BH Bulletin | Message from Director Moretti...DBH Welcomes New Chief Technology Officer...Ohio Learn Update...SFY 2026 Specialized Docket Subsidy Project Funding...OhioPRO Seeks Input on Development of Peer Supervisor Curriculum...Scioto County Expands Access to Housing for Women...2026 Youth Gambling Survey...WorkOhio Launches...Upcoming Trainings...In the News

Ohio Department of Behavioral Health sent this bulletin at 01/16/2026 04:00 PM EST

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Friday, January 16, 2026

DBH Director Tia Marcel Moretti is sworn in by Governor Mike DeWine during a recent ceremony at the Ohio Statehouse.

We're Evolving to Better Serve Ohioans

Dear Colleagues,

I appreciate the opportunity to address the behavioral health community in my new capacity as the Director of the Ohio Department of Behavioral Health (DBH). I am humbled by the governor’s faith in my leadership and honored to lead this dedicated, caring team. I intend to continue DBH’s efforts to build a strong, accessible behavioral health system.

Prior to joining DBH as Chief Advisor and Deputy Director of the Office of Community and Family Resiliency in 2024, my career focused on community-based mental health and addiction services for more than two decades. I am also a survivor of multi-system involvement and homelessness. My experiences, both personally and professionally, helped shape my belief in the mission of behavioral health as a public service that supports individuals, families, and communities, often at their most vulnerable moments.

That mission is what has kept me here, and it’s what guides my leadership approach.

Over the past several months, the department has implemented several important changes. These include adjustments to our organizational structure, updates to how certain programs are managed, and new expectations. These changes are designed to create a stronger, more stable department that can continue delivering critical behavioral health services — now and into the future. 

I’m honored to lead this department, and I am confident that DBH can move forward with purpose and integrity, and support Ohioans at every stage of life. Thank you for the work you do, for your patience during this transition, and for your continued commitment to the people we serve.

DBH Welcomes New Chief Technology Officer

DBH is pleased to announce the appointment of Nathan (Nate) Huskey as the agency's new Chief Technology Officer.

Huskey, who joined the department on Jan. 12, will work closely alongside the existing Epic team to empower the Hospital Services and OIS teams to continue realizing the Director’s vision for our Epic System. Additionally, he is tasked with ensuring that the application that supports Ohio’s Mobile Response and Stabilization Services (MRSS) is world-class.

He holds an Master of Public Health degree in Epidemiology and has more than 20 years of experience in Data Analytics, Public Health Informatics, and Information Technology leadership. Prior to accepting his new position with DBH, he served as the Chief Information Officer for the Ohio Department of Health for more than a decade.

eBased Academy, Learning Lab Trainings Transitioning to Ohio Learn Beginning Jan. 31

DBH, in partnership with the Ohio Department of Administrative Services (DAS) will transition away from eBased Academy and Learning Lab as part of ongoing efforts to streamline, modernize and strengthen training delivery. Beginning Jan. 31, trainings previously offered through eBased Academy and Learning Lab will be delivered through the Ohio Learn learning management system, which provides a more secure, modern, and unified training experience through a centralized customer portal.

To ensure training records are accurately captured, all outstanding coursework in eBased Academy and Learning Lab must be completed by Feb. 28. After this date, users will no longer be able to complete coursework in the system. Limited, read-only access to eBased Academy will remain available through May 31, solely for the purpose of downloading completion certificates and historical training records. After May 31, eBased Academy will no longer be accessible.

Users are encouraged to review their current course enrollments, complete any required training by the stated deadlines, and download completion certificates prior to system retirement. DBH will maintain official training records in accordance with applicable retention requirements.

Key Dates:

Jan. 31: Training previously delivered through eBased Academy begins transitioning to the Ohio Learn learning management system.
Now through Feb. 28: Users may continue completing courses in eBased Academy and Learning Lab. All outstanding coursework must be finished by this date to receive credit.
March 1: eBased Academy transitions to read-only access. Coursework completion will no longer be available.
May 31: Final date to access eBased Academy for downloading completion certificates and training records.

For questions or assistance, please contact the DBH Learning and Development team.

EOI #99: SFY 2026 Specialized Docket Subsidy Project Funds

The DBH Office of Criminal Justice and Recovery Services, Bureau of Criminal Justice is pleased to announce that Specialized Docket Subsidy Project funds will be available to operational specialized dockets that are currently certified (initial or final) by the Supreme Court of Ohio and are not currently receiving funding from the Specialized Dockets Subsidy Project. The funding will be available for the period of July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2026 (SFY 2026).

