This week, the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (OhioMHAS) held the sixth and final regional listening session in Warren County to hear from ADAMH boards, behavioral health providers, and first responders about crisis services in Southwest Ohio. Participants engaged in an interactive exercise to share their experiences and perspectives on staffing, funding, outcome measures, and existing and potential opportunities for adult mobile crisis services. Feedback from the six regional sessions, along with additional virtual conversations with partner organizations, will help shape the development of a statewide model.

In recognition of October as Substance Use & Misuse Prevention Month, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) has released a toolkit to help inspire action and showcase prevention’s positive effects on families and communities throughout the nation. This year's theme is "Telling the Prevention Story." The toolkit includes social media shareables, website graphics, flyers, PowerPoint slides, virtual backgrounds, email signatures, and more. Follow the conversation on social media using the hashtag #MyPreventionStory.

Are you interested in serving parents who are incarcerated? Since 2015, the Ohio Children of Incarcerated Parents Initiative has been bringing evidence-based programming to incarcerated parents in seven different correctional institutions across Ohio. The initiative is expanding into three more institutions, and is currently seeking additional facilitators. Applicants must have a minimum of two years of experience facilitating an evidenced-based program. 

Mental Health America (MHA) recently announced the launch of its newest resource center, Pets and Mental Health. Created in partnership with the Human Animal Bond Research Institute (HABRI), the resource center includes information, tools, and events that highlight the powerful role that animals can have in healing. Having an animal companion — be it furry, feathered, scaly, or otherwise — has many benefits for mental and physical health. Pet ownership provides comfort, makes you feel happy, and helps you be calmer and relaxed. Having a pet can also help relieve stress and symptoms of some mental and physical health conditions. Whether you are a pet owner, considering pet ownership, or interested in learning more about pet-assisted support, this resource is for you.

The 2025 Ohio Prevention Conference, presented by Prevention Action Alliance in partnership with OhioMHAS, kicks off this fall with three unique opportunities to engage, learn, and connect. There will be two engaging virtual sessions in October and November, followed by a two-day, in-person conference in December in Columbus. This year’s theme, “Advancing Prevention Through Integrated Approaches,” will be explored across all three parts of the event. Click the links below for more information and to register.

Oct. 9 | Virtual Pre-Conference Session #1 (9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.)
Theme: Integrating Trauma-Informed Care into Prevention | Learn More

Nov. 6 | Virtual Pre-Conference Session #2 (9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.)
Theme: Fostering Strategic Connections and Partnerships | Learn More

Dec. 10-11 | In-Person, Hyatt Regency Hotel (Columbus) 
Theme: Advancing Prevention Through Integrated Approaches | Learn More

In recognition of September as Recovery Month, Community Medical Services will host a free Care Fair on Sept. 24 from Noon-3:00 p.m. at its Dublin Road location in Columbus. The fair will highlight CMS' commitment to providing wraparound services and reducing the stigma surrounding opioid use disorder. Questions? Call 614.813.3233 or email Justin.Stevens@cmsgiveshope.com.

Relink.org will present a Human Trafficking Intersections and Available Resources webinar on Sept. 30 at 2:00 p.m. This presentation, which is designed for service providers and anyone who encounters at-risk individuals, explains the intersectionality of mental health, substance use, missing persons, and exploitation. Attendees will hear about the dynamics involved in searching for missing persons, identifying human trafficking, and interacting with victims, survivors, and families. Participants will also learn how to provide support and resources for families and potential victims of human trafficking. Questions? Email info@relink.org.

The Problem Gambling Network of Ohio (PGNO) has announced several upcoming training opportunities. Click the links below for more information. Questions? Email info@pgnohio.org. 

Sept. 30 | Virtual Case Presentation: Recovery After Recurrence
Oct. 7 | Prevention Ethics Training
Oct. 7 | Treatment Ethics Training

The Health Policy Institute of Ohio (HPIO) will host its second statewide Health Policy Summit on Oct. 9 from 8:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m. at the Event Center at Mitchell Hall on the campus of Columbus State Community College. The summit will highlight strategies that improve health and well-being while reducing health care spending. Speakers will provide evidence-informed research focusing on what works and why it matters now more than ever.

