Jan. 5, 2023

>>> Governor DeWine Vetoes Bill That Would Prohibit Local Efforts to Regulate Flavored Tobacco Products

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine today vetoed House Bill 513, regarding local regulation of tobacco products and alternative nicotine products. The bill would have prohibited local communities from enacting laws to ban the sale of flavored nicotine products often marketed specifically to appeal to youth. In his veto message, Gov. DeWine noted that “Nearly 81 percent of youth ages 12 to 17 who had ever used a tobacco product reported that the first product they used was flavored. A recent prevalence study on the use of tobacco products among middle and high school students, showed that of those who reported they were currently using a tobacco product, 72.8 percent of high school students and 59.6 percent of middle school students reported using flavored tobacco products. At least two-thirds of youth tobacco users report using tobacco products ‘because they come in flavors I like.’ Flavors, including menthol, help mask the harshness of tobacco making it easier for kids to become addicted.” 

This morning, Gov. DeWine joined Ohio Department of Health Director Bruce Vanderhoff, M.D., and Nationwide Children’s Hospital Pediatrician Sara Bode, M.D., to discuss the harmful effects of e-cigarettes, vaping and other tobacco use. The trio noted that nearly one-third of Ohio high school students reported use of e-cigarettes/vaping in the past 30 days. In addition to discussing the health consequences, they also outlined research noting the financial toll of tobacco use on rising healthcare costs. Click HERE to watch their remarks on the Ohio Channel. 

>>> Governor DeWine Signs Bill That Includes Provision to Decriminalize the Use of Fentanyl Test Strips

On Jan. 3, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine signed Senate Bill 288, a sweeping criminal justice reform bill, into law. Sponsored by Sen. Nathan Manning (R-North Ridgeville), SB 288 includes a provision that exempts fentanyl test strips from the definition of drug paraphernalia. The fentanyl test strip language in S.B. 288 originated from House Bill 456, sponsored by Rep. Kristin Boggs (D – Columbus). The bill takes effect 90 days from its signing.

>>> State of Ohio Board of Pharmacy Releases Retailer Guidance on Illegal Drug Tianeptine

On Dec. 22, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine signed Executive Order 2022-17-D to suspend the normal rulemaking process to allow the State of Ohio Board of Pharmacy to classify all products containing an unregulated drug that produces opioid-like effects, tianeptine, as a Schedule I controlled substance pursuant to OAC 4729:9-1-01.03. Sometimes referred to as “gas station heroin”, tianeptine is sold as a “supplement” in local convenience stores and gas stations. To assist in getting these products off store shelves, the Ohio State Board of Pharmacy today issued a retailer guidance document in multiple languages.

>>> SAMHSA Releases 2021 NSDUH Report

This week, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) released the results of its 2021 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), which shows how people living in America reported about their experience with mental health conditions, substance use, and pursuit of treatment. The 2021 NSDUH national report includes selected estimates by race, ethnicity, and age group. It is the most comprehensive report on substance use and mental health indicators that SAMHSA has released to date. Click HERE to read the media announcement, which includes a summary of key findings.

>>> Upcoming Lunchtime MI/ID Trainings

The Ohio Departments of Mental Health and Addiction Services and Developmental Disabilities are partnering to host two upcoming lunchtime Mental Illness/Intellectual Disabilities (MI/ID) trainings. Trainings are from noon-1:00 p.m. Click the links below for more information and to register.

Jan. 10 | Aggression in IDD for Clinicians

Jan. 17 | Trauma and People with Intellectual Disabilities

>>> Ohio Adult Allies Regional Learning Collaborative Statewide Session – Jan. 13

Ohio Adult Allies will host its statewide Regional Learning Collaborative (RLC) session virtually on Jan. 13 from 9:00-10:00 a.m. Youth-led programs engage young people in a strategic planning process by determining a problem of practice, identifying what is contributing to the identified problem, and employing evidence-based strategies that create community-level change. “Getting to the Root of It” will equip Adult Allies with tools and resources needed to effectively engage young people in data-driven processes that lead to healthier communities. Click HERE to register.

>>> Confronting Suicide in the Black Community – Jan. 19

The Ohio Suicide Prevention Foundation (OSPF) will host “Restoring Hope and Reclaiming Lives: Confronting Suicide in the Black Community” on Jan. 19 from noon-2:00 p.m.at The Vue, 95 Liberty St., Columbus. The event is free. Lunch will be provided. Click HERE for more information and to register online.

>>> Healing and Hope for Familial Trafficking Survivors, Part 3 – Jan. 19

Relink.org will host Part 3 of its Healing and Hope for Familial Trafficking Survivors training series on Jan. 19 at 2:00 p.m. Click the link for more information and to register. Questions? Please email info@relink.org. 

>>> Learning About Oxford House as a Recovery Housing Model – Jan. 24

Oxford House and OhioMHAS will be holding a recovery housing information session on Jan. 24 at the State Library of Ohio, 274 E. First Ave., Columbus. Topics to be covered include general information, research, and data about the Oxford House model, and partnering with Oxford House. The Board Room will be open for county ADAMHS boards and state agencies from 10:00 a.m.-noon and for individuals in recovery and providers from noon-2:00 p.m. For more information, please email Jonathan.gildart@oxfordhouse.org.

