NewsNow - 08.24.2022

>>> New “Recovery Within Reach” Campaign Provides Resources for Financial Advisers and Ohioans

The Ohio Department of Commerce on Tuesday unveiled a new program to help financial advisors in the state spot the signs of a family facing the emotional and financial costs of opioid addiction, and how to help them through those struggles. According to the department, it’s one of the nation’s first statewide initiatives focusing on advisors’ role in curtailing the opioid epidemic. The Recovery Within Reach initiative will include public service announcements on television, radio and digital throughout the state that will direct advisors and others to RecoveryWithinReach.ohio.gov. The website offers a variety of resources, including a map for advisors, clients and anyone else to find the nearest (and most affordable) treatment options. The department’s Division of Securities is also developing training modules for financial advisors that will be rolled out this year.

>>> Director Criss Visits Lucas County for Up Close Look at Local Crisis Services System

Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (OhioMHAS) Director Lori Criss recently visited Lucas County to learn more about the county’s crisis response services system. Director Criss joined leadership from the Zepf Center and Mental Health & Recovery Services Board of Lucas County Executive Director, Scott Sylak for an in-depth tour of Zepf’s Emergency Services include a 24/7 Crisis Response Call Center, Mobile Response (Adult & MRSS Youth), Prescreening, Crisis Stabilization Unit, Behavioral Health Diversion (hospitalization or incarceration), and Youth Crisis Services. She later joined Silvia Snyder, Director of Operations at Mercy Health Behavioral Health Institute to tour a new Psychiatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) and Geriatric Psychiatry Unit at Mercy Health’s St. Charles location. The PICU offers alternative treatment options for severe major depressive disorder, mania, and other chronic mental health disorders. The Geriatric Psych Unit, meanwhile, serves adults 65 and older with acute and chronic depressive symptoms, sudden or unexplained changes in behavior that create a risk of harm to themselves or others, delusions and/or hallucinations, aggressive or combative behavior, suicidal and homicidal ideation, Alzheimer’s disease, and other cognitive impairments that include behavioral components. Director Criss ended her day by visiting with staff at The Wellness and Recovery Center (WRC), which was created to provide a community resource for people experiencing life’s stresses, so they may enjoy a better quality of life, learn different ways to cope with adversity, and reduce the public cost of behavioral health crisis care for all community members. WRC’s services are provided at no cost and are focused on different paths to recovery by providing exploration of new coping skills, learning various relaxation techniques, access to the arts and wellness and recovery action planning. Click HERE to view more photos.

>>> OhioPRO Receives SAMHSA Statewide Consumer Network Grant

Ohio Peer Recovery Organizations (OhioPRO) was recently awarded $360,000 in grant funding from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). The Statewide Consumer Network grant will provide OhioPRO $120,000 in funding annually for a period of three years. The funds will be used to build the capacity of peer and consumer run organizations across the state and to provide technical assistance to promote mental health peer involvement, peer support and mental health peer leadership within organizations, communities, and at the state level.

>>> Columbus Community Town Hall on Youth Mental Health – Aug. 28

DEWI Services, in partnership with the Franklin County ADAMH Board, Columbus Urban League, OhioMHAS, Nationwide Children’s and others, is hosting a Community Town Hall: Culture Community Commitment on Aug. 28 from noon-3:45 p.m. at the Jefferson Avenue Center, 65 Jefferson Ave., Columbus. The event, which focuses on youth mental health, will feature speakers, food trucks and a special performance by Urban Strings.

>>> Reminder: Virtual Registration for OhioMHAS Director’s Summit – Aug. 30

There’s still time to register to attend the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (OhioMHAS) 2022 Director’s Summit scheduled for Aug. 30 at the Hilton Polaris, just north of Columbus. In-person registration is closed, however you can still register to attend virtually. Click the link above to register. If you already registered to attend in person and find that you need to change to virtual, please email adriane@redstory.com.

>>> Recover Out Loud Arts & Music Festival – Sept. 24

In honor of National Recovery Month, the Division of Harm Reduction at Hamilton County Public Health is hosting the Recover Out Loud Arts & Music Festival at on Sept. 24 to celebrate individuals in recovery. The festival, which will take place from 10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. at Washington Park, 1225 Elm St., Cincinnati, 45202, will feature vendors, storytelling, music and food trucks. If you’re interested in taking an active role during the festival (as a vendor, volunteer, or voice of hope), please complete this survey.

>>> Ohio Children’s Alliance Fall Conference – Oct. 11-12

Ohio Children’s Alliance will hold its 2022 Fall Conference, “Paving the Way” at the Renaissance Columbus Westerville-Polaris hotel and conference center on Oct. 11-12. Click HERE to view the agenda, HERE for workshop descriptions and HERE to register.

>>> Workshop Proposals Sought: 2023 Human Trafficking Summit

The Ohio Attorney General’s Office is accepting proposals for breakout sessions during the 2023 Human Trafficking Summit, to take place in January. The annual summit brings together a diverse audience of survivors, social workers, victim advocates, police officers, lawyers, prosecutors, judges and other community stakeholders to learn how various disciplines are succeeding in the battle against trafficking. All proposals must be submitted to HTI@OhioAGO.gov no later than Sept. 9.

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