State Rapidly Deploying Naloxone to Ohio Communities with Highest Overdose Rates
The Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (OhioMHAS), in collaboration with RecoveryOhio and the Ohio Department of Health (ODH), today
announced a targeted distribution of the life-saving overdose reversal drug naloxone to communities in Ohio experiencing the highest morbidity and mortality rates from unintentional opioid overdoses. Approximately 60,000 doses of naloxone will be rapidly deployed to
zip codes in 23 counties demonstrating the highest need for enhanced overdose reversal supplies among residents. The allocation is based on overdose deaths and overdose-related emergency department visit data from the Ohio Department of Health, and distribution is weighted to the population. All other counties in Ohio continue to have access to needed naloxone supplies through normal distribution methods.
OhioMHAS is allocating nearly $2.5 million in general revenue funds to 23 local Addiction and Mental Health (ADAMH) boards (view the media release for a detailed list) to distribute naloxone in the highest risk areas within their region. Because Ohio has seen an increase in the rate of overdoses among minorities, the boards and their local partners have been asked to implement equitable distribution strategies to ensure this lifesaving drug reaches Black and Latino Ohioans. Harm Reduction Ohio, a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting naloxone and other harm reduction methods, has also been asked to partner with the state during this effort. OhioMHAS is allocating nearly $365,000 for 9,000 doses of naloxone to be distributed throughout the state via online mail order or through their community lay distribution work.
Systems Centered Language Training for Peer Supporters – May 19-20
Ohio Citizen Advocates for Addiction Recovery is hosting a virtual, two day “
Systems Centered Language” training on May 19-20. The training will be presented by Dr. Meag-gan O’Reilly, staff psychologist at Stanford University's Counseling and Psychological Services and adjunct faculty in the Stanford School of Medicine. Dr. O’Reilly’s presentation will examine the language of conceptual frames that guide our worldview and treatment conceptualizations with a goal of humanizing persons in recovery. This training, which takes place from 1-2:30 p.m. both days, offers three hours of continuing education credits for peer support staff.
Cuyahoga County Diversion Center Opens
The Cuyahoga County Diversion Center opened its doors on May 3. According to a county
news release, the Center is a first-of-its kind facility in Ohio, working in conjunction with law enforcement to help individuals involved in a low-level offense who are exhibiting signs and symptoms of a mental illness and/or addiction receive the help, care and linkage to community resources they need in a treatment environment rather than going to the County jail. Representatives from the Cuyahoga County Alcohol, Drug Addiction and Mental Health Services Board attended a ribbon cutting ceremony on May 4. Click
HERE to view a report from SpectrumNews1 and
HERE for Cleveland.com coverage.
CORRECTED: Reducing Stigma, Gaining Faith in Prevention (Part 2) – May 13
Note: The version of this announcement shared on May 3 had an incorrect contact email address.
PreventionFIRST! will build upon the foundation of its February training of the same name with Part 2 of the
Reducing Stigma, Gaining Faith in Prevention on May 13 from 1-3 p.m. This free webinar will highlight how to build prevention with faith organizations, reduce stigma, and implement the toolkit to promote prevention within faith organizations. Faith and ministry leaders, youth group leaders, congregations, prevention professionals and community leaders are invited to attend. Previous attendance is not required. Click the link to register. Questions? Please contact Amanda Conn-Starner at 513.751.8000 ext. 13 or email
aconnstarner@prevention-first.org.
Call for Proposals: Transforming Care Conference on LGBTQ+ & HIV Health Equity – Oct. 13-15
The Equitas Health Institute will host the
2021 Transforming Care Conference on LGBTQ+ & HIV Health Equity, Oct. 13-15, at The Ohio State University Fawcett Center. This year’s conference theme, “We see us!” challenges the LGBTQ+ community, queer people of color, people living with HIV, caretakers, and activists to hold up one another’s experience, to validate the knowledge that comes from living, doing, and being, and to acknowledge ourselves as relevant witnesses. The conference will feature dozens of presentations including live plenary speakers and breakout sessions that offer attendees the opportunity to view LGBTQ+ and HIV service provision from the perspective of the patient, the social worker, the caregiver, the test counselor. Please click the link for information on how to submit a workshop proposal.
