The agenda featured a a wide range of engaging workshops, a fireside chat featuring trauma-informed care expert Katie Kurtz, and an awards luncheon. Mick Yinger, Executive Director of First Responders' Bridge (pictured with DBH Trauma-Informed Care Coordinator Amy Hawthorne) received the Trauma-Informed Champion Award for his work to support active and retired first responders and their families who are coping with job-related trauma, post-traumatic stress (PTS), depression, and anxiety.

Speaker, author, and viral sensation Derek Clark provided an inspirational closing keynote address focused on childhood trauma, resilience, and redemption. Clark, who endured abuse, abandonment, and emotional turmoil as a child, shared how his experiences helped him overcome hardship and adversity and turn his pain into promise. 

“There is truly a strong coalition of mental health advocates here in Ohio, and it is so important that we work together to destigmatize mental health,” said Sen. Blackshear. “When I came up with the idea to walk in support of Mental Health Awareness, I hoped it would generate enthusiasm. I could not have imagined the incredible reaction from my community in District 6, people all over Ohio, and the local and state organizations doing the critical work day-in and day-out to support mental health we received.”

During the press conference, Sen. Blackshear highlighted two pieces of his legislation: Senate Bill 121, which would designate April as Counseling Awareness Month, and Senate Bill 330, which would enact the Student Wellness Act to allow school districts to implement a policy permitting a student’s mental health day to count as an excused absence. He was joined by Tonya Fulwider, Executive Director of Mental Health America of Ohio, and Autumn Kessler from the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.

“There is still so much work to do at the state level to make affordable and accessible mental health care a reality," said Sen. Blackshear. “I hope the Student Wellness Act can allow young people to learn to take care of their mental health from an early age and help them get access to the guidance and resources they need, because it’s okay to not be okay. Reaching out for help is a sign of strength, not weakness.”

Pictured inset (l-r): DBH Regional Liaison Sharon Thibodeau, Sen. Blackshear, and Montgomery County ADAMHS Board Interim Executive Director Chrissy Sanders pose for a photo during an advocacy event held last Thursday at the Dayton Metro Library Main Branch to mark the beginning of the walk.  

With a goal of promoting camaraderie, encouraging team building, and showing support for and among Ohio’s military, veteran, and first responder communities, the Battle of Boots and Badges will take place in conjunction with the Ohio Veterans Convention, which will be happening on Ohio State’s campus on the same day at the Ohio Union. The conference offers valuable resources, networking opportunities, and expert-led sessions tailored to support Ohio’s veterans and first responder community.

Seasoned martial artists or those new to the sport are welcome to participate, connect with fellow first responders and veterans, and enjoy a day of fellowship and community. Beyond the competitive portion of the event is the mission-driven focus of Battle of Boots and Badges. All proceeds raised during the tournament will be donated to nonprofit organizations that promote mental health and wellness for veterans and first responders.

Child Focus is joining United Way of Greater Cincinnati and Reds Country Cares tonight to recognize Mental Health Awareness Month at Great American Ballpark in downtown Cincinnati. Members of the Child Focus OhioRISE team will be honored during an on-field ceremony prior to the game between the Cincinnati Reds and St. Louis Cardinals. OhioRISE Supervisor Kelly Lean will deliver the game ball.  

Stark County Mental Health and Addiction Recovery (StarkMHAR), the Stark County Suicide Prevention Coalition (SPC), and the city of Massillon have partnered to install 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline signage throughout the community. These signs are one of many strategies SPC delpoys in areas experiencing higher need to extend messages of hope and help to residents.

"Suicide is a complex issue, and putting resources where they can have the greatest impact is an effective, proven prevention strategy," said John Aller, StarkMHAR Executive Director. "We’re grateful to the Massillon officials for hearing the coalition’s message and being open to evidence-based ways to create a healthier community.” 

In a five-year data review, SPC identified the 44646 ZIP Code area (Massillon) as having the second‑highest suicide rate in Stark County, with periods where it recorded the highest incidence of suicide deaths. In addition to installation of the 988 signs, Massillon Mayor Jamie Slutz invited Elena Aslanides-Kandis, Suicide and Resiliency Services Coordinator at StarkMHAR, to discuss suicide prevention and available resources on his public show, helping expand awareness among residents through media.

Massillon is the first community in Stark County to display 988 signage in this way. SPC and city staff reviewed proposed locations and conducted a joint drive‑through of the community to finalize placement this month. 

