New OhioMHAS Funding Opportunities
RFA #85: State Opioid and Stimulant Response (SOS) 4.0 Year Two RFA The OhioMHAS Bureau of Grants Administration has released a Request for Applications (RFA) to solicit new or expansion applications from eligible ADAMH Boards and non-profit organizations providing prevention, harm-reduction, treatment, and recovery support services. This funding opportunity supports Year 2 of the State Opioid and Stimulant Response (SOS) 4.0 Grant implementation and seeks to fund projects addressing opioid use disorder (OUD), stimulant use, and co-occurring substance use disorders using evidence-based practices aligned with Ohio’s SOS 4.0 goals, populations of focus, and intended outcomes. Questions can only be answered through the FAQ process with an email to SOS4@mha.ohio.gov with "SOS 4.2 FAQ" in the subject line. The deadline to submit applications is 3:00 p.m. on Aug. 25.
RFA #86: Enhancing the System of Care for Youth & Families FY26 The OhioMHAS Office of Community and Family Resiliency is pleased to announce a funding opportunity for the Enhancing the System of Care for Youth & Families FY26 initiative. This initiative will support boards of alcohol, drug addiction, and mental health services in building and sustaining a coordinated network of services for youth and families impacted by substance use and co-occurring mental health challenges.
Boards may request up to $250,000 to strengthen cross-system partnerships to meet the prevention, treatment, and recovery support needs of youth and families with complex, multi-system involvement. This includes the integration of youth leadership, mentoring, early-intervention programming, SUD and mental health treatment, harm-reduction strategies, and youth and family peer supports.
Proposals that emphasize peer support, mentoring, youth-led services, and supported education and employment will be especially encouraged, as these areas reflect key priorities in strengthening the youth behavioral health continuum.
The deadline to submit applications is Aug. 29. Please email proposals to MH-PreventionServices@mha.ohio.gov.
RFA #87: TIC Regional Collaborative Sustainability The OhioMHAS Office of Community and Family Resiliency has released a Request for Applications (RFA) for the purpose of soliciting applications from qualified non-profit organizations or governmental entities to build and sustain the infrastructure for trauma-informed care regional collaboratives. This RFA seeks to select six grantees (one grantee per region) that will be responsible for implementing, integrating, and coordinating key components of trauma-informed care work at regional levels (see attached map), including training and professional development, workforce development initiatives, regional event coordination, and maintaining and developing stakeholders and community partners to expand community-based efforts. The overarching goal is to support, strengthen, and connect trauma-informed care efforts to share trauma-informed care programs, practices, and evidence-based modalities and approaches to increase knowledge, availability, and implementation of trauma-informed and trauma-specific services to benefit residents of the six identified regions.
APPLY NOW:
Free Medication Disposal Drop Box for Your Organization
The Ohio SPF Rx initiative is accepting applications from eligible organizations to receive a free medication disposal drop box — plus funding to cover all disposal costs through September 2026. These secure drop boxes, purchased through the American Rx Group, support safe and responsible medication disposal. Organizations eligible to apply are those that can legally host a medication disposal drop box in their facility. Submit your application by 5:00 p.m. on Aug. 18.
Questions? Please email Sarah Sawmiller at ssawmiller@prevention-first.org or call 513.751.8000, ext. 17.
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RFP: Crisis System of Care Consultant
DEADLINE EXTENDED TO AUG. 27
OhioMHAS is seeking proposals from qualified contractors to serve as a consultant to support the strategic financial, operational, and structural development of Ohio’s statewide behavioral health crisis system of care. This engagement will support OhioMHAS in refining its strategic finance design, integrating and implementing critical crisis components — including 988, adult mobile crisis services, Mobile Response and Stabilization Services (MRSS), and crisis stabilization settings — to ensure a comprehensive, sustainable, and accessible system of behavioral health crisis care.
