Jan. 19, 2023

>>> Landmark Study Reveals Gaps in Behavioral Healthcare System for Racial and Ethnic Minorities

Central State University (CSU), the Mental Health & Addiction Advocacy Coalition (MHAC), Multiethnic Advocates for Cultural Competence, Inc. (MACC), and Ohio University (OU), have released the first installment of a four-part study that aims to examine gaps in the behavioral health care system among racial and ethnic minorities. The study, titled Behavioral Health in Ohio: Improving Data, Moving Toward Racial and Ethnic Equity, is being released at regular intervals throughout 2023. The first part provides an overview, while subsequent releases will focus on workforce, treatment and funding issues. “The findings from each one will provide stakeholders with essential resources for building a stronger, more equitable behavioral healthcare system in Ohio,” said Joan Englund, Executive Director of MHAC.

The first installment, released Wednesday, reveals many of the barriers to care which marginalized individuals experience, including stigma, racism, and provider bias. This all leads to poorer quality of care and worse behavioral health outcomes. “We are hoping to come up with some actionable items that are based in data driven and evidence based strategies that will help policymakers bridge the gap and get a little bit closer to achieving equity within the behavioral health system within Ohio,” said Omesh Johar, Associate Professor of Psychology at Central State University. The study also provides recommendations based off the findings such as improving data collection; tailoring prevention and treatment interventions to be culturally competent; training elected officials in cultural competency; and setting up a task force that will hold stakeholders accountable for reporting positive change. “We want to ensure every Ohioan who needs mental health or substance use support is considered and has access,” said Tracy Maxwell Heard, Executive Director of MACC. “And not just access, but access to care that provides the best chance for full recovery or the best possible outcome.” Click HERE to read the full media announcement.

>>> Ohio Awarded $48 Million Grant to Ensure Kindergarten Readiness

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine announced Wednesday that the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS) will receive $48 million in federal grant dollars over the next three years to support and increase access to quality early childhood care and education. The Preschool Development Grant - Birth to Five comes from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families. Click HERE to see the grant application details. ODJFS is partnering with the Ohio Departments of Education; Health; Mental Health and Addiction Services; Medicaid; and Developmental Disabilities to administer the grant programs which will focus on:

• Increasing access and family engagement in early childhood care and education.
• Expanding of child care for those with special needs, English language learners, and those experiencing homelessness.
• Creating long-term and sustainable local, state, and federal funding for early childhood education programs.
• Expanding marketing and outreach to increase family awareness of their potential eligibility and access to child care options.
• Preparing early childhood care and education professionals with culturally appropriate trauma training, credentialing, and parent supports.
• Making sure family members and other caretakers are key partners in grant activities, policy development, and new initiatives.

>>> Reposted RFA: ASAM Criteria Provider Training

OhioMHAS is seeking one qualified applicant to provide live and online ASAM Criteria trainings. Trainings can be provided in both live and virtual formats, and the awardee will provide up to 20 trainings that would each serve a minimum of 35-40 attendees over a two-day period of time. Trainings will provide an in-depth look at the theoretical foundations of the ASAM Criteria, including clinically driven services, biopsychosocial assessment, the six dimensions, continued stay and transfer/discharge criteria. The awardee will secure CME and CEU credits and distribute certificates for the training events. The awardee will also make available two online ASAM Criteria training modules on multidimensional assessment and levels of care for up to 1,500 unique learners. Applicants must have experience providing ASAM Criteria training and must have an established ASAM Criteria live and online curriculum. The funding period is from Jan. 1, to Sept. 29, 2023. Applications are due by 12:00 a.m. on Jan. 24 to ASAMCriteria@mha.ohio.gov.

>>> Presenter Proposals Sought: 10th Annual (Virtual) Trauma-Informed Care Summit – May 16-17

The Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (OhioMHAS) in partnership with the Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities (DoDD) and the Ohio Department of Education will and are able to heal and recover. The conference planning host the 10th Annual (in-person) Trauma-Informed Care Summit on May 16-17. This year’s theme is Ohio’s Pathways to Resilience, Healing, and Recovery. The purpose of the Summit is to move our systems beyond trauma informed to providing trauma responsive and competent care, services, and supports. When our care, services, and supports are trauma responsive and competent, the people we support and serve build resilience committee is currently accepting workshop proposals through Feb. 13. Questions? Please email Vicki Montesano, Ph.D., OhioMHAS Bureau Chief of Mental Health Treatment at Vicki.Montesano@mha.ohio.gov.

