OhioMHAS NewsNow | Governor Announces Statewide MRSS Expansion...Mental Health Awareness Month Resources...Ohio Narcotics Intelligence Center Release Strategic Report...National Fentanyl Awareness Day - April 29...MHA Launches Revamped Website...Upcoming Trainings...In the News

Ohio Department of Behavioral Health sent this bulletin at 04/25/2025 01:30 PM EDT

Friday, April 25, 2025

Governor DeWine Announces Statewide Expansion of Mobile Response and Stabilization Services (MRSS)

On Monday, Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (OhioMHAS) Director LeeAnne Cornyn joined Governor Mike DeWine and the Ohio Department of Medicaid (ODM) at Hopewell Elementary School in Dublin to announce the statewide expansion of Mobile Response and Stabilization Services (MRSS).

MRSS is a service that provides immediate help for children and young adults 20 and under who are experiencing overwhelming mental, emotional, or behavioral distress. With MRSS, when a crisis like this occurs, a team of trained professionals responds within 60 minutes directly to the young person’s home, school, or any other location to de-escalate the crisis and provide ongoing support – all at no cost to the young person or their family.

“MRSS is one of the most important tools we have at our disposal to respond quickly and effectively when a child is experiencing a crisis,” said Governor DeWine. “Last year, I announced that we wanted to take this service statewide. Now, that goal is becoming a reality. It’s another example of how we’re protecting the mental health of our young people so they can reach their full potential.”

Watch Full Press Conference (via The Ohio Channel)

Previously only available in certain areas of the state, OhioMHAS and ODM have teamed up with a network of regional partners that will allow MRSS to cover the whole state for the first time.

During Monday’s event, Governor DeWine announced that 12 different organizations have been selected to provide MRSS services across the state. These organizations will cover 18 regions, enabling response teams to get to any location in the state in less than 60 minutes after receiving a call though Ohio’s 988 Suicide and Crisis Hotline.

MRSS also offers up to six weeks of stabilization care, including in-home services, and connects families with peer support, skill-building opportunities, and prevention resources.

“By offering both initial response and follow-up services, MRSS helps to keep young people at home and prevents unnecessary visits to emergency departments and strain on other local resources,” said OhioMHAS Director LeeAnne Cornyn. “We know this program works. It ensures kids and families receive the type of help they need when they need it, and it’s comforting for parents to know that they don’t have to figure out how to navigate these situations alone. Help is just a phone call away.”

May is Mental Health Awareness Month

We're all affected by mental health, and with one in five Ohioans living with a mental illness, it's more important than ever to dismantle the stigmas and foster awareness.

In support of this mission, OhioMHAS and RecoveryOhio have partnered for Mental Health Awareness Month to provide a free digital toolkit for communities to dismantle the stigma around mental health and promote understanding and access to care, and encourage Ohioans to prioritize their mental well-being.

View the toolkit.

Submit Your Mental Health Awareness Month Events
As in previous years, the team at RecoveryOhio is inviting Boards and providers to submit local awareness events to be promoted on its website and social media pages. You can also submit an invitation for RecoveryOhio staff to attend your event. The deadline to submit events is May 9. Following the conclusion of your event, you may use the same link to share photos.

Submit Event Details and Photos

SAMHSA Releases 2025 MH Awareness Month Toolkit

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) has released its 2025 Mental Health Awareness Month toolkit. The toolkit includes customizable social media content, key weekly themes, graphics, and messaging that promote mental health acceptance and support. It also offers best practices for initiating respectful conversations about mental health and the impacts on physical and emotional well-being.

View Toolkit

Ohio Narcotics Intelligence Center Releases Strategic Report

As part of the Governor’s commitment to reducing drug poisonings and overdoses, the Ohio Narcotics Intelligence Center (ONIC) has issued its first Strategic Report. The report outlines ONIC’s work to reduce drug use, drug manufacturing and trafficking, drug-related violent crime and violence, and drug-related health consequences. ONIC’s goal is to save lives and reduce drug poisonings by interrupting Ohio’s illicit drug supply.

Under the leadership of Governor Mike DeWine, ONIC is taking a strategic and targeted approach to reduce overdose deaths by disrupting the drug supply using accelerated intelligence and enhanced partnerships. ONIC operates intelligence units and digital forensic laboratories in four locations across the state: Cincinnati, Cleveland, Columbus, and Toledo. ONIC collaborates with local, state, and federal law enforcement partners to leverage the best technologies and analysis available to detect, identify, and intercept dangerous drugs from hitting our streets. These partnerships have resulted in a 14% decrease in unintentional overdose deaths from 2021 through 2023.

