Jan. 20, 2023

>>> Ohio Wellness Campus Collaborative Funding Opportunity

The Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (OhioMHAS), PreventionFIRST!, the Ohio Program for Campus Safety and Mental Health, and the Higher Education Center for Alcohol and Drug Misuse Prevention and Recovery are pleased to announce the implementation of the Ohio Wellness Campus Collaborative funding opportunity. Funds will support campus community partnerships in implementing awareness and accessibility measures to promote mental and behavioral health among students and staff on campus. Funding is limited to community colleges and regional campuses of four-year institutions within Ohio. Priority will be given to institutions that were not previously Rise and Thrive-funded campuses. Applicants may apply for and receive up to $25,000 for this one-time funding opportunity beginning Feb. 2023 and ending June 2024.

Letters should be emailed to Julie Cameron at julie@prevention-first.org by 5:00 p.m. on Feb. 10 to be considered.

>>> Ohio Turnpike Creates New Video to Raise Awareness of Human Trafficking Prevention

January is National Human Trafficking Prevention Month. To help raise awareness about the growing crime of human trafficking, the Ohio Turnpike Commission developed a new video that can be shared on all social media platforms. While difficult to imagine, human trafficking occurs everywhere, even in small towns and communities. It is important to remain vigilant in helping to identify and stop it. There are ways to help. By simply being more aware and knowing some things to look for, it can be a life-saving opportunity. To help identify red flags and suspicious activity, online resources are provided by the Ohio Turnpike and the Governor's Ohio Human Trafficking Task Force, of which the Ohio Turnpike is a member. To get help or report a trafficking tip, call the 24-hour national hotline at 888.373.7888, or text INFO or HELP to BEFREE (233733). This is a toll-free hotline with interpreters available. Both methods of communication can be done anonymously. Most importantly, if you see something, say something. It’s better to report something and be wrong than to not report it and hope that you are wrong. If you think someone faces immediate harm, dial 911 or #677 when commuting on Ohio’s roadways.

>>> Ohio's SFY23 Crisis Academy Series: Older Adults Navigating Crisis Systems – Feb. 23

The 2023 OhioMHAS Crisis Academy Series hosted by the Ohio of County Behavioral Health Authorities (OACBHA), will continue with a virtual presentation of Older Adults Navigating Crisis Systems on Feb. 23 at 9:00 a.m. This webinar will bring attention to the experiences older adults have in accessing crisis care. Participants will learn about the risk factors for older adults that lead to a crisis, best practices, available resources, and the intersecting systems that serve older adults. Additionally, participants will explore next steps to meet the needs of older adults experiencing crisis in a clinical panel discussion. Keynote speakers for this webinar include: Dr. Ronan Factora, a geriatrician with the Cleveland Clinic, and Carmen Clutter and Jacqueline Carver both with the Ohio Department of Aging. CEUs have been requested for Ohio social workers, counselors, SUD treatment and prevention professionals, and peer supporters. CLEs have been requested for Ohio attorneys and judges. There is no cost to attend, however, registration (use the link above) is required.

>>> Sources of Strength Secondary T4T Training – March 14-17

Sources of Strength OHIO will host a virtual Secondary T4T training on March 14-17 from 10:30 a.m.-4:00 p.m. This training is geared toward adults who will be implementing Sources of Strength in grades 7-12. Sources of Strength is an evidence-based, K-12 mental health promotion program that helps reduce the risk of suicide. This upstream prevention model uses a growth mindset to elevate youth’s individual strengths and build resiliency, while empowering youth to break down the codes of silence. Training and implementation materials are provided free to Ohio schools. CEUs for Social Work, Counseling, CHES and OCPS will be available. Click HERE to learn more about Sources of Strength Ohio.

>>> Study Examines Effect of Flexible Prescribing Guidelines on Buprenorphine-Involved Overdose Deaths

The proportion of opioid overdose deaths involving buprenorphine, a medication used to treat opioid use disorder, did not increase in the months after prescribing flexibilities were put in place during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a new study from researchers at the National Institute on Drug Abuse and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. These data provide evidence that may help to inform buprenorphine prescribing policies. The study is highlighted in the Jan. 20 issue of JAMA Network Open.

In the News

1.19.23 | Cleveland.com Summit County sues pharmacy benefits managers over opioid crisis

1.19.23 | The New York Times New 988 mental health crisis hotline sees record demand

1.19.23 | NPR Therapy by chatbot? The promises and challenges in using AI for mental health

1.19.23 | Lima News What to know about seasonal affective disorder: experts share advice on coping with it

1.18.23 | Becker’s Hospital Review MetroHealth installs naloxone vending machines