Rest areas are often used by people traveling alone or experiencing stress, isolation, or crisis — and in some cases, they are places where individuals pause during moments of acute distress. Because rest areas are accessible, quiet, and open around the clock, they present a unique opportunity to reach people at a critical moment, before a crisis escalates. Clear, consistent 988 signage also helps normalize help-seeking, reduces stigma, and connect Ohioans and travelers with trained counselors who can provide real-time support and local resources. 

“Visible 988 signage provides an immediate, compassionate reminder that help is available 24/7, confidential, and just a call or text away,” said 988 Administrator Doug Jackson. “Placing 988 signage in rest areas aligns with Ohio’s commitment to safety, public health, and suicide prevention by meeting people where they are — when it matters most.”

Digital 988 messages currently appear on TravelTV displays (pictured) maintained by ODOD in approximately 20 rest areas statewide. Additional locations will be added by the end of the year as newly-constructed rest areas are completed and opened to the public.   

Anyone experiencing suicidal thoughts, severe emotional distress, or other crisis situations, can call, text, or chat 988 for free, confidential support any time, day or night.  

The Ohio Suicide Prevention Foundation (OSPF) recently announced a funding opportunity for youth-led programs in spring of 2026. Selected by the OSPF Youth Advisory Council, up to 10 youth-led programs (school- or community-based) will receive funding of up to $1,000 to conduct suicide prevention and/or mental health activities in their communities. The deadline to submit an application is Feb. 27. Questions? Email Mamta.Bajgain@ohiospf.org. 

Effective Feb. 5, the Ohio Chemical Dependency Professionals (OCDP) Board will differentiate in elicense between those holding the Chemical Dependency Counselor Assistant (CDCA) Preliminary and those holding the CDCA certification (eligible for renewal every two years) with the addition of "Pre" after "CDCA" and then the numbers of the certification (e.g. CDCAPre.######). Those who currently hold an active or inactive/lapsed CDCA Preliminary certification with the Board will remain as being denoted as just the CDCA.###### with the word Preliminary within elicense. Questions? Email info@ocdp.ohio.gov or call 614.387.1110.

As part of its free Executive Capacity Building Series, Ohio Citizen Advocates for Addiction Recovery (OCAAR) will host a Zoom-based training on Operations on Feb. 4 from 9:00 a.m.-Noon. This webinar will discuss all facets of operations, including human resources, buildings/space, equipment, administration, and more. Participants will receive three continuing education credits. Questions? Email Advocate@oca-ohio.org.

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

Feb. 4 | 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

The National Center on Substance Abuse and Child Welfare (NCSACW) will present a Strengthening Father Engagement to Improve Child and Family Outcomes webinar on Feb. 4 from 2:00-3:00 p.m. This free learning opportunity will provide strategies to fully integrate fathers into services while increasing safety factors for children and families affected by substance use and child welfare involvement.

Join the Ohio Lottery for an invitation-only evening reception introducing Responsible Play Reimagined — a first look at the Lottery’s new Well Played initiative focused on promoting safe, responsible engagement with lottery products. Held the evening before the 2026 Ohio Problem Gambling Conference (Feb. 10), this informal event brings together invited guests, partners, and conference attendees for conversation, connection, and insight in a relaxed setting. Guests will have the opportunity to learn more about the goals behind the Well Played initiative, engage with peers from across sectors, and network with leaders committed to safer play and consumer protection. Complimentary appetizers and beverages will be provided.

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) invites states, counties, Tribal nations, territories, 911 centers, and behavioral health crisis service providers to join its From Concern to Confidence: Strengthening 988 and 911 Coordination While Managing Risk and Liability webinar on Feb. 10 from 2:00-3:30 p.m. This free session will explore the difference between perceived and actual liability risks in 988 vs. 911 coordination, highlight risk assessment, and triage frameworks that improve outcomes, and identify steps to strengthen coordination. 

Carve Your Own Path, (CYOP) Inc., will host Resilience in Practice: Understanding and Preventing Secondary Trauma on Feb. 16 from 9:30-11:30 a.m. in Copley. Facilitated by Amber Moore, MSSW, LSW, this session will explore evidence-based approaches to to burnout, enhance self-care, and help participants maintain effectiveness in their roles. Through guided self-assessments, reflective exercises, and group discussions, attendees will leave with a personalized action plan to safeguard their well-being while continuing to provide compassionate, high-quality care to clients. Cost is $60. Questions? Email Amanda Kostura at amanda@cyopinc.org.

BrightView Health will present Emerging Drug Trends: Kratom, Tianeptine, and Other Grey Market Substances on Feb. 25 from Noon-1:00 p.m. Dr. Gilbert Schmidt, BrightView Medical Director, will help participants recognize clinical and behavioral presentations associated with these substances, apply appropriate screening and treatment considerations, and understand regulatory and public safety implications. Questions? Email info@brightviewhealth.com. 

1N5 and MindPeace, in partnership with the Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Mental and Behavioral Institute, will host the 4th Annual Family Mental Health Education Day on Saturday, Feb. 28 from 9:30 a.m.- 2:30 p.m. at the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden. Youth (ages 12+) and young adults living with depression or anxiety, along with their parents or caregivers are invited to attend. The day will feature engaging speakers from Cincinnati Children's Hospital and the University of Cincinnati, powerful personal stories, and separate caregiver and youth tracks to support meaningful peer connection and developmentally appropriate learning. Tickets are $15 and include breakfast and lunch, parking, and all-day zoo admission. Scholarships are available. Caregivers are welcome to attend with or without their child. 

SAMHSA will host Addressing Veteran Substance Use: Promoting Recovery Through Collaboration and Compassion at 2:00 p.m. on March 3. This webinar will explore evidence-informed strategies, emerging trends, and innovative models that support recovery and resilience among service members, veterans, and their families. Presenters will discuss the importance of coordinated care across systems including the Department of Veterans Affairs, state health authorities, and community-based organizations. The presenters will highlight programs that are improving access to effective substance use treatment and long-term recovery support. 

The Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation will host the 2026 Ohio Safety Congress and Expo on March 11-13 at the Greater Columbus Convention Center. As one of the largest free safety events in the country, the Expo offers a comprehensive platform for individuals and companies to enhance safety practices and increase their knowledge. The Expo offers a variety of sessions, workshops, keynotes, and exhibits so participants can learn from experts in the field and network with peers committed to fostering safer work environments. 

Ohio Recovery Housing (ORH) will host the 2026 Ohio Recovery Housing Conference on April 14-15 at the Hilton Columbus–Polaris. Participants will learn about innovative programs and services that can benefit residents of recovery housing. ORH Board President Ted St. John and Executive Director Danielle Gray will join DBH Director Tia Marcel Moretti for opening remarks and updates on day one. Click HERE to view the full agenda. Early-bird registration rates are available until March 1. Questions? Email stacy@ohiorecoveryhousing.org.

OhioPRO is accepting presentation proposals for the 2026 Peer Recovery Summit, which will take place on July 8-9 at the Hyatt Regency Columbus. The theme this year is "Connection Creates Recovery: Healing Happens Together." OhioPRO will consider any and all proposals on topics related to peer recovery and recovery supports. Sessions should be relevant to all levels of learners. The deadline for presentation proposal submission is March 6. Questions? Email Rayne Kilviir, OhioPRO Administrative Marketing Coordinator, at rkilviir@ohio-pro.com.