 NAMI Ohio Ushers in May as Mental Health Awareness Month With Annual Youth and Family Summit, Resiliency Ring
NAMI Ohio hosted its 2025 Youth and Family Summit featuring the Ohio Resiliency Ring on May 5 in downtown Columbus. The Summit is a day-long event dedicated to parents, caregivers, and youth who have experienced mental health challenges and navigated various youth-serving systems in search of support.
This inspiring day is an opportunity to celebrate resilience, honor those who have provided support along the journey, and forge new connections for a brighter future. The event culminated with the Annual Resiliency Ring at the Ohio Statehouse, a powerful gathering where participants unite with one voice to showcase their strength, advocate for critical support and services, and stand together in solidarity for youth and families.
OhioMHAS Chief Advisor Tia Marcel Moretti (pictured at right with NAMI Ohio Executive Director Luke Russell) spoke about building resiliency as a skill.
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 OYLPN Hosts 2025 We Are Change Rally
The Ohio Youth-Led Prevention Network (OYLPN) Youth Council hosted its annual We Are Change Rally on May 2. Nearly 1,000 young people from across the state convened in Columbus to show their commitment to a healthy lifestyle, deconstruct the stigma around teen substance misuse, and support one another with like-minded individuals. The event showcased how the majority of Ohio youth are making the right choices when it comes to substance misuse and mental health awareness. This year's theme, Youth on the Move, encouraged participants to become change makers to create positive change for themselves, their peers, and their communities. Youth started the day with speakers, awards, and music at Columbus Commons before marching en masse to the Ohio Statehouse. OhioMHAS Director LeeAnne Cornyn (pictured above speaking at the Ohio Statehouse) recognized the young prevention leaders who came out in full force for the rally. Several other OhioMHAS staff members were on hand to help support the event.
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Overdose Awareness Day Request for Expression of Interest
The OhioMHAS Office of Treatment Services Bureau of Behavioral Health is announcing a funding opportunity for Alcohol, Drug Addiction and Mental Health Services (ADAMHS) Boards to support Overdose Awareness Day 2025. Each participating ADAMHS Board can receive up to $15,000 in one-time funding to host community outreach events on or around Aug. 31, 2025. The funds are intended to support event infrastructure and ensure access to harm reduction and treatment linkage materials for all attendees.
Interested ADAMHS Boards must submit their expressions of interest to cynthia.wohlford-lotas@mha.ohio.gov by May 21 at 3:00 p.m. All funds must be fully obligated by Sept. 29, 2025, with no opportunity for carryover or extension.
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Ohio Department of Health School-Based Health Center RFP
The Ohio Department of Health (ODH), Bureau of Maternal, Child, and Family Health announces the availability of grant funds for local or public non-profit healthcare agencies to apply for funds to support (1) planning for a new school-based health center (SBHC) in or next to a school where one does not currently operate, (2) start-up funds to open a new (SBHC), or (3) support operational and expansion projects to existing sites. Grant activities vary based on project type and may include creating or updating a SBHC business plan, school and community engagement, attending ODH meetings and technical assistance, submitting program reports, staffing, equipment, construction, and data collection.
School-Based Health Centers (SBHCs) place critically needed services like medical, mental, dental, and vision care directly in schools where young people spend most of their time, maximizing their opportunity to learn and grow. SBHCs integrated into school buildings and/or on grounds allow easy access to meet the basic health needs of students while minimizing the loss of academic time.
Potential applicants are encouraged to participate in an Information Session to be held via Teams meeting on Thursday, May 15 at noon. The session is being offered to allow potential applicants the opportunity to discuss the solicitation and learn about the elements of a successful application. To receive a meeting invitation to the session, please contact LeAndra Capers at LeAndra.Capers@odh.ohio.gov and Jennifer.casertano@odh.ohio.gov.
All applications, including any required attachments, must be completed and received by ODH electronically via GMISP by 4:00 p.m. on June 23.
Governor DeWine Supports Local Drug Task Forces
with $2.2 Million in RecoveryOhio Funding
Ohio Governor Mike DeWine recently announced that nearly three dozen local drug task forces in Ohio are receiving state support to aid in their work to disrupt the drug trade and promote substance use awareness, prevention, and recovery.
More than $2.2 million in grants from Governor DeWine’s RecoveryOhio Law Enforcement Fund will be awarded to 34 existing drug task forces to help officers identify high-level drug traffickers, dismantle large drug trafficking organizations, interrupt the flow of money and drugs from international cartels, and prevent the sale of illegal narcotics. Click HERE to view a list of award recipients.
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Ohio Gambling Telehealth Network Launches Video Series
The Ohio Gambling Telehealth Network (OGTN) has partnered with Rob Minnick to present shareable videos on disordered gambling from a lived-experience perspective.
Rob is a social media advocate in recovery from disordered gambling. He uses his channels (@odaat_recovery) to reach those in active addiction, and to provide support and advice. Rob was a keynote speakers at the 2025 Ohio Problem Gambling Conference. Rob is also speaking at the 2025 NCPG conference about creating impactful mental health content.
