OhioMHAS Awards $1.2M to Youth to Youth International
to Lead New Ohio Youth-Led Collective
OhioMHAS recently announced a $1.2 million grant award to Youth to Youth International, a program of CompDrug, to serve as the lead organization for the newly established Ohio Youth-Led Collective.
“This investment reflects our commitment to supporting young people as leaders in prevention, their schools, and their communities. The Ohio Youth-Led Collective is an exciting new way to make that happen,” said OhioMHAS Director LeeAnne Cornyn.
The Ohio Youth-Led Collective will build and sustain a coordinated, statewide infrastructure that advances youth-led prevention efforts to address substance use and suicide among young people. The Collective will:
- Provide specialized training and technical assistance and statewide events for youth-led programs and adult allies.
- Expand workforce development opportunities for youth and adult allies.
- Offer prevention project grants to Collective members.
- Maintain a statewide inventory of youth-led programs to guide strategic resource allocation.
In the coming year, the Ohio Youth-Led Collective will strengthen partnerships with existing youth-led programs and bring new youth prevention initiatives into the fold, creating broad geographic reach and representation across the state.
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 OhioMHAS Unveils New Webpage Featuring Behavioral Health Disaster Preparedness and Response Resources
Just in time for Ohio Preparedness Month, OhioMHAS is pleased to announce the launch of a new Behavioral Health Disaster Preparedness and Response webpage. The page functions as a resource hub where Ohioans and behavioral health system boards and providers can find important information to help prepare and respond to disasters. The mobile-friendly webpage can be easily accessed during and after a disaster or traumatic event.
Behavioral health is an essential component of community resilience in the aftermath of a disaster or traumatic event. It is vital for Ohio’s behavioral health care system and emergency response personnel to collaborate and respond to the immediate and long-term behavioral health care needs of those adversely impacted by such events.
RFA #89: Ohio Problem Gambling Excellence and Innovation Program Initiative
The OhioMHAS Office of Community and Family Resiliency is soliciting applications from qualified and experienced behavioral health organizations, health systems, prevention providers, institutions of higher education and community coalitions that currently offer programming related to problem gambling services. The Ohio Problem Gambling Excellence and Innovation Program Initiative RFA seeks to select multiple grantees who are qualified to provide prevention, screening and intervention, clinical, workforce or recovery services. These agencies are expected to have experience in providing problem gambling services in their respective domains and demonstrate innovations that will help move the service system forward. Questions can only be answered through the FAQ process with an email to MHAS_Problem_Gambling_Services@mha.ohio.gov. Please use "PG Excellence and Innovation FAQ" in the subject line. The deadline to submit applications is 3:00 p.m. on Sept. 12.
Notice of Funding: Ohio Campus Community Partnership
The Ohio Campus Community Partnership (OCCP), funded by OhioMHAS and administered by PreventionFIRST!, is now accepting applications for its FY 2026 funding opportunity. OCCP supports Ohio higher education institutions in building sustainable campus-community partnerships that promote student wellness and behavioral health. Eligible colleges and universities may apply for up to $15,000 in one-time funding, with priority given to institutions that have not previously participated in the Rise & Thrive or Ohio Wellness Campus Collaborative initiatives. Letters of intent are due by 5:00 p.m. on Sept. 12.
For more information, email julie@prevention-first.org.
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Reminder: RFA #84 — FY26 Bipartisan Safer Communities Act (BSCA) Behavioral Health Disaster Preparedness Projects
The OhioMHAS Office of Treatment Services has released a Request for Applications for the purpose of soliciting applications from Ohio’s county mental health and addiction services boards to conduct activities towards developing comprehensive behavioral health disaster preparedness plans for their board areas. This RFA seeks to select up to 50 grantees. This grant opportunity is a continuation of RFA #68, “FY25 BSCA Behavioral Health Disaster Preparedness Projects.” The responsibilities of the selected applicants will include oversight and implementation of activities that will result in a comprehensive behavioral health disaster preparedness plan. The deadline to submit an application is 3:00 p.m. on Sept. 5.
 RecoveryOhio Announces Red Ribbon Week Poster Contest
Ohio high school art teachers are invited to engage their students in this year’s Red Ribbon Week poster contest, hosted by RecoveryOhio. This is a chance for young artists to use their creativity to support healthy, drug-free lifestyles while promoting a meaningful statewide campaign. The 2025 theme is Life Is A Puzzle. Solve It Drug Free™, a message highlighting how each choice helps shape the bigger picture of a student’s future.