Funds supporting this project are granted based on an estimate of state and federal funds for mental health and addiction services in Ohio. Should funding be reduced below the estimated level, the amount of funds approved for this project may be reduced or terminated per written notice to the applicant by DBH. Please note: These funds can be retroactively applied for allowable expenses incurred on or after July 1, 2025.

Note: Courts that operate specialized dockets currently receiving funding through this initiative may apply for funding if said courts are applying for a different specialized docket project that is not receiving these funds.

Interested applicants should submit an expression of interest email
to specialized.docket@dbh.ohio.gov by 3:00 p.m. on March 31.

View EOI

Built With You For You: OhioPRO Initiative to Develop a New Peer Supervisor Training Curriculum

Across Ohio, peer support teams are growing, expanding into new settings, and being asked to carry more responsibility than ever before. Peer supervisors are at the center of this work, advancing quality peer support services, protecting fidelity to peer values, sustaining the workforce, and strengthening cross-service collaborations.

As the field of peer support continues to grow and thrive, the needs of supervisors and peer staff have evolved. To meet the changing demands of the field, OhioPRO has announced the launch of an initiative to develop a new Peer Supervisor Training Curriculum, designed specifically for Ohio's Peer Support Supervisors. This curriculum is being built with both supervisors and peers to ensure it is informed by best practices and shaped by the real-world expertise of peer professionals across Ohio.

To support this work, OhioPRO is partnering with Achara Consulting, a team of national leaders in peer support services who bring both professional and lived expertise to this work. Together, these organizations will engage peer supporters, peer supervisors, and recovery leaders to co-create a curriculum that promotes excellence and is rooted in OhioPRO's values.

Your voice, experience, and perspective are essential to ensuring this curriculum truly meets the needs of Ohio's peer supervisors and strengthens peer support teams statewide. There will be multiple opportunities for community stakeholders to contribute throughout the curriculum development process, including focus groups, community listening sessions, interviews, and surveys, and OhioPRO wants to hear from you. If you are interested in contributing your perspective, experience, or insights to help shape Ohio's Peer Supervisor Training Curriculum, complete this interest form.

Scioto County Officials Cut Ribbon on New Housing Project to Support Women in Recovery and Their Children

This week, officials in Scioto County cut the ribbon on Stepping Stones Dorm for Mothers and Children, a newly constructed, 24-unit housing project in Portsmouth. The facility is managed by The Counseling Center (TCC) and serves women from Adams, Lawrence, and Scioto counties.

Launched in 1992, TCC's Stepping Stones Program is committed to aiding pregnant women and mothers with children under 12 who are dedicated to leading a life free from substance use. The program provides comprehensive outpatient services alongside supportive housing, prioritizing the health and welfare of both mothers and their children. Additionally, Stepping Stones aids mothers with resources like enrolling school-aged children in school and the Care Closet, which provides essential baby care items, household items, and toiletries to support mothers in the program.

The program has celebrated the births of more than 400 healthy babies since its inception.

2026 OHSAA Youth Gambling Survey Now Open

Ohio for Responsible Gambling (ORG), in partnership with the Ohio High School Athletic Association (OHSAA), invites students in grades 9–12 to take part in the 2026 Youth Gambling Survey. The short, anonymous survey helps identify youth attitudes and behaviors related to gaming and gambling. Results will guide prevention and education efforts led by ORG’s Change the Game Ohio campaign.

📢 Spread the Word: Help ORG reach more students by sharing this announcement in your newsletters, team updates, or community networks. Together, we can build a safer, more informed future for Ohio’s youth.

🖥️ Take the survey at Youth Gambling Survey 2026. The deadline to complete the survey is March 16. Questions? Email Susan.Diamond@lottery.ohio.gov.

Lt. Governor Tressel Launches WorkOhio To Provide Personalized Support for Ohio Job Seekers

On Thursday, Lt. Governor Jim Tressel announced the launch of WorkOhio – a new initiative to connect Ohioans with in-demand jobs through personalized support from teams of regional job experts.

Under the leadership of Governor Mike DeWine and Lt. Governor Tressel, and with the support of the Ohio General Assembly, a wide variety of resources has been created to help Ohioans get great jobs, especially in high-demand fields. WorkOhio serves as a “front door” to these resources, allowing Ohioans to navigate the job tools that fit them best, all in one convenient online location.

