The Ohio Children's Alliance (OCA) hosted it's 50th Annual Spring Conference this week in Columbus. The conference, which is designed to empower and equip those who dedicate their lives to Ohio’s children and families with the tools needed for success, featured two full days of connection, cutting-edge insights, and collaboration with peers. The agenda featured a variety of engaging breakout sessions and facilitated conversations designed to encourage participation, spark new ideas, and address the real challenges facing child- and family-serving organizations today. Participants heard from nationally recognized speakers like Riaz Meghji and Mark Ostach, who challenged the way audience members think about communication and leadership.

On Wednesday, OCA honored Ohio Department of Behavioral Health (DBH) Director Tia Marcel Moretti with its 2026 Champion for Children award. The award recognizes a public partner whose leadership and advocacy have meaningfully strengthened efforts to serve children and families. OCA CEO Mark Mecum said Director Moretti's steady leadership, honesty, and willingness to engage deeply with providers and advocates have earned tremendous respect and trust.

"This recognition reflects far more than a single year or a single role ...Throughout our many years of working together, you have consistently been a dedicated, thoughtful, and reliable partner — someone who shows up, listens, and leads with integrity on behalf of Ohio’s children and the systems that serve them," he said. 

The Ohio Association of Community Health Centers (OACHC) hosted its 2026 Annual Conference on April 21-22 in Columbus. In addition to engaging workshops and plenary sessions, the conference featured a Fireside Chat with Dr. Bruce Vanderhoff, Director of the Ohio Department of Health; Scott Partika, Director of the Ohio Department of Medicaid; and DBH Director Moretti. The session was moderated by OACHC Chief Executive Officer and President Julie DiRossi-King. The cabinet Directors shared insights on strengthening Ohio’s public health infrastructure, advancing Medicaid innovation, and the importance of partnership in expanding access to care and improving health outcomes for communities across the state. They also discussed workforce challenges and the role of Community Health Centers in advancing behavioral health access, integration, and outcomes. Click HERE to view the full conference agenda. 

DBH Director Tia Marcel Moretti recently traveled to Washington, D.C., where she participated in Technology's Role in Making America Healthy Again: A Discussion on Mental Health and Substance Use Care — a series of roundtable discussions with other leaders in government, health care, technology, and Americans with lived experience. The all-day event, hosted by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and the Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ONC), explored the role of health information technology in improving mental health treatment and fighting the disease of addiction. Panelists discussed the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' committment to harnessing technology and partnerships to transform behavioral health and whole-person care throughout the nation.   

The Soul Shop™ Training for Trainers equips participants to bring lifesaving, faith-based suicide prevention training to their communities using the Soul Shop model and methodology. Ohio residents are invited to become suicide prevention trainers to faith community leaders, equipping them to respond to suicidal desperation by using the resources of the church. This $3,000 training is provided at no cost through the support of DBH and PreventionFIRST! This five-day training will be offered in five regional locations throughout the state and requires full attendance. 

Training Dates and Locations:
June 22-26 | Portsmouth 
June 28-July 2 | Toledo
July 27-31 |  Dayton
July 27-31 | Columbus
Aug. 2-6 | Akron

Click HERE to view a training flyer and HERE to see a list of Frequently Asked Questions. Questions? Email Michelle Snyder at Michelle@SoulShopMovement.org. 

The Ohio Coalition Institute (OCI) is seeking participants for its upcoming Coalition Operations and Management Learning Community. This opportunity is designed to support coalitions and their leaders in building, managing, and sustaining effective behavioral health and public health initiatives using prevention science and coalition best practices. Participants are expected to complete their program deliverables between June and September 2026.

Click HERE to view the RFA and associated documents. The deadline to apply is 5:00 p.m. on May 22. Questions? Email OCI@ohio.edu.  

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) recently released its 2026 Mental Health Awareness Month (MHAM) toolkit. This year's theme is, "See the Person. Support the Journey."