Winning art will be displayed on RecoveryOhio’s social media and Annual Report and will receive a certificate signed by Ohio Governor Mike DeWine. Read contest rules and enter artwork on RecoveryOhio’s website. Submissions are due by Monday, Oct. 20.
The National Red Ribbon Campaign is a national effort that mobilizes communities to educate youth and encourage participation in drug prevention activities. The campaign began in 1985 with the red ribbons symbolizing commitment to awareness caused by drugs. Learn more about the national initiative at redribbon.org. Questions? Email RecoveryOhio@Governor.Ohio.gov.
Suicide Prevention Resources for School Communities
 SAMHSA Substance Use Prevention Month Toolkit
In recognition of October as Substance Use Prevention Month, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) has released a toolkit to showcase prevention’s positive effects on communities across the country. The toolkit includes social media shareables, graphics, virtual backgrounds, email signatures, flyers, and more.
 Ohio SUD COE Announces September EMDR Trainings
The Ohio Substance Use Disorder Center of Excellence (SUD COE) at Case Western Reserve University has announced a series of free Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) trainings for September. EMDR is an advanced clinical model that has been proven effective in treating trauma, mental health disorders, substance-related disorders, and somatic symptoms. EMDR is based on the Adaptive Information Processing (AIP) model, which suggests that many mental health problems are caused by the brain not properly processing or storing upsetting or traumatic experiences. It uses guided eye movements or other bilateral stimulation to help the brain reprocess these traumatic memories and reduce their emotional impact.
Upcoming training dates:
Sept. 3-5 and 15-17 (virtual)
Sept. 8-12 (in-person) Columbus - Quest Conference Center
Space is limited, so early application is encouraged. Questions? Email Deana Leber George at deana.leber-george@case.edu for more information.
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Regional Crime Victim Services Trainings
This fall, the Crime Victim Services Section of the Ohio Attorney General’s
Office will hit the road to present five regional training sessions for those who work
with victims of violent crimes. These free trainings are geared toward advocates, guardians ad litem, counselors, therapists, adult and child protective service workers,
medical professionals, law enforcement officers, attorneys, funeral home professionals who work with families of those lost to homicide, and others who serve victims. Click the link above for dates and locations.
Let’s Talk Coalitions: A SPCA Virtual Roundtable — Sept. 5
Looking for a space to share ideas, swap stories, and connect with others doing coalition work across the state? Let’s Talk Coalitions is a new monthly virtual roundtable hosted by SPCA. It’s designed for coalition members at all stages to come together for casual, real-world conversations. Each session features a brief spotlight on a key topic in prevention work, followed by an open discussion where you can share challenges, successes, and strategies with others in the field. September’s session (Sept. 5, 10:00-10:45 a.m.) will focus on suicide prevention.
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Youth Vaping Prevention ECHO: Community Resources for Supply, Demand, and Risk Reduction – Sept. 10
The Ohio Center of Excellence for Behavioral Health Prevention and Promotion invites those working in youth vaping prevention to join it for an encore session of Community Resources for Supply, Demand, and Risk Reduction, on Sept. 10. This session will explore how prevention efforts can reduce youth vaping by targeting sources of access, the reasons youth start, and the needs of those most at risk. The discussion will encourage consideration of strategies across three key areas: reducing product availability through policy and enforcement, addressing root causes and building resilience, and tailoring supports for youth with greater vulnerability to vaping. CEs for Prevention, Social Work, and Health Education have been applied for.