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development invites rural communities and organizations to apply for funding through the Community Connect Broadband Grant Program. The program supports broadband deployment into rural communities where it is not yet economically viable for private sector providers to deliver service. Broadband service should benefit residential and business customers in a service area, as well as critical community facilities, such as health care, public schools, fire stations, and libraries. The deadline to apply for funding is June 29.

In recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month, The Ohio State University at Lima, in partnership with the Mental Health and Recovery Services Board (MHRSB) of Allen, Auglaize, and Hardin Counties, is hosting a Mental Health Scavenger Hunt from 5:00-7:00 p.m. on May 28 in Lima. Adults and youth are invited to walk around the Campus Quad to learn more about local community agencies that provide behavioral health services and mental wellness activities. Participants who complete their scavenger hunt sheets are eligible to enter to win a prize. Questions? Email osborne.299@osu.edu.

The Ohio Substance Use Disorders Center of Excellence (SUD COE) at Case Western Reserve University's Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel School of Applied Social Sciences has released a schedule of upcoming training opportunities. Click the links below for more information and to register. Click HERE to view a full calendar of free upcoming trainings and events.

June 3 | Beyond the Birthdate — Treating Substance Use in Older Adults
June 4 | Women and SUD: Treatment Success and Barriers for Care
June 4 | Foundations of Stage-Wise Treatment
June 9 | Motivating Behavior Change
June 11 | Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Severe and Persistent Mental Illness
June 11 | Family Matters: Incorporating Family into Substance Use Treatment
June 16 | Overview of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Substance Use Disorders 
June 16 | Women and SUD: Treatment Success and Barriers for Care
June 16 | Breaking Barriers: The History and Stigma of Medication-Based Recovery
June 18 | Unlocking Recovery: Medication and the Brain's Role in Addiction
June 18 | Getting Started with Medications for Treating OUD
June 18 | Ethics and Boundaries: Maintaining Professional Integrity
June 23 | Foundations of Trauma-Informed Care
June 24 | Overview of Best Practices in the Supervision of Substance Use Providers
June 24 | Resilience-Focused Supervision
June 25 | Integrating OUD Pharmacotherapy Into Clinical Practice
June 25 | Addressing Opioid Use Disorders During the Perinatal Period
June 26 | Foundations of Severe and Persistent Mental Health Disorders
June 29 | Reinforcing Recovery: A Practical Introduction to Contingency Management
June 30 | Stage-Wise Treatment: Tailoring Interventions to Readiness for Change
June 30 | From Evidence to Action: Implementing Contingency Management

SAMHSA’s Office of the Chief Medical Officer will host an Informed Care in Psychiatric Medication Use and Withdrawal webinar on June 3 from 2:00-3:30 p.m. The webinar will explore a range of psychiatric treatment options and strategies to support fully informed care, including understanding benefits, potential risks, dependence, and withdrawal considerations. Presenters will discuss emerging perspectives in the field, highlight current evidence, and examine approaches that promote collaborative decision-making between providers and patients. Following the presentations, attendees will have the opportunity to participate in a moderated question and answer segment. Questions will be addressed in the order received, with priority given to those submitted during registration. The webinar is open to all, but registration is required.

Courage to Caregivers has announced the launch of new Grief Recovery Support Groups for unpaid family caregivers using the evidence-based Grief Recovery Method®. Two eight-week sessions will be starting June 4 and Aug 13. These virtual groups will provide caregivers with a safe and supportive space to process grief and loss — including ambiguous grief often experienced while caring for loved ones with mental health conditions, substance use disorders, dementia, disabilities, chronic illness, and other complex challenges. The groups are free for residents of Cuyahoga County and available on a sliding scale fee-for-service for those outside the county. For more information email Jenny@couragetocaregivers.org.

The Problem Gambling Network of Ohio (PGNO) has announced several upcoming presentations and learning opportunities. Click the links below for more information and to register.

June 12 | Prevention and Clinical Fellowship Graduation Showcase 
June 18 | Agency Service Consultation Outcomes Presentation
June 24 | PGNO Annual Meeting (Virtual)

Signature Health is hosting a Problem Gambling Training Symposium on June 26 from 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. at the Tri-C Corporate College East in Warrensville Heights. This training offers practical tools, emerging insights, and collaborative learning opportunities to help professionals better identify, prevent, and treat gambling-related harm. Cost is $10 and includes 5.75 CEUs.