Analysts from ONIC believe that over the next five years, Ohio will almost certainly confront a complex, volatile, and unpredictable drug landscape. Combinations of potent drugs will very likely be responsible for most drug poisoning deaths across Ohio. Drug traffickers will likely leverage technology such as encryption and cryptocurrency to conceal incriminating evidence about their illicit activities.

Read More

National Fentanyl Awareness Day Toolkit

Tuesday, April 29 marks the fourth annual National Fentanyl Awareness Day. The observance was founded by parents who have lost loved ones to the drug overdose crisis. The aim of the observance is to raise awareness about the alarming number of deaths caused by illegally made fentanyl — a dangerous synthetic opioid, honor the lives lost to overdoses caused by illegally made fentanyl, inform the public about life-saving prevention efforts (such as distribution of naloxone), and prevent and reduce fentanyl-involved overdoses.

Fentanyl is a major contributor to drug overdose deaths in the U.S. Even in small doses, it can be deadly. To help spread awareness, the Centers for Disease for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released a promotional toolkit with key messages, resources, sample social media messages, and more.

In 2023, Ohio recorded 4,452 unintentional drug overdose deaths, down (9%) from 4,915 in 2022. Illicit fentanyl or fentanyl analogs were involved in 78% of unintentional drug overdose deaths in Ohio, often in combination with other drugs. Click HERE to view the latest overdose death report from the Ohio Department and Health. Visit naloxone.ohio.gov to learn how you can help save lives and order free naloxone.

View CDC Toolkit

Mental Health America Launches Revamped Website

Mental Health America's new website has a fresh new look that puts mental health resources right at your fingertips. Explore new features like the Mental Health Learning Hub and Mental Health Month Action Guide — now with Spanish translation support sitewide.

Explore the New Website

Upcoming NOVA Crisis Response Team Trainings

Earlier this year, OhioMHAS announced that it is partnering with the National Organization for Victim Advocacy (NOVA) to host regional NOVA Community Crisis Response Team trainings in communities throughout Ohio. See below for a list of upcoming trainings. Click HERE to see the full schedule of confirmed trainings dates and locations.

In-Person Basic Training:
April 29-May 1 | Tiffin 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Virtual Basic Refresher Trainings:
May 14 | 9:00 a.m.-1:00 pm

In-Person Advanced Trainings (Note: Basic training is a prerequisite):
June 10-12 | Cincinnati, 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
June 24-26 | Columbus, 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.

To register for a training, visit https://novatraining.learnupon.com/store and scroll to find either the Basic, Refresher, or Advanced Course. Once you have created your account and registered for the course, you will be given the option to select a session date and location. Upon checkout use these coupon codes to cover training cost.

For Basic Trainings, use code: OMHAS2025-B
For Basic Refresher Trainings, use code: OMHAS2025-R
For the Advanced Training, use code: OMHAS2025-A

If you have problems registering or finding a session, please contact Suzanne Jones by email at suzannejones@trynova.org or text at 501.514.3152.

Understanding Prevention Basics for Peer Recovery Supporters

The Ohio Center of Excellence for Behavioral Health Prevention and Promotion and OhioMHAS will host seven free training opportunities for Peer Recovery Supporters, including four virtual sessions and three in-person trainings (Wooster, Holland, and Cincinnati). All seven trainings are the same. This training will provide Peer Recovery Supporters with an introduction to substance use prevention — including what primary prevention is and is not, the Strategic Prevention Framework (SPF), and evidence-based strategies for primary prevention. CEs will be provided.

Learn More and Register

Faith-Based Suicide Prevention in the Black Community — April 29

The Ohio Suicide Prevention Foundation, in partnership with the Black Youth and Young Adult Suicide Prevention Community of Practice and Life is Better With You Here, will host the Faith-Based Suicide Prevention in the Black Community Summit on April 29 at the Embassy Suites by Hilton Columbus – Airport. The theme is "Bridging Faith and Mental Health: Pathways to Hope, Healing, and Lasting Transformation." 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. Clergy, mental health professionals, educators, and community leaders are encouraged to unite in promoting hope and healing. Cost is $35. The deadline to register has been extended to April 27.

Register

Family Matters: The Impact of SUDs on the Family and the Value of Incorporating Family-Based Interventions into SUD Treatment — May 1

The Ohio Substance Use Disorders Center of Excellence (SUD COE) will host a free Family Matters: The Impact of SUDs on the Family and the Value of Incorporating Family-Based Interventions into SUD Treatment training on May 1 from 1:00-3:00 p.m. Research shows that involving families can significantly improve treatment retention, reduce relapse rates, and enhance overall well-being. This training equips providers with evidence-based strategies to navigate these challenges, helping them foster healthier family dynamics, strengthen support systems, and ultimately improve recovery outcomes. Participants will develop an understanding of the family system, and its influence within a person’s recovery process. Questions? Email cebp-admin@case.edu.

