OSPF Youth-Led Suicide Prevention Grants
The Ohio Suicide Prevention Foundation (OSPF) is accepting proposals from middle, junior high, and high school students leading evidence-based mental health or suicide prevention initiatives. Up to 10 youth-led programs across Ohio will receive $500-$1,000 in funding to implement their projects between March and June 2026. OSPF encourages adults who work with youth, including teachers, school counselors, and program advisors, to share this opportunity with students in their schools and communities. Proposals can be connected to existing programs such as Sources of Strength or Be Present Ohio, or entirely new youth-led initiatives. The deadline to submit a proposal is Feb. 27.
Questions? Email Mamta Bajgain at Mamta.Bajgain@OhioSPF.org. Funding and support for these grants come from OSPF and DBH.
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ODVS Seeks Feedback from Military-Connected Ohioans to Identify Barriers, Improve Services
The Ohio Department of Veteran Services (ODVS), in partnership with The Ohio State University and Ohio veteran researchers, is seeking military-connected community members who reside in Ohio to participate in a survey to help improve services for Ohio's military community.
The following individuals are encouraged to participate in the 2026 Ohio Military-Connected Community Assessment:
- All military-connected Ohioans, including:
- Ohio National Guard
- Active Duty
- Reserve Component
- Veterans
- ROTC
- Military spouses/dependents/family members/caregivers
Your feedback is valuable and your perspectives and experiences will be used to help improve services and supports for Ohio's military-connected community members.
Those who complete the survey will be offered an opportunity to receive at $25 gift card in appreciation of sharing their perspectives. Please note that the gift cards are available in a limited quantity and may not be able to be offered to everyone who completes the survey.
For questions about the survey, please contact the OSU Research Lead at hibler.10@osu.edu.
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Updated Suicide Screening and Assessment Fact Sheet
The Suicide Prevention Resource Center (SPRC) recently released an updated Suicide Screening and Assessment fact sheet. Designed to help health care systems and community organizations strengthen their prevention efforts through timely identification and response, this eight-page resource explains the key differences between suicide screening and assessment and how they can be integrated into systems of care. For more guidance on conducting effective suicide risk assessment, check out SPRC's toolkit.
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 Addressing Veteran Substance Use: Promoting Recovery Through Collaboration and Compassion — March 3
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) will present a free Addressing Veteran Substance Use: Promoting Recovery Through Collaboration and Compassion webinar on March 3 from 2:00-3:30 p.m. 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.
Exploring the Intersection of AI and Suicide Prevention — March 4
The Ohio Suicide Prevention Foundation (OSPF), in partnership with the National Suicide Prevention Advocacy Network (NSPAN) and Suicide Awareness Voices of Education (SAVE), will present Exploring the Intersection of AI and Suicide Prevention on March 4 at 1:00 p.m. This virtual discussion will explore how artificial intelligence (AI) intersects with suicide prevention. National experts will dive into why it’s essential to educate ourselves and understand this complex, evolving issue.
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Upcoming MACC, Inc. Trainings
Upcoming Faith-Based Capacity Building Webinars
Deadline Approaching: OhioPRO 2026 Peer Recovery Summit Call for Presentations
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.
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Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Clinical Training
DBH is seeking applicants for the March 2026 cohort of its Trauma-Focused Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) Clinical Training with Consultation training. This statewide training initiative is designed to expand access to high-quality TF-CBT instruction for Ohio’s behavioral health workforce.
Through live virtual training and guided consultation, participants gain foundational knowledge and practical strategies for implementing TF-CBT in clinical settings, with the goal of supporting readiness for the TF-CBT Therapist Certification Program Knowledge-Based Test. The sessions will be facilitated by Alison Hendricks, MSW, LCSW, a nationally recognized TF-CBT trainer with more than 20 years of experience.
Sessions will be offered on the following dates: Session 1: March 9-10 and 19 | Noon-4:30 p.m. Session 2: March 20 and 26-27 | Noon-4:30 p.m.
This training is designed for Ohio-based master’s level behavioral health professionals and eligible graduate students who provide services to children and adolescents impacted by trauma. Click HERE to view additional eligibility criteria. Note: Prior to joining the live TF-CBT training sessions, participants must independently complete the TF-CBT Web 2.0 online course for $35. Proof of completion of the prerequisite course must be submitted at registration. Questions? Email register@sargad.com.
