February 2022 Aetna OhioRISE Listening Sessions

The Ohio Department of Medicaid (ODM) and Aetna, Better Health of Ohio invite behavioral health advocates, providers, and older youth and families who will receive services through OhioRISE to attend Aetna OhioRISE listening sessions occurring in February 2022. The OhioRISE Aetna listening sessions are meetings where participants involved with behavioral health services and supports will be asked to give their thoughts on what’s working, what isn’t working, and what Aetna Better Health of Ohio, the OhioRISE plan, can do to support youth and families starting in July 2022. The listening sessions will help inform Aetna and ODM on how to best implement the OhioRISE program and support meeting communities’ needs. The feedback obtained during listening sessions will be reviewed and may influence policy changes, support more comprehensive readiness, and/or influence the adoption of new processes before go-live. Click HERE for more information, including upcoming dates and registration. Questions? Please email OhioRISEstakeholders@aetna.com.

Ohio Narcotics Intelligence Center Bulletins Now Available in Different Languages

The Ohio Narcotics Intelligence Center (ONIC) announced that it has translated its counterfeit prescription medication bulletin into six languages, including: Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, Nepali, Somali, and Spanish. This bulletin provides important information and warnings about counterfeit prescription medications, including painkillers, that have been seized by authorities in Ohio. The bulletin includes a warning about the dangers of medications adulterated with fentanyl, and includes helpful information to identify fake medications and steps to take if you suspect someone has come in contact with them. Please share these resources widely. ONIC was established in 2019 when Ohio Governor Mike DeWine signed Executive Order 2019-20D. The ONIC operates as part of the Ohio Department of Public Safety in four locations throughout the state.

Virtual Lunch and Learn Series Exploring the Ohio Automated Rx Reporting System (OARRS)

Ohio’s Community of Practice for Rural Communities Opioid Response Consortium (COP-RCORP) has announced a four-part virtual Lunch and Learn Series exploring the Ohio Automated Rx Reporting System (OARRS). This series consists of four, one-hour sessions and is geared toward anyone who is interested in OARRS and who would like to learn more about the system, the data it collects, and how to use OARRS resources to support community-based work across the continuum of care. This is NOT a training for providers and pharmacists on how to use OARRS. While providers and pharmacists are welcome to attend, the primary intended audience is Prevention Specialists, public health officials, health educators, community coalition members, Opiate Task Force members, treatment and recovery service providers, pre-service professionals, and anyone who is curious about OARRS. Continuing Education for credits for Prevention Specialists will be available. All sessions are from 12-1pm. Click HERE For more information and to register. Questions? Please email cshepherd@pire.org.

Upcoming sessions include:

Jan. 27 | Getting to Know the Ohio Pharmacy Board and OARRS

Feb. 12 | Accessing OARRS Data and Resources

Mar. 31 | Interpreting County-Level OARRS Data

Apr. 28 | Using OARRS Data for Strategic Planning

Adult Advocacy Centers Trauma-Informed Care, Diversity Trainings

Adult Advocacy Centers has announced the following upcoming trainings. Click the links for more information and to register. Questions? Please email training@adultadvocacycenters.org.

Trauma-Informed Care (March 11, June 10, Oct. 14)

Diversity and Intersectionality Training Through a Disability Lens (June 15-17, Sept. 7-9, Nov. 16-18)

OSU Extension Farm Stress Certification Program

Do you wok work in a rural community, wanting to expand your mental health services to reach the agricultural community, or interested in learning more about Ohio’s Agriculture and the stigma behind seeking mental health treatment? The Ohio State University Extension is offering free continuing education credits for mental health professionals licensed with CSWMFT and Ohio Chemical Dependency Professionals Board through the College of Social Work. The free virtual, live course is offered multiple times throughout the year, and after completing all three modules you will become Farm Stress Certified and get your questions answered. These trainings are free through a grant funded by the USDA in partnership with the Ohio Department of Agriculture. Click HERE to learn more and register for any or all of the modules.

SAMHSA Releases Updated Resources on Underage Alcohol Use

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) has updated several data visualizations on underage drinking with the latest statistics from its 2020 National Survey on Drug Use and Health.

• Be Prepared to Have the Difficult Conversation illustrates the correlation between alcohol use and other substance use to inform parents/guardians and communities.
• Getting Ahead of a Problem illustrates the drinking habits of adolescents to inform parents/guardians and communities.
• Take Action to Prevent Underage Alcohol Use illustrates the steady decline of alcohol use amongst adolescents, informing parents/guardians and communities that taking action against underage drinking is effective.
• Prevent Unsafe Drinking Behaviors on Campus illustrates heavy alcohol use and binge drinking statistics amongst college age youth to inform colleges and communities. 

In the News

1.19.22 | Sandusky Register New addiction treatment service starts in Willard

1.19.22 | The New York Times How anxiety can benefit us

1.19.22 | WCBE 90.5 A big gamble for Ohio: Talking sports betting with Rob Moore

1.18.22 | Columbus Dispatch (Opinion) ‘I’m never going to be the same am I?’ Book helps those who lost someone to suicide

1.18.22 | Columbus Dispatch As COVID hurts student mental health, Buckeye Ranch sends clinicians into Columbus schools

1.18.22 | CNN School closures can harm kids’ mental and academic health. Experts say how families can help

1.18.22 | Psychology Today Stigmatizing language in mental health and addiction

1.18.22 | WCMH-TV Daytime Columbus: A family perspective of substance abuse

1.17.22 | Dayton Daily News Overdose deaths remain high: ‘People do care this is not a moral failing’

1.17.22 | Cleveland Jewish News Thrive Peer Support announces new name, expansion of services

1.17.22 | Youngstown Business Journal Baby on Board program treats maternal mental health

1.17.22 | Cleveland.com Ohio doctors, pharmacists cut back on the dispensing of prescription opioids, continuing a yearslong trend

1.17.22 | WTOL-TV Family Focus: Adjusting to a ‘new normal’ in the age of COVID

1.16.22 | WEWS-TV Hip-hop music program in Kent helping Black youth address, improve mental health

1.16.22 | ScienceDaily Repeated exposure to major disasters has long-term mental health impacts

1.15.22 | WTOL-TV Tragedy emphasizes importance of knowing how, and when, to seek help

1.15.22 | NPR There is life after addiction. Most people recover

1.14.22 | WHIO-TV Suboxone clinic hopes to provide more addiction assistance in Montgomery County

1.14.22 | Highland County Press Highland County to recognize ‘Day of Suicide Prevention Awareness’ Jan. 19

1.14.22 | WJW-TV New Day Cleveland: Ohio’s Opioid Crisis

1.14.22 | NAMI Mental health myth busters: history of mental health