>>> RFP: Behavioral Health Careers Education and Careers Awareness Market Analysis

The Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (OhioMHAS) is seeking proposals from qualified contractors to conduct a market analysis for purposes of understanding current awareness of and perceptions of careers in behavioral health fields; identifying specific audiences to target for behavioral health workforce recruiting campaigns; determine effective communications channels and strategies for reaching those audiences; and deliver a comprehensive report with findings and recommendations for courses of action. Proposals must be submitted by 2 p.m. on June 10.

>>> RFP: Behavioral Health Workforce Consultant

OhioMHAS is seeking proposals from qualified contractors to serve as a behavioral health workforce consultant. The consultant will facilitate a behavioral health workforce advisory council; collect and compile data on Ohio’s behavioral health workforce; provide ongoing technical assistance to OhioMHAS through all project phases; prepare a “synthesis report”; prepare a final report containing findings and recommendations concerning behavioral health workforce initiatives at the state and local levels; and collaborate with OhioMHAS, the advisory council, and others to implement recommendations from the final report. Proposals must be submitted by 2 p.m. on June 10.

>>> Direct Care Working Group Survey

Direct care workers are the cornerstone of Ohio’s health care system. They help older adults, people with disabilities, and those with special health care needs remain connected to their communities and live as fully and independently as possible, with the safety, dignity, and respect they deserve. Due to the emotionally and physically demanding job duties, coupled with low wages and the perceived lack of advancement opportunities, Ohio continues to face a growing deficit of direct care workers. The volatility in this space impacts consumers’ access to care and the quality of care provided to those in need. Direct care shortages stretch across the various provider types and program models. Recognizing these challenges, several state agencies are partnering with stakeholders to identify potential solutions for both the state as a whole and Ohio’s communities. While much discussion has focused on competitive wages, the state would like to explore every possible option. A task force will meet over the next several months, with invited expert testimony and extensive opportunities for public comment (written and oral). Kicking discussions off prior to that, we are seeking written feedback on the following via https://forms.office.com/g/RxHWr6evbt  

1. Rules, Regulations and Laws
2. Education and Training Support
3. Scope of Practice
4. Employee Wellness and Social Supports
5. Leverage Technology and Innovations

Please provide any feedback by close of business on Friday, June 17. Information gathered will be shared with the task force and the public. Please note that we welcome multiple submissions if you wish to address multiple topics. If you have questions, please email Jonathon Field at Jonathon.Field@jfs.ohio.gov

The task force will include representatives from the following departments:

• Ohio Department of Medicaid
• Ohio Department of Aging
• Ohio Department of Health
• Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities
• Ohio Department of Administrative Services
• Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services
• Ohio Department of Veterans Services
• Ohio Department of Job and Family Services
• Ohio Department of Higher Education
• Ohio Department of Education
• Governor’s Office of Workforce Transformation

>>> New Design for Ohio’s Start Talking! Website

Ohio’s Start Talking! program website has a fresh new look and feel. All of the information that is needed can still be found on this clean, mobile-friendly website. The Start Talking! program encourages age-appropriate conversations with children early and often during their lives and provides information to educate parents on mental health and substance use issues to empower them to have these conversations. Take a look at https://starttalking.ohio.gov/.

>>> NAMI Releases Virtual Mental Health Education Program for Teens

The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) has announced that its free, signature education program for middle school and high school-aged students, NAMI Ending the Silence, is now available on a virtual platform that can be used anywhere. Offered in person by NAMI State Organizations and Affiliates across the country since 2014, NAMI Ending the Silence has reached more than 800,000 people through an evidence-based presentation. With the growing need for mental health resources, support and education, NAMI developed the virtual version of NAMI Ending the Silence to be accessed wherever an in-person presentation is unavailable locally. The online version of NAMI Ending the Silence includes a 25-minute video created by an award-winning digital content agency; a library of 12 personal stories told by a diverse group of young adults; additional videos covering important topics like treatment, self-harm and coping skills; and takeaway resources for teachers and teens. The videos are all offered with Spanish subtitles, and one testimonial is delivered by a native Spanish speaker.

>>> Surgeon General Issues Advisory on Health Worker Burnout

Last week, U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy issued a new advisory on Addressing Health Worker Burnout. The advisory discusses the causes of burnout, including a range of societal, cultural, and organizational factors. It also addresses workforce shortages, differential impacts on health workers, and how health worker burnout impacts everyone. 

>>> Trauma-Informed Care – The Impact Webinar – June 28

The Psychiatry & Behavioral Health Learning Network is hosting a Trauma-Informed Care – The Impact webinar on June 28 from 1:00-2:00 p.m. Upon completion of this webinar, attendees will: develop a shared language around Trauma and Trauma Informed Care; create curiosity surrounding the benefits of developing a Trauma Informed Culture; understand the 3 Es of Trauma and how individuals are impacted by traumatic events; identify the 4 Rs of Trauma and how to apply within your organization; learn the Six Guiding Principles of Trauma Informed Care; and gain an understanding of how a Trauma Informed Culture can drive and improve outcomes. Click the link above for more information and to register.

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