These short-form videos highlight his personal journey, and help tell the story from a unique perspective. Made to share on your social channels, these will help bridge the gap and create conversations with those seeking help.
Follow and watch for videos posted all month long, starting Wednesday, May 7. OGTN Instagram: Instagram.com/OhioGTN/
OGTN Facebook: Facebook.com/OhioGTN/
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 Celebrate MH Awareness Month with Free Virtual Trainings from 1N5
May is Mental Health Awareness Month — the perfect time to learn, grow, and help break the stigma. All month long, 1N5 is offering free virtual trainings to boost your knowledge, build confidence, and inspire action. Whether you're new to mental health advocacy or already passionate about making a difference, there’s something for everyone. Click HERE for a list of upcoming training opportunities.
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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 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.
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Trauma-Responsive Care — May 20
Relink.org is hosting a Trauma-Responsive Care webinar on May 20 at 2:00 p.m. The session, which offers one Social Work CEU, will be led by Courtney Schmackers from She Has A Name. Participants will learn what trauma is, understand the physical and mental effects of trauma, explore resilience as a tool for recovering from trauma and serving those affected by trauma, and discuss the importance of healthy coping strategies as a tool for caregiver resilience. Questions? Email info@relink.org.
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Millennials in Recovery: How Generational Factors Can Unlock Better Care — May 21
Brightview Health will host Millennials in Recovery: How Generational Factors Can Unlock Better Care on May 21 from noon-1:00 p.m. The free webinar will be led by Dr. Harithsa Asuri, one of BrightView's Senior Medical Directors. Participants will learn about key news and events shaping millennials as they grew up, alcohol and drug usage trends across generations, which issues impact millennials more acutely and why, and how understanding these differences can help you meet your patients where they are and improve your support of all patients. Questions? Email info@brightviewhealth.com.
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Prevention Basics for Engaging Latino/Hispanic Communities in Substance Use Prevention (In Spanish) — Rescheduled to May 22
This training, hosted by the Ohio Center of Excellence for Behavioral Health Prevention and Promotion, the Hispanic/Latino Behavioral Health Center of Excellence, the Great Lakes Prevention Technology Transfer Center, and OhioMHAS, has been rescheduled to May 22 from 2:30-4:00 p.m. Professionals working within Latino/Hispanic communities are invited to explore foundational knowledge about substance use prevention, historical context that influences community perspectives on substance use prevention, and opportunities to integrate culturally relevant values and strategies into effective engagement. CEs will be provided. Note: This Zoom presentation will be delivered entirely in Spanish.
Self-care: Beyond the Bubble Bath — May 29
Carve Your Own Path, Inc. will host an in-person Self-care: Beyond the Bubble Bath networking/ethics CEU training combo on May 29 from 9:00-11:00 a.m. in Copley. Refreshments and networking will take place from 9:00-9:30 a.m. with the ethics training to follow. A total of 1.5 hours of Ethics CEUs have been approved by Ohio CSWMFT Board. Cost is $40. Questions? Email Amanda@cyopinc.org.
2025 Addiction Studies Institute — June 25-27
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.
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Attendee and Sponsor Registration Now Open for 2025 Ohio Peer Recovery Summit – July 21- 22
Ohio Peer Recovery Organizations (OhioPRO), in partnership with OhioMHAS, will host the 2025 Peer Recovery Summit The Power of Hope: Transforming Lives & Communities on July 21-22 at the Hilton Columbus - Polaris. With nearly 600 attendees, the Summit provides a dedicated space for connection, growth, and learning – all centered around recovery and the advancement of peer recovery support in Ohio. Register HERE to attend the Summit. If you’re interested in sponsoring, we are still accepting sponsors of all levels. Summit Sponsorship registration can be found HERE. Please contact OhioPRO Executive Director Michael J. Krause at mkrause@ohio-pro.com with any questions.
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DEADLINE EXTENDED
Call for Proposals: 2025 Ohio Behavioral Health Conference
OhioMHAS, The Ohio State University Kirwan Institute for the Study of Race and Ethnicity, Multiethnic Advocates for Cultural Competence (MACC), and the Alcohol, Drug and Mental Health Board of Franklin County (ADAMH) are seeking workshop proposals from individuals interested in presenting at the 2025 Ohio Behavioral Health Conference. The conference, formerly known as the African American Behavioral Health Conference, will be held on Friday, July 25 from 8:00 a.m.-3:30 p.m. at the OSU Fawcett Center in Columbus. This year's theme is "Bridging Differences, Building Communities, and Strengthening our Workforce."
The conference has been rebranded as the Ohio Behavioral Health Conference to better reflect its expanded mission of serving and uniting the diverse communities across Ohio. Conference planners are accepting proposals in four main focus areas:
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Ethics Focus: Ethical Code for Administrative Roles and/or Employees
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Mental Health and Healing Focus: MRSS - Mobile Response and Stabilization Services (Crisis support/Crisis Response Team, Adult Mobile Care), Self-Care for Caregivers, Illnesses/Disorders (Anxiety, Alzheimer's, Bipolar, Depression, OCD, PTSD, TBI, etc.) Holistic Therapy/Mind-Body-Spirit Connection, Art/Movement Therapy.