The qualified contractor will assist OhioMHAS in the design and forecasting of innovative funding strategies; conduct actuarially sound financial modeling; develop phased implementation recommendations, and workforce development options; include marketing and branding guidelines, recommend procurement, and provider readiness approaches; and provide analysis of Administrative Services Organization (ASO) models used by other states to inform Ohio’s administrative and operational infrastructure. This work will directly support the transformation of Ohio’s behavioral health crisis response system to a person-centered, outcomes-driven, and financially sustainable system of care.
The deadline to submit an application has been extended to 2:00 p.m. on Aug. 27.
 Columbus TV News Station Hosts "Healthy Minds: A Community Conversation on Youth Mental Wellness"
With a new school year approaching, youth mental health is top of mind for many. Columbus television station WSYX ABC6 News is bringing the conversation to the forefront with Healthy Minds: A Community Conversation on Youth Mental Wellness — a town hall-style event focused on how we can all better support the emotional well-being of our youth.
OhioMHAS Chief Advisor and Assistant Director Tia Marcel Moretti (pictured above) joined representatives from Nationwide Children’s Hospital, The Kids Mental Health Foundation, and Kaleidoscope Youth Center, Inc. in the discussion. She highlighted the importance of protective factors such as social connections and safe environments and urged viewers to be present for youth, even when they don’t have to be, as research shows that one meaningful relationship with a healthy adult is among the strongest predictors of resilience.
The program airs on WSYX-TV on Friday, Aug. 15 at 7:00 p.m. and Saturday, Aug. 16 at 5:00 p.m.
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Governor DeWine Recognizes OhioRISE Three-Year Milestone
Last week, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine and Ohio Department of Medicaid (ODM) Director Maureen Corcoran recognized the three-year anniversary of Ohio Resilience through Integrated Systems and Excellence (OhioRISE), a specialized managed care behavioral health program.
Governor DeWine launched OhioRISE in July 2022 to address long-standing gaps in care for Ohio’s young people with the most complex needs. OhioRISE brings together state agencies and community support to create a statewide network of care management entities to help Ohio families manage and coordinate the care their child needs.
“OhioRISE is giving hope to children and families who have faced enormous challenges," said Governor DeWine. “This program is another example of our commitment to ensure all children have the resources they need to reach their full potential. Today we celebrate the progress OhioRISE has made in three years, and we look forward to even more growth in the years ahead.”
OhioRISE has changed the way tens of thousands of Ohio children, youth, and families are navigating complex behavioral health challenges. When OhioRISE launched, 5,500 youth were receiving behavioral health services through Medicaid, like home-based intensive care. In the first three years, OhioRISE has expanded its reach to provide services for nearly 50,000 youth.
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 Behavioral Health and Wellness Coordinators Implement Student Assistance Programs to Support Students, School Staff, and Communities
In late July, Behavioral Health and Wellness Coordinators (BHWC) convened in Hilliard to plan for sustaining Student Assistance Programs and staff wellness initiatives in their schools. The sustainability workday was facilitated and supported by Miami University’s School-Based Center of Excellence for Prevention and Early Intervention (SBCOE) and Discovery Center for Evaluation, Research, and Professional Learning.
This work is part Project AWARE Ohio (Advancing Wellness and Resiliency in Education), a five-year initiative funded by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration and supported by OhioMHAS. During the first two years of the project, BHWCs coordinated trainings with 2,896 school personnel and community members, as well as separate trainings with 18,295 students. During this period, BHWCs also reported that 3,814 individuals were screened, 951 were referred to services, and 544 successfully connected to those services, resulting in a 57 percent connection rate. When comparing school-level data from AWARE schools between the 2021–2022 school year (prior to BHWC placement) and the 2023–2024 school year (after at least one full year of implementation), chronic absenteeism decreased by 6.3 percent, compared to a 4.6 percent decrease statewide. During the same period, out-of-school suspensions dropped by 19 percent across AWARE schools.