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Coalition Leadership How-To Series: Launch, Grow, Lead
No matter where your coalition is in its journey – launching, rebuilding foundations, planning for future growth, or leading a well-established board, this virtual Coalition Leadership How-To Series is for you. Led by Molly O’Neill, CEO of Ohio Citizen Advocates for Addiction Recovery (OCAAR) and a nationally respected nonprofit leader with 30+ years of experience in governance, leadership, and coalition building, this series equips both coalition leaders and their Boards of Directors with insights to launch strong, grow strategically, and continue leading with excellence. Each session lasts 1.5 hours and is packed with actionable guidance you can put into practice right away. Upcoming training dates include:
Sept. 10 | Session 1 - Building Your Foundation: Coalitions in Development
Sept. 17 | Session 2 - Growing Pains to Impactful Gains: Helping You Strengthen Your Established Leadership
Sept. 24 | Session 3 - Working Together for Impact: High-Functioning Coalition Leadership and Governing Boards
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AFNet 2025 Women’s Conference & Awards Ceremony — Sept. 13
The African Women for Change Network (AFNET) will host its 2025 Women's Conference and Awards ceremony on Sept. 13 from 3:00-7:00 p.m. in Columbus. This empowering conference will bring together women leaders, advocates, and allies to prioritize mental and physical health, recognize women leaders, showcase vendors and small businesses, host empowerment panels and cultural presentations, and foster networking opportunities. The event is open to all — including men and allies — who support women’s well-being and leadership. Cost is $30 for attendees and $50 for vendors. Questions? Call 614.477.3989 or email afwcnet@gmail.com.
Walk into Wellness – Sept. 20
You’re invited to Walk into Wellness, a free community event at Findley State Park on Saturday, Sept. 20, from 10:00 a.m.-Noon. This event is designed to bring people together for a morning of outdoor activity, mental health awareness, and family-friendly fun sponsored by Governor Mike DeWine’s RecoveryOhio initiative and the Ohio Department of Natural Resources.
Activities include:
- Guided nature hike
- Mental Health Resource Fair
- Kindness rock painting
- Therapy dog visits
- Storybook Trail
- Nature Center tours
- Disc golf demonstration
Participants can complete an event activity card and return it by Oct. 4, to receive a certificate signed by Governor Mike DeWine and Lt. Governor Jim Tressel. The event also supports the Team Tressel Fitness Challenge, encouraging Ohioans to work toward their wellness goals.
Event Details:
When: Saturday, Sept. 20, 10:00 a.m.-Noon
Where: Findley State Park, 25381 OH-58, Wellington, OH
Cost: Free and open to all ages
Substances, Symptoms, and Stigma: A Clinical Panel Discussion on Psychosis and Addiction — Oct. 8
Hopewell will present the 14th Annual David Cutler Conservatory Exploring Mental Health Series on Oct. 8 at 5:30 p.m. at the Chagrin Valley Hunt Club in Gates Mills. This year's topic is Substances, Symptoms, and Stigma: A Clinical Panel Discussion on Psychosis and Addiction. Experts will examine key triggers, treatment complexities, and share clinical and personal insights to enhance understanding of this multifaceted mental health condition. Featured panelists include: Dr. David Baron, Medical Director, YellowBrick Consultation and Treatment Center (Chicago); Dr. Chris Tuell, LPCC-S, LICDC-CS, Clinical Director of Addiction Services, Linder Center of HOPE (Cincinnati); Dr. Andrew Hunt, Hopewell Psychiatrist, University Hospitals (Cleveland); and Sami Petty, MSN, APRN, PMHNP-BC, Hopewell Nurse Practitioner, University Hospitals (Cleveland). The event is free. Questions? Email athompson@hopewell.cc.
2025 Ohio Health Policy Summit — Oct. 9
The Health Policy Institute of Ohio (HPIO) will host its second statewide Health Policy Summit on Oct. 9 at The Event Center at Mitchell Hall on the campus of Columbus State Community College. This event will bring together partners from across the state to learn from national experts and local leaders in an action-oriented, day-long convening. Early bird registration ends Aug. 31.
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Building Futures: The Role of Employment Programs in Recovery Housing — Oct. 15
The OhioMHAS Office of Community Services will host a Building Futures: The Role of Employment Programs in Recovery Housing webinar on Oct. 15 from 11:00 a.m.-Noon. Presenters Kaitlin Waggoner (OhioMHAS) and Samantha McKenzie (Frontline Services) will explore available employment resources and how the IPS (Individual Placement and Support) model can be integrated into recovery housing to promote stability and independence.
Exhibitors Sought: 2025 Ohio Prevention Conference — Dec. 11-12
Prevention Action Alliance, with support from OhioMHAS, will host the 2025 Ohio Prevention Conference on Dec. 10-11 at the Hyatt Regency Columbus. The conference offers a platform for professionals to enhance their knowledge, skills, and approaches to prevention science. The event brings together more than 450 behavioral health professionals and those from allied fields, fostering collaboration, cultural competency, and a commitment to health equity. This year's theme is "Advancing Prevention Through Integrated Approaches." Conference planners are currently seeking exhibitors.
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