At the center of WorkOhio is a new website – WorkOhio.gov – an easy-to-use starting point for anyone looking for new job opportunities, training programs, or other resources aligned with their background, experience, and goals. On the website, Ohioans can select the region where they live or want to work. From there, they can submit a short contact form requesting one-on-one support and a job expert who lives in their region will connect with them within two business days. WorkOhio is free and no login is required.

WorkOhio also supports users who prefer to explore on their own. The website offers resources and guidance tailored to different stages of life and career paths – helping job seekers of all backgrounds quickly find the job tools most relevant to them.

Read Full Announcement

Video: "WorkOhio is for You"

Free Psychosis REACH Training

The Best Practices in Schizophrenia Treatment (BeST) Center, in partnership with NAMI Ohio and Courage to Caregivers, is bringing Psychosis Recovery by Enabling Adult Carers at Home (Psychosis REACH) to Ohio. Psychosis REACH is a free training opportunity that includes an online, self-paced course followed by a three-hour virtual live event (held March 20 from Noon-3:00 p.m.) that offers concrete, evidence-based skills for family and other care partners of individuals living with psychosis. In this program, basics from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Psychosis (CBTp) are modified to meet the needs of care partners. In addition, family members and support persons will have access to certified Family Ambassadors (those with lived experience as a loved one of someone living with psychosis) for one-on-one or small group support and skills practice, as well as access to a robust psychosis resources repository. Ohio will be the third state in the nation to implement this innovative program that was developed in the U.K. and brought to the states by the University of Washington’s SPIRIT Lab.

Seats are limited, so register today. Click HERE to attend an optional informational session (Jan. 21, or Jan. 22) to learn more about Psychosis REACH. Questions? Email bestcenter@neomed.edu.

Upcoming Ohio SUD COE CME-Eligible Training: Treatment of Pregnant and Postpartum Women with Opioid Use Disorder — Jan. 29

The Ohio Substance Use Disorders Center of Excellence (SUD COE) is Ohio’s hub for substance use disorders (SUD) treatment providers. In collaboration with DBH, the SUD COE provides free, evidence-informed, integrated SUD training and resources to help enhance quality of care for individuals with SUD. The SUD COE is introducing new one-hour trainings targeted especially for medical professionals — including physicians, nurse practitioners and advanced practice nurses, and physician assistants.

The first of the virtual, CME-eligible trainings — Treatment of Pregnant and Postpartum Women with Opioid Use Disorder — will take place on Jan. 29. This training will be presented by Mark Hurst, M.D., Medical Consultant to the SUD-COE. The training will address the evaluation and treatment of pregnant women experiencing OUD during and following pregnancy, thus dispelling myths and reducing stigma to encourage provider support and prescribing of medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD). Click HERE to register for this free, virtual training.

Be sure to join the Ohio SUD COE mailing list to receive notification of future training dates and opportunities.

Upcoming MACC, Inc. Trainings

Multiethnic Advocates for Cultural Competence (MACC), Inc., has released a schedule of upcoming trainings. Click the links below for more information and to register. Questions? Email shenry@maccinc.net.

Feb. 4 | Silent Suffering: Addressing Secondary Trauma and Burnout Among Emergency Mental Health Providers
Feb. 18 | Adult Mental Health First Aid (Part 1)
Feb. 25 | Adult Mental Health First Aid (Part 2)
March 5 | Glow From Within: Redefining Beauty, Power, and Purpose — Women's Workshop

We Understand You Announces 2nd Annual Mental Health and Trauma Summit — April 17-18

We Understand You will host its 2nd Annual Mental Health and Trauma Summit for adolescents and adults on April 17-18 in Celina. The We Understand You Summit is a trauma-informed conference and healing retreat focused on connection, education, and emotional well-being in a safe, supportive environment. The event features two distinct tracks with one shared purpose — restoring hope, resilience, and connection for survivors of all ages. Questions? Email riseupfromtrauma@gmail.com or call 567.205.1844.

OCA 2026 Annual Spring Conference — April 21-22

The Ohio Children's Alliance will host its 2026 Annual Spring Conference on April 21-22 at the Hilton Columbus – Polaris. This conference is specifically designed to empower and equip those who dedicate their lives to Ohio’s children and families with the tools needed for success. Early-bird registration opens in February. Click HERE to view the agenda, HERE for speaker information, and HERE to learn about sponsorship opportunities.