NewsNow - 10.28.2022

Oct. 28, 2022

>>> Reminder: Upcoming 340 Stakeholder Review Workgroup Regional Listening Sessions

This Fall, the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (OhioMHAS) has been convening in-person and virtual listening and discussion sessions to allow for local input and perspective on issues the 340 Workgroup has been considering. Our goal for these meetings is to facilitate roundtable conversations with representatives of local ADAMH boards, providers, county officials, community leaders, and Ohioans with lived experience and their families that allow OhioMHAS and members of the Workgroup to listen and gather feedback around the delivery of behavioral health services in Ohio’s communities.

The remaining sessions are listed below. Please note the time change for the in-person sessions; this was adjusted to allow for additional time for discussion. Participants who have already registered for these sessions will be receiving a separate follow-up notice from OhioMHAS regarding this change. Anyone interested in participating in the roundtable discussions, in-person or virtual, must RSVP to 340ReviewWorkgroup@mha.ohio.gov no later than one week in advance of the meeting date. RSVPs should include full name, organization (if applicable), and county of residence; please also indicate if any special accommodation is needed. The meetings are open to the public, and a public comment period will be a part of each of these sessions.

Pictured: Robin Harris Executive Director of the Gallia, Jackson, and Meigs counties Alcohol, Drug Addiction and Mental Health Services Board (standing at right), and Misty Cromwell, Executive Director of the Muskingum Area Board of Mental Health & Recovery Services (holding paper) participate in the Southeast Ohio listening session in Athens County on Oct. 27.

Reminder of Upcoming In-Person Sessions

Southwest Ohio: Monday, Nov. 7, 1:30-4:00 p.m. *Please note new start time of 1:30 p.m.* held at Warren County Educational Service Center, 1879 Deerfield Rd. Lebanon. RSVP by October 31.
Northwest Ohio: Monday, Nov. 14, 1:30-4:00 p.m., *Please note new start time of 1:30 p.m.* held at Wood County Educational Service Center, 1867 Research Drive, Bowling Green). RSVP by Nov. 7.

Reminder of Upcoming Virtual Sessions

To receive a link to these sessions, please register by sending an email to 340ReviewWorkgroup@mha.ohio.gov.

Tuesday, Nov. 1, 6:00-8:00 p.m. Please note this session is reserved specifically for peers and organizations run by peers.
Wednesday, Nov. 9, 10:00 a.m.-noon. RSVP by Nov. 2.

>>> ABH Police Officers Go Pink to Support Breast Cancer Awareness

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. In a show of support for Ohioans impacted by breast cancer, several police officers at Appalachian Behavioral Healthcare in Athens used their own funds to purchase pink Flexbadges. The Flexbadges are a safer alternative to traditional metal badges. ABH Chief of Police Kelly Strickland, who credits Officer Seth Lenigar with the idea, said patients, staff, visitors, and nursing students, have complimented the badges, thanking the ABH safety force for its show of support and commitment to spreading awareness.

Pictured: ABH Chief of Police Kelly Strickland, Officer Seth Lenigar, Officer Dana Gilkey, and Officer Grace Humphrey.

>>> U.S. Surgeon General Releases New Framework for Mental Health & Well-Being in the Workplace

U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy recently released a new 30-page Framework for Mental Health & Well-Being in the Workplace outlining the foundational role that employers play in promoting the health and well-being of employees and communities. As reports of “quiet quitting” and the Great Resignation have shown, the COVID-19 pandemic has changed the nature of work for many and the relationship that some employees have with their jobs. The Framework highlights five essentials for organizations and businesses of every size to help leaders develop policies and practices that support the mental health and well-being of employees.

>>> Hope & Healing Survivor Resource Center Annual Trauma Conference – Dec. 8

Hope & Healing Survivor Resource Center will host its annual trauma conference virtually on Dec. 8 from 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. This year’s theme is Promoting Collective Healing for Collective Trauma and features Dr. Lisa Najavits, author of the acclaimed Seeking Safety: A Treatment Manual for PTSD and Substance Abuse. The conference will also feature a diverse range of workshops that will enhance participants’ knowledge in working with survivors of trauma, intimate partner violence, and sexual violence. 6 CEs available for Ohio counselors and social workers. Click HERE for more information and to register. Questions? Please email AshleyK@hope-healing.org.

>>> Child Focus to Host QPR Suicide Prevention, Human Trafficking Trainings

Child Focus will host a QPR Suicide Prevention program on Jan. 11, 2023, from 6:00-7:00 p.m. The organization will also host Identifying and Responding to Juvenile Victims of Human Trafficking in Ohio on Jan. 27, 2023, from 8:00-4:00 p.m. The Child Focus Training Center is located at 4633-B Aicholtz Road, Cincinnati, 45244. Click the links above for more information and to register. Questions? Please email Shelley Drummond sdrummond@child-focus.org or call 513.752.1555.

In the News

10.27.22 | Good Morning America Growing concerns over teens and gambling

10.27.22 | WDTN-TV Public Health restarts Narcan-box program in area businesses

10.27.22 | Cleveland.com Kevin Love among those reaching out to kids through Teen Mental Health Summit

10.27.22 | WVXU 91.7 Hamilton County’s drug treatment docket gets $2.7M federal grant

10.27.22 | Eaton Register-Herald Commissioners consider joining Stepping Up initiative

10.27.22 | Findlay Courier Gun storage vital in preventing suicide

10.27.22 | Lima News State awards $200K to maternity program for opioid users

10.27.22 | Athens Messenger Athens-Hocking-Vinton 317 Board holds annual meeting and awards

10.27.22 | WEWS-TV Our children’s mental health is impacting the workforce

10.26.22 | WKYC-TV Lorain, Erie counties issue overdose spike alert

10.26.22 | WCMH-TV CDC: Antihistamines found in street drugs hampers effectiveness of naloxone