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Paws Off Those Meds! Exploring Veterinary Drug Diversion and Prevention Webinar — March 10
The Ohio University Voinovich School of Leadership and Public Service, in partnership with PreventionFIRST!, the Pacific Institute for Research and Evaluation (PIRE), and the Rural Communities Opioid Response Program, will host a free Exploring Veterinary Drug Diversion and Prevention webinar on March 10 from 3:00-4:00 p.m.
As regulations on opioid prescriptions for human patients have tightened, veterinary practices have emerged as a potential point of access for the diversion of controlled substances — a practice sometimes referred to as "vet shopping." This session will examine the complexities of this issue, including the risks posed to both animal welfare and public health when medications intended for veterinary use are diverted. Participants will explore strategies for community-based support for veterinary clinics and animal care organizations. Questions? Email Madison Wells at mw032821@ohio.edu.
Call for Proposals: 2026 School SUCCESS Conference
The Ohio School-Based Center of Excellence is seeking proposals for speaker presentations and table exhibitors for the 2026 Ohio School SUCCESS Conference, which will be held in-person on June 10-11 at Eversole Run Middle School in Plain City. This year's theme is "Stronger Together: Cultivating Responsive School Communities." The conference planning committee is seeking presentations that focus on Student Assistance Program (SAP) models, behavioral health and wellness coordinator models, youth mental health and substance abuse, systems-level work in school-based mental health, individually relevant trauma-informed care, and staff wellness and workforce resilience.
The deadline to submit proposals and reserve exhibition space is March 19. Click HERE to submit a workshop proposal and HERE to reserve exhibition space. For more information, email Cricket Meehan at cricket.meehan@miamioh.edu.
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2026 NAMI Ohio State Conference — April 27-28
The Ohio chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI Ohio) will host its 2026 State Conference on April 27-28 at the Cherry Valley Hotel in Newark. This annual conference brings together advocates, professionals, families, and individuals with lived experience. In addition to policy conversations, the conference will feature interactive workshops and breakout sessions, networking with statewide partners, Alliance Day programming focused on affiliate strengthening and nonprofit leadership, and NAMI Ohio's annual statewide meeting and awards ceremony. Click HERE to view the draft agenda.
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 Trumbull expected to receive more opioid deal funds Warren Tribune Chronicle, February 20, 2026
Voice of Business: Behavioral health hospital needed for Dayton Dayton Daily News, February 19, 2026
Suicide prevention group backs bill to regulate artificial intelligence in Ohio The Statehouse News Bureau, February 19, 2026
NEOMED launches new mental health assistant program Cleveland.com, February 19, 2026
State investments continue expanding child-centered care SpectrumNews1, February 19, 2026
Understanding the Rising Suicide Risk Among Black Youth Newswise, February 18, 2026
Having a ruff time? Meet Northeast Ohio's Crisis Response Canines Akron Beacon Journal, February 18, 2026
Ohio bill threatens fines for AI chatbots that encourage harm of self or of others Cleveland.com, February 18, 2026
Lake ADAMHS releases Community Assessment and Plan, highlights impact The News-Herald, February 18, 2026
Here's how the new Portage Crisis Center hopes to bridge the MH care gap WEWS-TV, February 17, 2026
As Athens looks to regulate recovery homes, it must navigate anti-discrimination laws WOUB Public Media, February 17, 2026
Women Warriors panel offers advice to prevent suicides Greenville Daily Advocate, February 17, 2026
Combining nerve blocks with therapy speeds recovery in military personnel, veterans OSU Wexner Medical Center, February 16, 2026
Woman shares story of her gambling addiction: 'Just wanted to...end it' WDTN-TV, February 16, 2026
As overdoses persist, Atrium brings back addiction navigator to help patients Hamilton Journal-News, February 16, 2026
BGSU addresses demand for mental health counselors with graduate program BG Independent, February 16, 2026
Brother's Keeper working to help young men feel connected SpectrumNews1, February 15, 2026
Wood County Jail graduates first IGNITE class WTVG-TV, February 13, 2026
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