Located at the Brown-Trump Homestead (4092 Medina Road) next to Cleveland Clinic Medina Hospital, the 17-acre Recovery Farm is a collaborative effort among the Medina County Park District, Cathy's House, Hope Recovery Community, and the Medina County Mental Health and Recovery Board. The property features three houses, including a Victorian-era home built in 1874, and several outbuildings.

The program is based on the therapeutic community model, which emphasizes peer support and behavioral change as key components of recovery. Cathy's House operates a certified Level II men's recovery residence on the farm property. The 12 residents currently living there are all enrolled in the farm’s curriculum and participate in daily agricultural work as part of their recovery journey.

Over the course of a year, residents engage in a structured yet supportive training program that includes planting and harvesting fresh produce, caring for chickens and bees, and creating recipes using farm-grown ingredients. Participants also develop practical skills in budgeting, planning, science, maintenance, recordkeeping, bookkeeping, marketing, research, and customer-service. Food grown on the farm benefits the recovery community, as well as Feeding Medina County, a local nonprofit combatting food insecurity.

“This is a program with a purpose,” said Director Moretti. “In addition to promoting long-term recovery and wellness, it helps residents discover their passions while building the confidence and skills needed to pursue meaningful futures.”

Following the tour, Director Moretti joined Secretary Kennedy for a roundtable discussion focused on current HHS policies and priorities related to mental health and substance use disorders.  

“We share Secretary Kennedy’s vision for healthier families and stronger communities,” said Director Moretti. “We look forward to continuing our partnership to expand pathways to recovery for all Ohioans.”  

Click HERE more information about the Hope Recovery Farm.

On Tuesday, DBH Director Tia Marcel Moretti (pictured) provided remarks at the 8th Annual Ohio START Summit hosted by the Public Children Services Association of Ohio (PCSAO). The Summit brought together more than 200 child protection caseworkers, supervisors, family peer mentors, and behavioral health providers to focus on strategies for supporting families affected by co-occurring substance use disorder and child maltreatment through the Sobriety Treatment and Recovery Teams (START) model. Managed by PCSAO, Ohio START was the first program of its kind to receive national certification from Children and Family Futures. Since its launch in 2017, the program has  served nearly 5,400 Ohioans — including more than 3,100 children — in 55 counties.

DBH is partnering with the Ohio Department of Health to participate in a national learning collaborative hosted by the Policy Center for Maternal Mental Health. This six-month collaborative, which begins in October, supports state leaders in strategies for implementing maternal health and behavioral health initiatives through the Rural Health Transformation Program. This will give state departments in Ohio the opportunity to collaborate across systems to maximize resources to improve care and outcomes for perinatal women in rural areas of the state. Topics covered will include advancing rural workforce, expansion of home-based and mobile care infrastructure, leveraging telehealth technology, and building integrated care models. DBH is looking forward to this partnership and connecting systems of care to best serve both medical and behavioral health needs of perinatal women in Ohio.

Last week, DBH Director Tia Marcel Moretti joined representatives from the Geauga County Mental Health and Recovery Services (MHRS) Board, Ravenwood Health, and other community officials to celebrate the opening of a newly renovated and expanded Transitional Living Center (TLC) in Claridon Township. The project, which received more than $2.1 million in state and federal funds, nearly doubles the Center's capacity to serve Geauga County adults with serious mental illness. MHRS Board Executive Director Christine Lakomiak (pictured, cutting ribbon with Director Moretti) said the TLC provides stabilization and restorative services to persons needing a diversion or transition from a psychiatric hospital or to prevent psychiatric admission.

Just in time for Mother’s Day, the Montgomery County Alcohol, Drug Addiction, and Mental Health Services (ADAMHS) Board is unveiling a “spin-off” to its anti-stigma campaign, Stigma is Out of Style. Keeping in mind the theme that recovery from a substance use disorder is not one-size-fits-all, the campaign has been aptly named Recovery Always Fits New Moms.

The campaign will roll out throughout May via billboards, social media, TV, radio, and digital advertisements, encouraging pregnant and new moms — and their support systems — to know that it is ok to reach out for help. Community members can be connected to local providers and other statewide resources by visiting stigmaisoutofstyle.com and selecting Pregnant & Postpartum Resources.

ADAMHS launched the Stigma is Out of Style campaign in March. The public awareness campaign focuses on rebranding mental health and substance use disorders and empowering the people of Dayton to become better allies in the recovery journey. 

Multiethnic Advocates for Cultural Competence (MACC), Inc. has released a schedule of upcoming trainings for Spring/Summer 2026. Click the links below for more information and to register. Questions? Email info@maccinc.net. 

May 12 | Before the Crisis: Prevention that Actually Works
May 19 | How to Navigate Cultural Awareness/Competency Work
May 28 | Engaging in Recovery Support for Underserved Populations
June 15-17 | Family Peer Support Specialist Training (In-person and virtual)
June 30 | Beyond Sobriety: Empowering Lives through Trauma-Informed Recovery
July 15 | Substance Use Across the Lifespan
July 29 | Loneliness, Loss, and Substance Use Later in Life

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) will host a virtual webinar based on the recently released fact sheet Beyond the Screen: Creating Healthy, Engaged Elementary School Classrooms on May 12 from 2:00-3:15 p.m. The webinar will provide practical strategies to help elementary school teachers, administrators, and school-based health professionals support healthy technology use among students. Dr. Kathlyn Elliott from Boston Children’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School will discuss key concepts related to technology use in children, including the distinction between active and passive screen use and how different types of screen use may affect children’s attention, sleep, and behavior. She will also share research-informed approaches to strengthen school providers' and families’ understanding of healthy screen routines, promote students’ digital and overall well-being, and reduce passive media use. 

The Ohio Suicide Prevention Foundation (OSPF) 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. 

Register today to attend 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 (OACBHA), 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.

The Center of Excellence for Prevention and Early Intervention at Miami University, in partnership with Multiethnic Advocates for Cultural Competence (MACC), Miami University’s ASPIRE, Central Ohio and Greene County Educational Service Centers (ESC), and other committed community and statewide partners, are 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.

The Ohio Coaching and Mentoring (OCAM) Network will host its 2026 Conference on June 11 from 8:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. at the Marriott Columbus – Northwest. This year's theme is "From Insight to Action." As the prevention field continues to evolve, this year’s conference will highlight adaptive leadership, collaboration, and creative approaches that strengthen prevention work across communities. Through interactive sessions and shared learning, participants will gain actionable tools and strategies they can immediately apply. Cost is $50. Register by May 25. Questions? Email jlee@prevention-first.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.

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, which contribute to the advancement of peer support in Ohio. 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.

Save the date! OSPF will host the 3rd Annual 5K Ruck/Walk for Veterans and First Responders on Oct. 10 at Columbus Commons. Participants are encouraged, but not required, to complete the 5K while carrying a ruck or weighted vest to symbolize the weight many veterans and first responders carry every day.