The toolkit includes:

• Key Messages and Weekly Themes to guide impactful content for any audience
• Social Media Shareables including graphics and animations
• Digital Stickers to spotlight MHAM in stories and posts
• Email Signatures and Virtual Backgrounds to show your commitment
• Hashtags to spark conversation across social media channels: #MentalHealthAwareness, #MHAM2026, and #MentalHealthMatters 

The landscape of teen substance use continues to evolve and it can be hard to keep up with what’s new — and what it means for teens' safety and well-being. Even though overall teen substance use is declining, the risks are more serious than ever — with stronger, less predictable products, hidden ingredients, and an impact on mental health. In its latest Teen Substance Use Trends video, the Partnership to End Addiction breaks down the emerging substance use trends impacting teens in 2026, including high-potency marijuana, nicotine pouches, and “gas station drugs” like kratom.

This video will help you:

• Understand what substances and teen behaviors parents should know about
• Recognize warning signs that may otherwise go unnoticed
• Learn how today’s products differ from what previous generations experienced
• Gain information on how to protect teens

Join the Health Policy Institute of Ohio (HPIO) on April 29 from 11:00 a.m.-Noon for a webinar on the 2026 Health Value Dashboard. Released every two years, HPIO’s Health Value Dashboard is an important tool for policymakers and stakeholders to get a complete picture of the factors that contribute to the health and well-being of Ohioans. HPIO experts will review key findings from the Dashboard, highlight trends, and examine disparities affecting Ohioans with the greatest needs. 

Operation Parent, in collaboration with The Partnership to End Addiction, Boston Children's Hospital, and the Stanford Medicine REACH Lab, will present a free, two-part Preventing First Time Use webinar series. Click below for more information and to register.

April 29 - 1:00 p.m. | Inside the Medicine Cabinet 
May 5 - 1:00 p.m. | Helping Youth Navigate Influence

The Problem Gambling Network of Ohio (PGNO) is hosting Prevention and Treatment Ethics Trainings virtually via Zoom on May 1. The trainings, which include 3.0 CEUs, are free for PGNO members and $20 for non-members. Click HERE to register for the prevention training (9:00 a.m.-12:15 p.m.) and HERE to register for the treatment training (1:00-4:15 p.m.)  

The University of Findlay Counseling Services, with support from an Ohio Campus and Community Partnership Grant from Prevention FIRST!, is hosting a free experiential expressive arts training on May 13 from 8:45 a.m.-4:15 at the University of Findlay. Hands-On Healing: An Expressive Arts Experience will feature instructors from the Marathon Center for the Performing Arts, Heartstring Melodies, Awakening Minds, and Ohio Guidestone who will guide participants through experiential sessions highlighting a range of expressive arts therapy techniques. Attendees will have the opportunity to explore creative modalities such as music, movement, visual art, and personal expression while gaining practical tools to support their own well-being or enhance their ability to support others. Participation is limited to 60 attendees, and registration will close on May 8 or once all spots are filled. The program has been approved for one CEU. 

The Ohio Suicide Prevention Foundation (OSPF), in partnership with DBH, will host the Interfaith Conference on Suicide Prevention on May 15 from 8:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m. at Meekers Venue in Delaware. This statewide gathering, themed, "Building Hope Through Faith and Community," will bring together faith leaders, mental health professionals, and community advocates to advance suicide prevention efforts through faith-centered dialogue, collaboration, and shared learning. Dr. Melinda Moore, assistant professor in the Department of Psychology at Eastern Kentucky University, will provide keynote remarks. Dr. Moore, who has authored two books, including After the Suicide Funeral: Wisdom on the Path to Posttraumatic Growth, works at the intersection of faith and suicide prevention and will share her personal and professional insights into suicide loss and prevention.  

