DEA to Host Nationwide Drug Take-Back Day – Oct. 23

The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) will host its 21st National Drug Take-Back Day this Saturday, Oct. 23 from 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. This semi-annual event provides an opportunity to help prevent the misuse and/or diversion of prescription drugs by safely disposing unwanted, unused, and expired medications at collection sites throughout the nation. Click HERE for a searchable database of participating collection sites near you, and materials – including public service announcements –  to help promote Take-Back Day in your community. The DEA reported that more than 420 tons of prescription medications were collected at more than 5,000 sites nationwide during its last Take-Back, held in April.

New Ohio Department of Education Webpage Provides Updates on Health Education

Ohio’s 134th General Assembly enacted House Bill 110, which includes a new health education requirement for schools and districts. Health education instruction must address the harmful effects of and legal restrictions of tobacco, now including electronic smoking devices. The updated requirement is effective Sept. 30, 2021. The new Updates to Health Instruction webpage outlines the requirements and includes a list of options and resources to assist schools in meeting these requirements. Please send questions regarding these new requirements and resources to WholeChild@education.ohio.gov or Randi.Myers@education.ohio.gov.

Reminder: Ohio Recovery Housing Needs Survey

Ohio Recovery Housing (ORH) is conducting a new survey to better understand emerging needs in the state of Ohio for recovery housing. The survey seeks to: gather information on existing recovery housing resources; collect information on recovery housing needs; and identify barriers that exist to accessing quality recovery housing. Results will be used to identify gaps so ORH can work with its partners to advocate for resources in the areas of greatest need. ORH also intends to highlight best practices in community planning and help amplify what is working in local communities. Recovery housing operators, recovery community organizations, treatment providers and local county boards of mental health and addiction services, are invited to complete the survey by Oct. 31. 

Workshop Proposals Sought: 19th Annual Ohio Problem Gambling Conference

The 19th Annual Ohio Problem Gambling Conference planning committee is now seeking presentation and workshop proposals. The virtual pre-conference will be held on Jan. 25-27, 2022, and the in-person conference will be held at Nationwide Hotel and Conference Center in Lewis Center, Ohio on Feb. 24, 2022. Pre-conference presentations will be formatted as 60-minute lecture-style, virtual presentations with engagement opportunities limited to chat, polls, and reactions offered through the Zoom Webinar platform. Conference workshops will be formatted as 120-minute interactive workshops to a live audience of no more than 50 participants. Applications are due Nov. 1, 2021. Applicants will be notified of the decision by Dec. 2, 2021. For questions, please contact Cory Brown at CBrown@PGNOhio.org.

In the News

10.19.21 | NPR Kids’ mental health crisis is at a critical point, Education Secretary Cardona says

10.19.21 | Elyria Chronicle-Telegram Patrick J. Kennedy to talk mental health, recovery advocacy at LCADA Way’s Pearls of Wisdom

10.19.21 | The Associated Press How mental illness law is changing Ohio death row

10.18.21 | WDTN-TV Opioid special: portrayal of addiction could be part of the solution

10.15.21 | WBNS-TV Research finds nearly 80% of domestic violence victims experience brain injury