>>> Small Ohio College Prevention Association (SOCPA) Annual Meeting – Feb. 2

The Small Ohio College Prevention Association (SOCPA) will hold its Annual Meeting on Feb. 2 from 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. at Prevention Action Alliance, 6171 Huntley Road, Columbus. This year’s meeting will reimagine the approach to student wellness and explore how to provide a pathway to diverse, flexible, and collaborative care through a hybrid scope of the stepped care model. The meeting will feature a presentation by Dr. Jennifer Peter, Senior Director for Student Counseling Services and the Violence Intervention and Prevention Center at Creighton University. Click HERE for more information and to register.

>>> Integrating Trauma Informed Principles into Policies and Practices – Feb. 2

OhioMHAS has partnered with the Ohio Association of County Behavioral Health Authorities (OACBHA) to offer a Trauma-Informed Care Series. Registration is open for the second webinar in this series, Integrating Trauma Informed Principles into Policies and Practices, which will be held Feb. 2 from 9:00 a.m.-noon. Participants will learn ways to evaluate current policies and practices through a trauma and resilience lens. CEUs have been requested for counselors, social workers, psychologists, and SUD professionals. Visit the OACBHA website to register for this training and to view upcoming trainings in the series.

>>> MHRS Board of Union County to Offer Family Peer Support, Parent Peer Support Supervisor Trainings

Looking to become certified as a family peer supporter? The Mental Health & Recovery Board of Union County is offering the FREDLA parent peer support provider (PPSP) practice model curriculum (one of two approved trainings to fulfill the requirement for becoming certified as a Family Peer Supporter in the State of Ohio) at no cost. The next 40-hour PPSP training will be held virtually from Feb. 13-17, 2023.  Click HERE to register. The Board also offers a Parent Peer Support Supervisor training. The next 24-hour supervisor training will be held virtually from Feb. 28-March 2, 2023. Click HERE to register. Questions? Please email Wren Hawkins at wren@mhrbuc.org.

>>> 2023 Ohio Recovery Housing Annual Conference – March 8-9

Early bird registration is now open for the 2023 Ohio Recovery Housing Annual Conference, scheduled for March 8-9 at the Embassy Suites by Hilton Columbus-Dublin. The conference provides a key opportunity to network with others in the Ohio recovery housing community, learn best practices, and gain information about innovative programs and services that can benefit residents of recovery housing. For more information, email info@ohiorecoveryhousing.org or call 614.453.5133.

>>> Walking With Residents Through Conflict Training – April 13

Ohio Recovery Housing is hosting a Walking With Residents Through Conflict Training on April 13 from 3:00-4:30 p.m. Led by Alan Muia, co-founder and executive director of New Earth Recovery, this training will help participants learn how trust and conflict are related; the progression of conflict from simple misunderstanding to polarization; how natural conflict styles impact relationships with others; how to be assertive in conflict situations avoiding unhealthy aggression and passivity; and strategies for assisting residents as they work through conflicts. Click the link above for more information and to register. Questions? Please email john@ohiorecoveryhousing.org.

>>> Save the Date: Ohio Coalition Institute Summit – May 23

OhioMHAS in partnership with the Ohio Suicide Prevention Foundation, PreventionFirst!, Prevention Action Alliance and the Ohio Center of Excellence for Behavioral Health Prevention & Promotion are pleased to announce the inaugural Ohio Coalition Institute Summit: Igniting Community Change. The summit will take place on May 23 from 9:30 a.m.-4:00 p.m. at the Marriott OSU, 3100 Olentangy River Road. Cost is $25. Registration information will be made available soon.

In the News

1.5.23 | Statehouse News Bureau DeWine vetoes bill banning Ohio communities from banning flavored tobacco

1.5.23 | SpectrumNews1 ‘Tranq’ linked to overdoses, making street drugs more lethal

1.5.23 | Hamilton Journal-News Local psychiatrist: If you’re struggling with mental health after MNF game ‘talk about it’

1.5.23 | Psychiatric Times Modernizing the mental health journey

1.5.23 | Findlay Courier Starting the new year with NAMI

1.4.23 | WCPO-TV At 988 call centers, more young people are reaching out for help

1.3.23 | Dayton Daily News Accidental drug overdose deaths drop 8.9%, but New Year surge has health groups warning public

1.3.23 | Cleveland.com Gov. Mike DeWine warns gambling companies following Ohio sports betting launch

1.3.23 | Cleveland.com Sweeping criminal justice reforms to become law with Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine’s signature

1.3.23 | WKBN-TV ‘Dry January”: A month of no alcohol?

1.3.23 | WKRC-TV Tips to cope with trauma recovery post Bills-Bengals game

1.3.23 | Youngstown Vindicator Canfield looks to SMART approach to drug disposal