The Northeast Ohio Medical University (NEOMED) Department of Psychiatry Coordinating Centers of Excellence and Peg's Foundation will present the 2026 Drs. Fred and Penny Frese Lecture in-person and virtually on May 20 from Noon-1:00 p.m. This year's event will feature professor, mental health services researcher, and community psychologist Nev Jones who will discuss how her lived experience has led her to be an advocate and top researcher in the world of schizophrenia. During her lecture, titled "The Lived Experience Voice: How Lived Experience Can Impact and Change Systems," Jones will share how lived experience can make an impact and have a voice to change and challenge systems with sociocultural determinants of mental health, psychosis-focused services, and health equity. The presentation is free and open to the public. Questions? Email bestcenter@neomed.edu. 

In recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month, join Mental Health America (MHA) on May 20 from Noon-2:00 p.m. for an immersive virtual experience designed to support your mind and body. Wellness is not achieved through a single change or action; it’s built on intentional, consistent practices that can lead to more good days. This experience will bring participants together to explore simple, practical ways to support wellness and build healthy habits that last. From the comfort of your own space, you can join MHA for guided chair yoga, reflective journaling, and calming breathwork activities that support both mind and body. This event will also offer insights into how lifestyle choices — like what we eat and how we structure our time — impact our emotional well-being.

Attendee registration is now open for Ohio’s 2026 Mental Health and Addiction Conference: Inspiring a Stronger Tomorrow on June 1-2 at the Hyatt Regency in downtown Columbus. Hosted by the Ohio Association of County Behavioral Health Authorities, in partnership with DBH and the Ohio Departments of Health and Rehabilitation and Correction, this 16th annual conference will focus on efforts related to mental health and addiction prevention, education, intervention, treatment, recovery, family supports, community engagement, and more. The conference will help advance the resources and knowledge essential for communities to provide support to those in need. Questions? Email Shelby Stutzman at sstutzman@oacbha.org.

OSPF, in partnership with DBH, will host the Fourth Annual Life is Better With You Here Suicide Prevention Summit on June 18 from 8:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m. at the Event Center at Violet Woods in Pickerington. This impactful gathering will feature engaging speakers, practical tools, and opportunities to connect with others who are dedicated to breaking stigma, reducing risk, and supporting mental wellness in the Black community. Attendees will gain valuable insights and actionable strategies to implement in their communities.

The Center of Excellence for Prevention and Early Intervention at Miami University is hosting the 2026 School SUCCESS Conference on June 10-11 at Eversole Middle School in Plain City. This year's theme is, "Stronger Together: Cultivating Responsive School Communities." The conference will feature more than 70 presentations and workshops and keynote remarks from Matt Eicheldinger, known as "the teacher who wrote it all down." Teachers, school administrators, counselors, social workers, community advocates, prevention professionals, behavioral health workers, and anyone who cares about young people are encouraged to attend. Cost is $25.  

Ohio Peer Recovery Organizations (OhioPRO) will host the 2026 Peer Recovery Summit on July 8-9 at the Hyatt Regency in Columbus. This year's theme is "Connection Creates Recovery: Healing Happens Together." With an expected attendance of nearly 600 individuals, the Summit will provide a dedicated space for networking, growth, and learning – all of which contribute to the advancement of peer support in Ohio. Register HERE to attend the Summit. If you’re interested in sponsoring, OhioPRO is still accepting sponsors of all levels. Summit Sponsor registration can be found HERE. Questions? Email OhioPRO Executive Director Michael J. Krause at mkrause@ohio-pro.com.

The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center will host the 2026 Addiction Studies Institute on Aug. 5-7 at the Nationwide and Ohio State Farm Bureau 4H Center in Columbus. The conference will deliver the latest trends and evidence‑based practices in substance use disorders, featuring knowledgeable and dynamic speakers and opportunities to earn CEU credits. Participants may attend virtually or in-person on Aug. 5-6, and virtual-only on Aug. 7. Click HERE to view the agenda and HERE for speaker bios.