>>> Call for Presentations: OPCSMH 6th Biennial Conference – May 18

The Ohio Program for Campus Safety and Mental Health (OPCSMH) is seeking workshop proposals for the OPCSMH 6th Biennial Conference: Reimagining Campus-Community Partnerships, slated for May 18 at the Quest Conference Center in Columbus. The planning committee is specifically seeking proposals that address student safety and well-being, mental health awareness, and suicide prevention for the campus-community. The deadline to submit presentation proposals is Feb. 28. Questions? Please email opcsmh@neomed.edu.  

>>> Deadline Extended: 21st Annual NADD State of Ohio MI/ID Conference – Call for Presenters

The NADD is seeking presentation proposals for the 2023 Ohio Conference scheduled to take place in-person July 10-11 at the Marriott Columbus-Northwest Hotel in Dublin. Proposals are currently being accepted for 90-minute podium sessions and 3-hour skill building workshops. All presentations should focus on addressing the health, wellness, and support of people with mental health needs and intellectual/developmental disabilities, or the people and professional systems that serve them. Focus topic areas include: adapted psychotherapy, behavior interventions, anxiety/mood/psychotic disorders, gender/cultural diversity, technology innovations, secondary/vicarious trauma, cross system collaboration, and family/caregiver issues. The deadline to submit proposals has been extended to midnight on Jan. 26. Questions? Please contact conference organizers at info@delaneymeetingevent.com or call 802.865.5202. 

>>> Prevention Exchange: Sharing Success, Shaping Solutions Virtual Forum – 2023 Series Registration

The Ohio Center of Excellence for Behavioral Health Prevention and Promotion has announced that it will host a monthly virtual forum, Prevention Exchange: Sharing Success, Shaping Solutions, on the last Thursday of each month from 1:00-2:00 p.m. The upcoming Jan. 26 forum, Climbing the Career Ladder: Resources to Support Ohio’s Prevention Workforce, will feature an interactive discussion on free professional development resources, programs and planning guides. Participants will also have the opportunity learn about the various requirements for obtaining an Ohio prevention credential, or how to advance to the next level. Register for the 2023 series HERE to share information about prevention topics and trends, find solutions to the challenges they present, and connect with other professionals working to build health and safe communities.

>>> Star Behavioral Health Providers Tier One Training – March 1

Star Behavioral Health Providers will host its next Tier 1: Introduction to Military Culture and Deployment training on March 1 from 8:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Star Behavioral Health Providers is a training program that helps participants better understand and serve veterans, service members, and their families. Participants who complete the training are eligible to be listed in an online provider registry that helps connect service members with trained clinicians. This training offers free CEs for psychologists, counselors and social workers and will be held virtually. Click the link above for more information and to register. Questions? Please call 614.293.7789.

>>> 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) training at no cost.  This training is one of two approved trainings to fulfill the requirement for becoming certified as a Family Peer Supporter in the State of Ohio. The next 40-hour PPSP trainings will be held virtually from Feb 13-17 and another from April 24-28.  The Board also offers a Parent Peer Support Supervisor training. The next 24-hour PPSP supervisor trainings will be held virtually from Feb 28-March 2 and another from April 19-21. Click HERE for registration information. Questions? Please email Wren Hawkins at wren@mhrbuc.org.

>>> New Resource: Expanding Access to BH Services for People At Risk for or Experiencing Homelessness

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) recently published Expanding Access to and Use of Behavioral Health Services for People At Risk for or Experiencing Homelessness. This resource guide highlights strategies for behavioral health and housing providers to conduct outreach and engage with individuals experiencing homelessness, initiate use of behavioral health treatment as they wait to receive stable housing and retain them in their recovery efforts once housed.

In the News

1.19.23 | Youngstown Vindicator Mercy plans new behavioral health hospital in Valley

1.18.23 | NPR New data shows school counselor ratio is improving as mental health needs rise

1.18.23 | Crawford County Now Morrow County honors winter drug court grads

1.18.23 | WKYC-TV $48M awarded to Ohio for kindergarten readiness

1.17.23 | Statehouse News Bureau Landmark study will examine disparities in minority health care in Ohio

1.17.23 | WEWS-TV Unique partnership aims to bring more hope, opportunity to those with mental illness

1.17.23 | Columbus Dispatch (Opinion) Saying ‘be responsible’ easier said than done when it comes to sports betting

1.12.23 | Dayton Daily News Mental health services board gets own offices