Learn about the Ohio Model Student Assistance Program at the SBCOE website.
Join the Ohio Recovery Housing Advisory Committee
Ohio Recovery Housing (ORH) is seeking passionate and committed individuals to join its Advisory Committee. The Advisory Committee will play a vital role in advancing ORH’s mission by:
- Providing feedback on ORH-developed tools, training, and resources
- Assisting with planning events, like the ORH conference
- Offering non-binding advice and insight to the ORH Board of Directors
- Supporting fundraising efforts by connecting ORH with donors and sponsors
- Acting as ambassadors for recovery housing in communities across the state
- Volunteering their time and expertise to operators and partners
Members will serve a one-year term (renewable) and are expected to participate in quarterly meetings, with at least two offered in person with hybrid options. Applications will be accepted online through Aug. 15. Once members are identified, ORH will schedule the first meeting at a time that works for most committee members.
Questions? Email Danielle@ohiorecoveryhousing.org.
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NCPG Fall Agility Grants
The Fall 2025 National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) Agility Grant applications are now open. This opportunity is open to any 501(c)(3) non-profit looking to integrate and expand problem gambling prevention services in their organization. Awards range from $20,000-$40,000. The deadline to apply is Wednesday, Aug. 20.
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SAMHSA Releases BH Workforce Self-Care Fact Sheet
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) has released a new Taking Care: Promoting Well-being for Recovery and Behavioral Health Care Providers fact sheet that offers tips and resources for better health and well-being among the behavioral health workforce. The fact sheet elevates the importance of organizational support for effective self-care practices for individuals and teams to support the more than half of behavioral health care providers reporting they have experienced symptoms of burnout.
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 Can Intergenerational Connection Heal Us? — Aug. 11
As part of the Great Lakes Rural Opioid Technical Assistance Regional Center, the Ohio Youth Resilience Collaborative and OSU Extension will host a Can Intergenerational Connection Heal Us? workshop on Aug. 11 at 11:00 a.m. Participants will learn about the healing power of intergenerational relationships. The session will highlight one leader doing this work, share elements of successful co-generational programs, and provide participants with the opportunity to brainstorm how to bring younger and older generations together in their communities. Questions? Email Kelly Cabral at cabral.48@osu.edu.
PGNO Announces Upcoming Training Opportunities
MACC Announces Fall Training Opportunities
Multiethnic Advocates for Cultural Competence (MACC) has announced a schedule of upcoming training opportunities for behavioral health professionals. Click the links below for more information and to register.
Preventing Substance Misuse in Pregnant Teens (Two-Part Series) Part 1 — Aug. 21 or Aug. 28 | 1:00-3:00 p.m. | View Flyer | Register Part 2 — Sept. 16 or Sept. 30 | 10:00 a.m.-Noon | View Flyer | Register
Culturally Competent Care for the Latinx Community Sept. 4 | 1:00-3:00 p.m. (Virtual) | View Flyer | Register
Practice in Action: Supporting Trauma-Exposed Youth Sept. 10 | 1:00-4:00 p.m. | View Flyer | Register
Supervising Self-Management in Behavioral Health Sept. 18 | 10:00 a.m.-Noon | View Flyer | Register
The Right Dose! Senior Overdose Prevention Summit (Cleveland) Sept. 23 | 10:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. | View Flyer | Register
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15th Anniversary Ride or Bike to Break the Cycle of Addiction — Aug. 23
OneEighty will host its 15th Anniversary Break the Cycle of Addiction event on Saturday, Aug. 23 from 6:30 a.m.-2:00 p.m. at the Wayne County Fairgrounds/Holmes County Trail. This event is not a race. It is centered around the mission to reduce the stigma surrounding the issues of substance use disorder and addiction and to support the treatment/prevention services offered at OneEighty. Break the Cycle honors individuals on their recovery journey and pays tribute to lives lost to addiction. An individual can choose between three bike routes, the Holmes County Trail bike ride or walk, and a 5K walk in downtown Wooster. The bike ride consists of either a 24-, 50-, or 72-mile ride through the scenic countryside of Wayne and Holmes counties. Each route varies in elevation and level of fitness. Pre-registration is $40 and closes Aug. 22. Day of registration is $50.
