengthens community connections, and addresses the diverse needs of individuals and communities. 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.

The Ohio Coaching and Mentoring (OCAM) Network will host its 2025 Conference, "Realign, Refresh and Refine Your Professional Skills," on June 5 from 8:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. at the Columbus Marriot Northwest in Dublin. Workshop topics will target leadership enhancement, communication strategies, conflict management, effective delegation, setting professional development plans and goals, time management, and task prioritization. Cost is $85. Questions? Email dmason@prevention-first.org.

The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center will host the 2025 Addiction Studies Institute on June 25-27. The conference will highlight the latest trends and topics in substance use disorders. June 25-26 will be hybrid (virtual or in-person at the Fawcett Center) and June 27 will be virtual-only. Click HERE to view the conference agenda and HERE for presenter bios. 

Youth to Youth International is soliciting workshop proposals from adults and youth interested in presenting at the 2025 Y2Y Summer Conference which will be held on July 9-12 on the campus of Ohio Wesleyan University. Conference planners are seeking unique, creative ideas and skill-building opportunities and encourage workshops that are interactive and not based solely on lecturing and Q&A. Topic areas include but are not limited to: bullying, healthy relationships, stress and anxiety, dating violence, media influences, suicide prevention, distracted driving, underage drinking, tobacco, marijuana, and prescription drug misuse. The workshop will be presented twice on July 10 with a 15-minute break in between from 1:45-2:45 p.m. and 3:00-4:00 p.m. Click HERE for more information about the conference and registration details.