NewsNow - 01.03.2023

Jan. 3, 2023

>>> OhioMHAS Staffing Update: Deckard “Dex” Stanger Appointed CFO

The Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (OhioMHAS) is pleased to announce the appointment of Deckard “Dex” Stanger as Chief Fiscal Officer. Dex, who previously served three years as Deputy Director of Fiscal Services for Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose, officially joined OhioMHAS on Jan. 1, 2023. He brings a wealth of experience in managing all financial and budgeting operations of a government agency and associated staff to the department. Prior to his leadership role with the Secretary of State, Dex worked as a Budget Analyst at the Office of Budget and Management (OBM) where he assisted with budget development and oversight of large institutional agencies -- including the Ohio Departments of Rehabilitation and Correction (ODRC) and Youth Services (ODYS) -- and later assisted with statewide strategic planning and oversight of the state's General Revenue Fund. He holds a Master’s Degree in Public Administration and a Bachelor’s Degree in Philosophy, both from The University of Toledo.

>>> Great Lakes ATTC Announces Telehealth Research Study for BH Providers

The Great Lakes Addiction Technology Transfer Center (ATTC) conducting a research study on virtual behavioral health services. Great Lakes ATTC is inviting behavioral health service providers to participate in the study by completing a 10-minute survey on the use, benefits, and challenges of telehealth for behavioral health. You can request a copy of the survey results by including your email at the end of the survey. Results will also be available on the Great Lakes ATTC and the Great Lakes MHTTC websites.

>>> Voices of Recovery Town Hall (Athens) – Jan. 17

Ohio Citizen Advocates for Addiction Recovery (OCAAR), in partnership with the Southeast Ohio Hope Center, is hosting a Voices of Recovery town hall on Jan. 17 at 5:00 p.m. at the Athens Public Library, 30 Home St., Athens. OCAAR is planning a series of listening sessions in communities throughout Ohio.

>>> Parole Officer Training: The Benefits of Recovery Housing for Parolees – Feb. 7

Ohio Recovery Housing, with support from OhioMHAS, is hosting a virtual Benefits of Recovery Housing for Parolees training for parole officers on Feb. 7 from 2:00-3:30 p.m. The training will be led by Perry Clark, President and Founder, Truly Reaching You and Angela Regan, M.A. LJC, Founder and Executive Director, Welcome Home Sis. Click HERE to register.

>>> Sources of Strength Elementary Coaches Training – Feb. 15-16

Registration is now open for the Sources of Strength (Sources) Elementary Coaches Training scheduled for Feb. 15-16. This virtual training is available at no cost and intended for individuals committed to overseeing implementation of the Sources elementary curricula for students in grades K-6.

Sources of Strength Ohio is supported by the Ohio Departments of Education and Mental Health and Addiction Services. Visit the registration page to learn more, or sign up for a Zoom call with SourcesOH.

>>> 20th Ohio Problem Gambling Conference – February 2023

The Problem Gambling Network of Ohio and Ohio for Responsible Gambling invite you to attend the 20th Ohio Problem Gambling Conference. Celebrating two decades of problem gambling support services in Ohio, this year’s theme reflects on our history of problem gambling support services while looking to the future as we prepare for the impact of legal sports betting and beyond. The conference will consist of a two-day virtual pre-conference on Feb. 7 & 9 and a two-day in-person conference on Feb. 23-24 at Nationwide Hotel & Conference Center in Lewis Center, Ohio. Through lecture-style presentations, the virtual pre-conference will focus on bridging the gaps in Ohio's service system. The first day of the main conference will allow attendees to apply learned skills in a collaborative environment through workshops led by experts in the field. In preparation for the launch of legal sports betting, the second day of the conference will be formatted as a summit where attendees will engage with panelists from across the field to prepare for sports betting’s impact on Ohioans.

CEUs for the conference and pre-conference are pending and will provide up to a total of 20 CEUs through the Ohio Chemical Dependency Professionals Board, Ohio Counselor, Social Worker, and Marriage & Family Therapist Board, and International Gambling Counselor Certification Board. Scholarships for attendees with prevention certifications as well as for those in recovery are available. Attendees can choose to attend the virtual pre-conference only ($50), attend one day of the main conference including the pre-conference ($125), or attend the entire conference as a whole. Registration, scholarship, and hotel information for the conference can be found at: https://pgnohio.org/20th-conference/. Any questions about the conference can be directed to Claire Spada with Problem Gambling Network of Ohio at CSpada@PGNOhio.org.

In the News

1.2.23 | WLWT-TV Gambling disorder resources now that sports betting is legal in Ohio

1.2.23 | WKRC-TV Pause Before You Play addresses gambling addiction as sports betting goes live in Ohio

1.2.23 | WCMH-TV Sports betting arrives in Ohio; experts urge restraint

1.2.23 | WFMJ-TV Lowellville Schools hosting grief counseling seminar for the community

12.31.22 | WRGT-TV ‘New Year, New Me’ mental health experts say to set realistic goals

12.31.22 | Celina Daily Standard Gambling underreported: Sports betting opens door to addictions, area experts say

12.31.22 | Elyria Chronicle-Telegram LCADA Way merges with Women’s Recovery Center in Cleveland

12.30.22 | Sandusky Register Mental health board launches community survey

12.30.22 | The White House A Proclamation on National Human Trafficking Prevention Month, 2023

12.29.22 | PR Newswire New problem gambling awareness campaign created to address legalized sports betting in Ohio

12.28.22 | WEWS-TV Cuyahoga County courts providing gambling addiction counseling as Ohio legalizes sports betting