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Measuring Progress: Data Collection & Evaluation for 911/988 Interoperability — Aug. 28
Clear Pathways will host the final webinar of a three-part lunch-and-learn series exploring findings from its Crisis Response Pilot for 911 Public Safety Answering Points (PSAPs) and 988 call centers on Aug. 28 from noon-1:00 p.m. The session will focus on evaluating 911-988 interoperability and using metrics to support continuous quality improvement among the partners. Participants will hear key findings from Mathematica’s evaluation of the pilot, including common data reporting challenges and recommendations to strengthen future evaluation and implementation efforts.
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2025 Recovering People's Convention — Sept. 9
Ohio Citizen Advocates for Addiction Recovery (OCAAR) will host the 2025 Recovering People's Convention on Sept. 9 from 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. at the Nationwide Hotel and Conference Center in Lewis Center. This free convention offers a space for Ohio's recovery community to gather and set the agenda for recovery-oriented policy in the state. The day will be filled with interactive policy and advocacy discussions. All recovery advocates are welcome — you do not need any prior advocacy experience to attend. Questions? Email Advocate@oca-ohio.org.
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PreventionFIRST! 2025 Coalition Academy — Sept. 17
PreventionFIRST! will host the 2025 Coalition Academy from 8:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. on Sept. 17 at the Hilton Midtown – Cincinnati. This year's theme is "Staying Anchored in Prevention." The Academy provides learning opportunities for prevention professionals, public health and treatment professionals, mental health providers, coalition members and community leaders, youth-serving organizations, school personnel, and parents and caregivers, among others. Workshops will focus on a variety of topics, including advocacy, artificial intelligence (AI), mental health and well-being, school-based mental health, sustainable prevention tactics, and more. Cost is $50 for PreventionFIRST! member coalitions, and $75 for general registration. CEUs have been applied for. Questions? call 513.751.8000, ext. 14 or email jlee@prevention-first.org.
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SMART Recovery Facilitator Trainings — English and Spanish
SMART Recovery will host a free, virtual SMART Recovery Facilitator Training on Sept. 17-18 from 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. SMART Recovery is a science-based, secular support model that helps people overcome substance use and other harmful behaviors using practical tools rooted in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and motivational psychology. The model centers on self-empowerment, resilience, and inclusive peer support. Sessions will be presented in English (Sept. 17-18) and Spanish (Sept. 13-14, 20-21). 13 CEUs are available. Click the links for more information. Questions? Email jhilbert@smartrecovery.org.
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Walk Into Wellness at Findley State Park — Sept. 20
Governor DeWine's RecoveryOhio initiative is partnering with the Ohio Department of Natural Resources to host a Walk Into Wellness from 10:00 a.m.-noon on Saturday, Sept. 20 at Findley State Park in Wellington. The event promotes connection and self-care by encouraging participants to complete a variety of activities, including a guided nature hike, a visit to the Nature Center, disc golf demonstration, Storybook Trail, and mental health resource fair. Participants can also paint a "kindness rock" and visit with a therapy dog. Participants who note activities completed on the event postcard and mail by Oct. 4 will receive a certificate signed by Governor Mike DeWine and Lieutenant Governor Jim Tressel.
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Star Behavioral Health Providers Tier 1 Training — Sept. 24
1in5 Warrior Run — Oct. 4
1in5 will host its 2025 Warrior Run: The Race for Life on Oct. 4 at the Mariemont Concourse in Cincinnati. This family-friendly event seeks to raise awareness about mental health and will feature a 5K run, one-mile walk, and kid's fun run. Early-bird registration ends Sept. 6. Questions? Email info@1in5.org or call 513.814.3007.