The Ohio Children's Alliance will host its 2025 Symposium on Oct. 14 at the Renaissance Columbus Westerville-Polaris Hotel. This event is for decision-makers, system advocates, and professionals committed to improving outcomes for children and families. This year's theme is "Enhancing Our System of Care: Addressing Key Issues in Children’s Services." The day kicks off with a keynote from Tom Woll, transitions into mirrored morning and afternoon breakout sessions, and concludes with a closing keynote from Lisette Burton. Attendees can select sessions that best fit their work, with topics ranging from behavioral health transformation and equity in child welfare to leadership in system reform and practical innovations for frontline practice. Every session is designed to provide actionable ideas, tools, and connections that inspire and advance meaningful change. Click HERE to view the full agenda and HERE to learn more about speakers.

Premier Health, in partnership with the Wright State University Boonshoft School of Medicine, is hosting a free Substance Use Disorder and Caregiver Resilience Conference on Oct. 20 from 10:00 a.m.-2:30 p.m. at The Steam Plant in Dayton. Attendees will hear from experts in the substance use disorder (SUD) and mental health (MH) fields, network with community organizations who provide SUD and MH support services and programs, and gain valuable insight that will enhance your ability to create a realistic and sustainable self-care routine to enhance resilience and prevent burnout. OhioMHAS Chief Adviser and Assistant Director Tia Marcel Moretti will lead a session on "Hope in Ohio." Click HERE to see the full agenda. CMEs and lunch will be provided. The deadline to register is Oct. 13. Questions? Email ammcdevitt@premierhealth.com. 

Prevention Action Alliance will host the Your Role in Prevention Luncheon on Oct. 23 from Noon-1:30 p.m. at the Africa Event Center at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium. This event brings together government, community, and business leaders from across Ohio to celebrate the incredible work happening in our state and to highlight the role prevention plays in creating healthier, more resilient communities. The Hon. Mary Bono will provide keynote remarks. 

Carve Your Own Path, Inc. is hosting an Embodied Healing: Somatic Approaches for Trauma-Informed Care training from 3:30-5:00 p.m. on Oct. 23. This interactive, in-person training offers licensed therapists a practical and trauma-informed framework for integrating somatic therapy into their clinical work with clients. Participants will explore how trauma is stored in the body and how healing must also occur through the body — not just the mind. This session, which will be facilitated by Lisa Schaefer, LISW-S, LICDC-CS, GAMB-p, has been approved for 1.5 CEUs through the Ohio CSWMFT Board. Questions? Email amanda@cyopinc.org.

OhioMHAS, with support from Northeast Ohio Medical University, will host the 2025 Ohio Forensic Mental Health Conference on Nov. 7 at The Ohioan Hotel and Event Center (formerly the Nationwide Hotel and Conference Center) in Lewis Center. Under the theme "Forging New Paths," this year’s conference will feature expert-led sessions, real-world case studies, and cross-discipline discussions focused on reimagining how forensic mental health services are delivered. Attendees will explore new approaches to diversion, treatment, crisis response, community reintegration, and system-level collaboration. Whether you're a clinician, administrator, law enforcement officer, legal professional, policymaker, or advocate, this event offers valuable insights and practical strategies that can be applied across settings. Click HERE to view the agenda. 

The National Association of Social Workers, (NASW) Ohio Chapter will host its 2025 Ohio Social Work Conference on Nov. 13-14 at the Quest Conference Center in Columbus. The conference will bring together more than 400 social workers and related behavioral health professionals and 60+ sponsoring organizations from across Ohio. Attendees can access 30+ CEUs through a combination of in-person and virtual content, with a wide variety of workshop options to choose from, ranging from clinical to macro practice. The conference also has great exhibit and sponsorship opportunities for organizations looking to promote their services or highlight the benefits of joining their team. Questions? Email Hannah Ware at HWare.naswoh@socialworkers.org. 

Save the date! The 2026 NAMI Ohio Conference will be held April 27-28 at the Cherry Valley Hotel in Newark. Day one will feature professional development opportunities, engaging speakers, special guests, and exhibitors. Day two, Alliance Day, will include workshops, trainings, networking, state updates, and the annual awards. Stay tuned to https://namiohio.org/ for updates.