Case Western Reserve University Selected to Coordinate Child and Adolescent Center of Excellence

The Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (OhioMHAS) today announced that the Case Western Reserve University (CWRU) Center for Innovative Practices at the Begun Center for Violence Prevention Research and Education, a part of the Jack, Joseph, and Morton Mandel School of Applied Social Sciences (CIP/Begun/MSASS), has been awarded a two-year, $3.6 million contract to coordinate a new statewide Child and Adolescent Behavioral Health Center of Excellence (COE). This week, the Ohio Controlling Board voted to approve funding for this fiscal year, enabling the project to move forward. Among its primary responsibilities, the COE will be responsible for building and sustaining a standardized assessment process, evaluating the effectiveness of services, and expanding service and care coordination capacity for children with complex behavioral health needs and their families. The Center will also provide orientation, training, coaching, mentoring, and other functions/supports as needed to support Ohio’s statewide child caring provider network. OhioMHAS is partnering with the Governor DeWine’s Children’s Initiative the Ohio Departments of Medicaid, Job and Family Services, Health, Youth Services, Developmental Disabilities, and Ohio Family and Children First on the new Center. Click HERE to view a fact sheet and HERE to read the full media announcement.

Recovery Requires a Community Funding Available

The Recovery Requires a Community program has funds available and is accepting new applications. Recovery Requires a Community helps individuals with a behavioral health diagnosis by providing financial assistance for transitioning from nursing homes to sustainable community living. Program funds can be used in many ways to help an individual transition and can also be used to help recently transitioned individuals to avoid re-admission to a nursing facility. Some examples of Recovery assistance include short-term housing assistance, a one-time payment of utility arrears, short term supportive services (such as home health aide/peer support services), or other needs that will support the individual’s ability to live in the community. For more information and to inquire about funds, please email Recovery@mha.ohio.gov.

OPPA Virtual Annual Psychiatric Update – March 26-27

The Ohio Psychiatric Physicians Association (OPPA) will host its Annual Psychiatric Update, Social Justice in Psychiatry – From Awareness to Clinical Impact virtually on March 26-27. OPPA’s Annual Update brings together thought leaders from across the nation for this two-day conference, focusing on various aspects of practice and advocacy that psychiatrists routinely encounter. Speakers include Justice Eve Stratton, Judge Steve Leifman from the 11th Judicial Circuit of Florida, Altha Stewart, M.D., past president of the APA, among others. This conference is designed for psychiatrists, residents/fellows, medical students, as well as psychologists, nurses, social workers, counselors, and other mental health care professionals. This program is approved for 9 hours of Category 1 CME. Click HERE for detailed brochure and click HERE to register.

Governor Announces Pop-Up Mass Vaccination Sites, Centralized Scheduling Website

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine announced today that Ohio's state-sponsored Cincinnati and Columbus pop-up mass vaccination sites will open next week. Both vaccination clinics will offer the Pfizer vaccine to those eligible to be vaccinated under the Ohio Department of Health’s vaccination plan. Individuals who receive their first dose of vaccine at a pop-up site will be guaranteed their second dose at the same site approximately three weeks later. Details on how to register for an appointment will be available in the coming days. The Columbus and Cincinnati pop-up mass vaccination clinics being held next week are in addition to 15 permanent state-sponsored mass vaccination clinics and one state-federal mass vaccination clinic announced last week. To learn more about the Cleveland mass vaccination site visit governor.ohio.gov. For details on the 15 permanent mass vaccination sites located regionally across the state, visit coronavirus.ohio.gov. Earlier this week, Governor DeWine announced that Ohio's centralized scheduling website is now available at gettheshot.coronavirus.ohio.gov. The website will serve as a singular location for Ohioans to confirm that they are eligible to be vaccinated, identify nearby providers, and schedule their vaccine appointments.

In the News

3.10.21 | Cleveland.com Ohio looks to form new statewide support system for child and adolescent behavioral health

3.10.21 | WKYC-TV You are Not Alone: Couple creating ‘safe places’ in memory of son to help students find comfort at NE Ohio schools

3.10.21 | WBNS-TV ‘We need to institutionalize kindness’; local women write children’s book to spark healing conversation

3.10.21 | Columbus Dispatch (Column) Coronavirus and opioid crisis create ‘perfect storm’ in Columbus

3.10.21 | Morgan County Herald Support across Ohio for Portman’s bipartisan TREATS Act and FIGHT Fentanyl Act

3.10.21 | WTOV-TV Leaders in Jefferson County encourage residents to drop off leftover prescription drugs

3.10.21 | Forbes Leaders must prioritize mental health to avoid burnout. Here’s how.

3.9.21 | Gallipolis Daily Tribune Gallia CPR discusses suicide awareness, prevention

3.9.21 | WKRC-TV Ohio family recovery court sees success; Kentucky panel wants it to become a priority