>>> OhioMHAS Convenes 340 Review Stakeholder Workgroup – Public Notice of First Meeting on March 4

The Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (OhioMHAS) and its key stakeholders recognize that the realities and practices of today’s behavioral health care system have created challenges within the current governing structure of Ohio Revised Code Chapter 340. OhioMHAS has convened a 340 Review Stakeholder Workgroup to identify code sections in need of review, define specific challenges, and explore recommended solutions through a transparent and public process. The Workgroup will produce a summary report by year end of challenges, potential solutions, and policy considerations for further review and discussion by the Administration and General Assembly. 

The initial organizational meeting of the Workgroup will be March 4 from 3:00-5:00 p.m. at the Ohio Department of Public Safety’s Shipley Building at 1970 W. Broad St., Columbus. (View agenda). Because of space limitations, members of the public who wish to join the meeting can do so virtually (click HERE) or by calling in 614.721.2972 (use meeting passcode: 753413883#) . A recording of the meeting will also be posted online. Media interested in attending should RSVP to eric.wandersleben@mha.ohio.gov by noon on March 4.

>>> 13th Annual Human Trafficking Summit (Virtual) – March 4

Sen. Teresa Fedor (D-Toledo), Sen. Stephanie Kunze (R-Columbus), Rep. Tavia Galonski (D-Akron), and Rep. Tracy Richardson (R-Marysville), will host a free (virtual) 13th Annual Human Trafficking Summit on March 4 from 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. Throughout the day, experts will cover the role law enforcement, health care and social services play in the fight against sex trafficking and labor trafficking. Participants will hear from survivors and gain skills to identify and combat all forms of human trafficking in your communities. Additionally, this year’s event will feature a presentation on the family impacts of human trafficking based the experience of a survivor's mother. Click HERE to view the agenda, HERE to view presentation descriptions, and HERE to view speaker bios.

>>> 2022 CIT Advanced Training Conference – April 6

The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Ohio, in partnership with the Northeast Ohio Medical University Criminal Justice Coordinating Center of Excellence, will host an Advanced Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) Training on April 6 at the Columbus Police Academy. Cost is $25. This conference brings together CIT Coordinators and program partners representing the law enforcement, mental health and advocacy fields of Ohio to enhance their knowledge of CIT and gain insights to further develop their CIT Programs. The conference will include two featured speakers and two breakout sessions with educational tracks for CIT Coordinators, Law Enforcement, Corrections and Public Safety Telecommunicators.  Topics for 2022 will include but are not limited to research on the impact of CIT in communities, youth development and verbal de-escalation, officer wellness, sequencing training courses, brain injuries, an Ohio mobile crisis response model, and a lived experience presentation. The 2022 Ohio CIT Awards will be presented at the conference.

>>> Proposals Sought: 9th Annual (Virtual) Trauma-Informed Care Summit – May 17-18

Save these dates! The Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (OhioMHAS) in partnership with the Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities (DoDD) will host the 9th Annual (Virtual) Trauma-Informed Care Summit on May 17-18. This year’s theme is Building upon Trauma Informed Care and Resilience: A Narrative for Healing and Hope. The purpose of the Summit is to move our systems beyond trauma informed to trauma responsive and competent with specific focus on trauma-resilient care in all interactions. The Summit also provides opportunity to address COVID-19 pandemic challenges which, for many, are layered with other generational traumas. We are more aware of the need to build resilience, not just assess and reduce trauma. We recognize that as we learn more about trauma’s impact on  individuals, families, and communities, we also want to deepen our understanding and use of resilience. We want to build resilience so we can manage life events rather than be overwhelmed by them.

The conference planning committee is currently accepting workshop proposals through March 7. Questions? Please email Marjorie Kukor, Ph.D., OhioMHAS Trauma-Informed Care Coordinator at Marjorie.kukor@mha.ohio.gov.

>>> New FASD Behavioral Intervention Group Starting March 17

The Rainbow Babies and Children Hospital Division of Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrics and Psychology is launching a new Family Foundations: Behavioral, Emotional, Social, and Team-based (B.E.S.T.) Practice Intervention group for parents to provide guidance, education, and support on Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD).  The group parent training program is designed to improve problem behaviors and social skills in children with FASD ages 5-12. The 12-session group kicks off March 17. Please call Therese Dragga at 216.983-1247 or email Catherine.lipman@uhhospitals.org if you would like to participate or have any questions. 

>>> Learn What’s Behind the Scenes: Problem Gambling Awareness Month Property Tours

As a part of March as Problem Gambling Awareness Month (PGAM), OhioMHAS, Ohio for Responsible Gambling, and the Problem Gambling Network of Ohio is coordinating property tours at all 11 casino/racino properties in Ohio. Property tours will include a tour of the property, discussion regarding responsible gaming and compliance, an overview of the Voluntary Exclusion Program (VEP), and an opportunity to connect with the professionals responsible for implementing responsible gaming on-property as well as the regulators who oversee compliance. There is no cost to participate, however, pre-registration is required and space is limited. You are welcome to visit multiple locations, as processes, practices, and regulations vary. Registration can be found at PGNOhio.org/PGAM. Questions can be directed to Cory Brown, PGNO Program Manager, by email at CBrown@PGNOhio.org or by phone at 614.750.9899 ext. 104.

Please note: these tours are for educational purposes and will include parts of the gaming floor. For those who have experienced a problem related to gambling, please use discretion as this could serve as a trigger.

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