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Save the Date: OPCSMH 3rd Campus Safety & Suicide Prevention Symposium — Oct. 9
Save the date! The Ohio Program for Campus Safety and Mental Health (OPCSMH) will host its 3rd Annual Suicide Prevention Symposium on Oct. 9 at the University of Mount Union in Alliance. The theme of this year’s symposium is “Beyond the Game: Teaming up for Suicide Prevention,” and will focus on supporting the mental health and well-being of college athletes and e-athletes throughout Ohio. This event will feature content experts and resources dedicated to helping collegiate athletes build resilience, improve well-being, and prevent suicide.
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Online Training Series: Tobacco Use Treatment in Behavioral Health Care
The National Center of Excellence for Tobacco-Free Recovery (CoE-TFR) has announced a new, five-module Tobacco Use Treatment in Behavioral Health Care e-Course. This online training series is designed to equip behavioral health professionals with the knowledge and tools to tackle tobacco use among individuals with mental health and substance use conditions. Each of the five modules can be completed in 20-40 minutes.
 Mathile Center to broaden mental health support for youth WDTN-TV, August 8, 2025
DeWine voices concern over youth marijuana use during Dayton Children's visit Springfield News-Sun, August 8, 2025
Self esteem is key to strong start for students as they head back to school WBNS-TV, August 7, 2025
Veterans honored in court graduation Court News Ohio, August 7, 2025
Veteran suicides on rise in Butler County; Army veteran tells his story Hamilton Journal-News, August 7, 2025
Charity basketball game benefitting mental health, suicide prevention SpectrumNews1, August 7, 2025
She thought it was just another energy drink...it sent her to rehab USA Today, August 6, 2025
How one Ohio sober-living home helps families heal together Statehouse News Bureau, August 6, 2025
'Frankenstein Opioids': Drug stronger than fentanyl seized in all 50 states Patch, August 6, 2025
Washington County Behavioral Health Board to host Back to School Bash Marietta Times, August 6, 2025
New tool promotes 'responsible consumption' of alcohol, cannabis WDTN-TV, August 6, 2025
Local musician Marc Lee Shannon to be guest speaker at Townhall II picnic Weekly Villager, August 6, 2025
Childhood verbal and physical abuse leave similar impacts, study shows CNN, August 5, 2025
CDC launches new national campaign to tackle teen mental health, substance use ABC News, August 5, 2025
How to talk about bullying, support your child's mental health this school year WBNS-TV, August 5, 2025
Overwhelmed and stressed: Mothers open up about worrying decline in mental health PBS News Hour, August 5, 2025
Lorain County Veterans Treatment Court gets $35K grant Elyria Chronicle-Telegram, August 5, 2025
Portage County parents continue foundation to educate about sextortion SpectrumNews1, August 5, 2025
Valley shines a light on community building with National Night Out WFMJ-TV, August 5, 2025
TCN Behavioral Health hosts school supply giveaway Fairborn Daily Herald, August 5, 2025
Ohio bill proposes up to three mental health days for students each year WBNS-TV, August 5, 2025
Teen suicide is on the decline, new federal data shows NPR, August 4, 2025
ChatGPT adds mental health guardrails NBC News, August 4, 2025
Facility dog calms patients at health center Marion Star, August 4, 2025
Dayton Children's campaign tops $85M Springfield News-Sun, August 4, 2025
Ohio awards Cuyahoga County $30M for juvenile Community Correctional Facility Cleveland.com, August 2, 2025
FDA mandates stricter warning labels on opioids to address long-term use risks WEWS-TV, August 2, 2025
Wright State expands innovative PTSD study using brain stimulation therapy Daily Court Reporter, August 1, 2025
Post-disaster mental health recovery app proves successful MedicalXPress, August 1, 2025
Zepf Center receives $100K grant to support First Episode Psychosis services Point & Shoreland, August 1, 2025
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