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Policy and Populations Focus: Improving Access and Opportunities, Rural (Telehealth/Broadband Access, Suicide Prevention, Appalachian communities), Resilience, Veterans, Intergenerational (Elder/Youth), Refugee, Immigrant, Racial/Ethnic Identities, Religion/Spirituality.
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Workforce Development Focus: Burnout, Counselor Training, Role of a Mentor and Peer/Peer Support, Trauma-Informed Care.
The deadline to submit a proposal has been EXTENDED to May 14 at 11:59 p.m. Questions? Email Tom Wike at wike.6@osu.edu with 2025 OBHC Presenter in the subject line.
Upcoming Training Opportunities for Peer Supporters
On the Front Lines Community Alliance (OTFLCA) has announced several upcoming training opportunities for Ohio's peer support workforce. Click the links below for more information and to register. Questions? Email hannah@frontlinescommunity.com or call 513.999.3866.
June 12 and 26 | Professionalizing Peer Support Workshop (Hamilton County)
July 24 | Enhancing Your Administrative Skills (Hamilton County)
Sept. 12 | Community Catalyst Conference (Covington, KY)
Save the Date: 5k Ruck/Walk for Veterans and First Responders — Oct. 11
Save the date! The Ohio Suicide Prevention Foundation (OSPF) has announced that it will sponsor a 5k Ruck/Walk for Veterans and First Responders on Oct. 11 from 9:00 a.m.-noon at Veterans Park in Delaware. Participants are encouraged to complete the route while carrying a ruck (backpack) or wearing a weighted vest, symbolizing the additional weight veterans and first responders carry while quietly navigating mental health struggles. Registration details coming soon. Watch the OSPF website for more information.
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 'Be a Voice' suicide prevention special airs on NBC4
WCMH-TV, May 8, 2025
Cuyahoga County's new H.O.P.E. Campus promised to transform care for at-risk youth
Cleveland.com, May 8, 2025
DEA safely disposes of 620,000 pounds of unused medications on Rx Take Back Day
DEA.Gov, May 8, 2025
How to get mental health help on your phone
Good Morning America, May 7, 2025
May is Mental Health Awareness Month in Ohio
Miami Valley Today, May 7, 2025
Hancock County Prevention Specialist Earns State Honor
WFIN 1330 AM, May 7, 2025
Coalition revitalizes efforts to support youth mental health and reduce suicide
WCH Record-Herald, May 7, 2025
Law student graduates at top of class after recovery from addiction, homelessness
Cincinnati Enquirer, May 6, 2025
Many construction workers face mental health issues
SpectrumNews1, May 6, 2025
Hamilton County Public Health distributes fentanyl test strips to promote harm reduction
WCPO-TV, May 6, 2025
Clinical counselor talks importance of maternal mental health
WTOL-TV, May 6, 2025
PASS brings mental health awareness to area schools with 988 message
WLIO-TV, May 6, 2025
Local heroes honored at annual Mental Health Champions Award Ceremony
WTOV-TV, May 6, 2025
NAMI Wood County honors individuals, organizations at annual meeting
BG Independent, May 6, 2025
Respect Basketball League starts next month
Youngstown Business Journal, May 6, 2025
Ottawa County Community Day connects hundreds to local wellness resources
The Beacon, May 6, 2025
Cincy Lifestyle: 988 - Ohio's Crisis Lifeline
WCPO-TV, May 5, 2025
Be Seen with Green campaign to help promote mental wellness in the month of May
WLIO-TV, May 5, 2025
$20M mental health and resilience SOAR Study enrolling across western Ohio
Ohio State News, May 5, 2025
Social media challenge promotes mental health awareness in Trumbull County
Youngstown Business Journal, May 5, 2025
Study: Talk therapy is up, and use of psych meds without therapy is down
NPR, May 5, 2025
MHAM: How to access and navigate mental health care with insurance
WKTN 95.3, May 5, 2025
Inside Ohio's top drug lab: How carfentanil was discovered inside fake painkillers
WSYX-TV, May 4, 2025
Ride for Hope raises funds, awareness for suicide prevention
Columbus Dispatch, May 4, 2025
Ohio State using virtual reality to help treat anxiety disorders
WBNS-TV, May 4, 2025
Lorain City Schools invest in student wellness, mental health with state and federal funds
Cleveland.com, May 2, 2025
Lima City middle schoolers learn importance of physical and mental health
WLIO-TV, May 2, 2025
Immune system tied to mental health disorders
Neuroscience News, May 2, 2025
DeWine announces more funding for local drug task forces
SpectrumNews1, May 2, 2025
Local cities to launch co-responder teams of clinicians, police to respond to MH crises
WHIO-TV, May 1, 2025
AHA recognizes May as Mental Health Awareness Month with refreshed website
American Hospital Association, May 1, 2025
MHRS Board of Lucas County recognizes providers, advocates
WTOL-TV, May 1, 2025
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