Learn More and Register

Essentials of Victim Advocacy Training — May 5-9

The Summit Victim Assistance Academy is hosting an in-person Essentials of Victim Advocacy Training on May 5-9 at the Dr. Bob Denton Training Room, 137 South Main St., Suite 300, Akron. The Essentials is a nationally recognized 44-hour course. Those who successfully complete this course may apply to become a National Credentialed Advocate at the provisional level through the National Organization for Victim Advocacy’s National Advocate Credentialing Program. Visit NOVA's website for more information. The deadline to register is April 28. Questions? Email SVAA@victimassitanceprogram.org.

Register

I'm Not Trained to Do This: Motivational Interviewing for Those Supporting Clinical Services — May 6 or May 20

The Ohio SUD COE will host a free I'm Not Trained to Do This: Motivational Interviewing for Those Supporting Clinical Services webinar on May 6 from 9:00-11:00 a.m. (Register) and again on May 20 from 1:00-3:00 p.m. (Register). This new training is designed to help non-clinical staff enhance communication and support behavior change using motivational interviewing (MI) techniques. Participants will learn core MI concepts, including person-centered skills like open-ended questions, affirmations, active listening, and summarizing, and explore how these can be applied in their specific roles. Through practical exercises and real-world scenarios, attendees will gain effective tools to foster rapport, motivate others, and handle workplace challenges with empathy and improved communication, ultimately creating a more supportive and productive work environment.

Advanced Prevention Practice ECHO, Moving Beyond Cultural Competency to Cultural Humility: Embracing Lived Experience — May 16

The Ohio Center of Excellence for Behavioral Health Prevention and Promotion invites Ohio's experienced behavioral health prevention professionals to join us for our 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.

Register

12th Annual Trauma-Informed Care Summit — May 21-22

OhioMHAS, in partnership with the Ohio Children's Alliance, will host the 12th Annual Trauma-Informed Care Summit on May 21-22 at the Hilton Columbus – Polaris. The Summit is dedicated to exploring and integrating trauma-informed care practices within various professional settings. Click HERE to view the agenda. The deadline to register is May 2.

Register

Mental Health Awareness Month Community Celebration — May 24

Black Women Cultivating Change will host a free Mental Health Awareness Month Community Celebration on May 24 from 10:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. at the United Way of Greater Cincinnati. The event will feature interactive workshops, guest speakers, live music, and more.

Get Tickets

2025 Private Psychiatric Inpatient Provider Conference — May 30

OhioMHAS will host the 2025 Ohio Changing Landscapes of Behavioral Health Conference for Private Psychiatric Hospital Providers and Their Partners from 7:30 a.m.-4:00 p.m. on May 30 at the Nationwide Conference Center in Lewis Center. This conference is designed for psychiatric hospitals and behavioral health providers to dive deep into the evolving landscape of behavioral healthcare and answer the burning question: “How is behavioral healthcare changing, and how can we keep up?” Cost is $125. Seating is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Learn More and Register

Suicide Prevention in the Black Community Summit — June 27

The Ohio Suicide Prevention Foundation, with support from OhioMHAS, will host the Third Annual Suicide Prevention in the Black Community Summit on June 27 from 9:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m. at the Quest Conference Center in Columbus. This full-day event features inspiring keynote speakers, engaging discussions, workshops, and training on The Ohio Strategic Prevention Framework (SPF), a data-driven model designed to create sustainable suicide prevention strategies. Cost is $40.

Learn More and Register

2025 NCPG Conference — July 16-18

The National C ouncil on Problem Gambling (NCPG) and Problem Gambling Network of Ohio (PGNO) are partnering to host the 2025 National Conference on Gambling Addiction and Responsible Gambling on July 16-18 in Columbus. This annual event is the leading national forum for those working in prevention, treatment, recovery, research, and responsible gambling. Click HERE to view the agenda. Early bird registration is available through May 21.

Learn More and Register

Mental Health America Conference — Oct. 16-17

Mental Health America will host its 2025 National Conference on Oct. 16-17 in Washington, D.C. This year's theme is "Turn Awareness Into Action." The conference will bring together experts, innovators, and advocates who are implementing strategies that work — approaches that improve mental healthcare, expand access, and create lasting change. Attendees will gain practical tools and learn about proven models to take what’s working and replicate it in their own communities. Early bird registration is now open. Register now for discounted rates.

More Learn More and Register