Dec. 5, 2022

>>> Governor DeWine Announces Drug Law Enforcement Fund Grant Opportunity

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine announced Friday that the Office of Criminal Justice Services (OCJS) is now accepting applications for funding to be awarded as part of the Ohio Drug Law Enforcement Fund. Grants will cover drug task force expenses related to enforcing the state’s drug laws and combating illegal drug activity. The Ohio Drug Law Enforcement Fund is part of the Drug Interdiction, Disruption, and Reduction Plan that is funded through Ohio's operating budget. Funds can be used by agencies to investigate drug trafficking organizations and disrupt the drug supply through intelligence gathering, information sharing, and multi-agency coordination. Grants can also be used to support local work to help drug overdose victims and their families through education, support, and treatment options. Applications are due by 5 p.m. on Jan. 5, 2023. For technical assistance on any part of the application, call OCJS at 614.466.7782 and ask to speak to the grants coordinator.

>>> Ohio Coalition Institute Seeking Coaches

The Ohio Coalition Institute (OCI) is seeking six coaches to provide support to funded participants. Coaches will provide one-on-one coaching sessions to participants via check-ins, emails, phone calls, and/or virtual meetings to assess participants’ engagement, progress, and completion of deliverable requirements as part of their participation in an OCI Cohort. In addition to providing coaching, OCI coaches will attend orientation and training sessions. OCI coaching responsibilities will start in February 2023 and end in June 2024. Individuals with prior experience as a coalition leader and with the ability to demonstrate the application of prevention and coalition theory, are encouraged to complete an application. Applications are due on Jan. 13, 2023. A Q &A webinar will be held on Dec. 13 at noon to answer questions. The webinar will be recorded. For more information, please contact Christi Valentini-Lackner at cvalentini-lackner@prevention-first.org.

>>> Recovery is Beautiful Holiday Gathering – Dec. 14

The Ohio Association of County Behavioral Health Authorities, partnering with the National Alliance on Mental Illness of Ohio, the Ohio Suicide Prevention Foundation, and the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (OhioMHAS), will be hosting a Recovery Is Beautiful Holiday Gathering on Dec. 14 from 10:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. at the Dwell, 1340 Community Park Drive, Columbus. The event will include motivational speakers, recovery stories, activities, and more. Join us in celebrating, connecting, and strengthening recovery with food, fun, and holiday festivities throughout the day. The event is free, however, registration is required. Click the link above for more information.

>>> Upcoming Lunchtime MI/DD Trainings

OhioMHAS, in partnership with the Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities, will hold two trainings this month as part of the lunch time MI/DD training series. These virtual trainings are held from noon-1:00 p.m. Click the links below for more information and to register.

Dec. 6 | Psychotherapy and People with IDD | This one-hour course is designed to assist professionals learn and understand the complex challenges faced by MI/DD individuals who are survivors of sexual assault.

Dec. 13 | Anxiety Disorders in People with IDD | This presentation will discuss the common presentations of different anxiety disorders in people with ID, along with common medical and non-medical intervention strategies. Increasing understanding of the unique aspects of anxiety in people with ID can make us more effective advocates and care providers when working with this population.

>>> Sources of Strength Ohio Elementary Coaches Training – Feb. 15-16, 2023

Sources of Strength Ohio will host a virtual Elementary Coaches training on Feb. 15-16, 2023, from 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. Sources of Strength is an evidence-based, K-12 mental health promotion program that helps reduce the risk of suicide. This upstream prevention model uses a growth mindset to elevate youth’s individual strengths and build resiliency, while empowering youth to break down the codes of silence. Training, curriculum and implementation materials for Sources of Strength are provided at no cost to schools in Ohio. For more information visit: https://www.sourcesofstrengthohio.org.

>>> National Drug & Alcohol Facts Week – March 20-26, 2023

The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) and the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) have officially opened registration for National Drug and Alcohol Facts Week® (NDAFW) 2023. NDAFW is an annual, week-long health observance that inspires dialogue about the science of drug use and addiction among youth. Your efforts to empower teens and young adults to make informed decisions about drugs and alcohol and to support their mental health are more important than ever. If you’re ready to join event planners from across the country in participating in NDAFW 2023, use the link above to register today and begin planning for March 20‒26, 2023.

>>> MACC Annual Conference – May 24-25, 2023

Save the date! Multiethnic Advocates for Cultural Competence (MACC), Inc., will host its annual conference “From Advocacy to Activism” on May 24-25, 2023. Early-bird registration materials will be available in January 2023. Watch www.maccinc.net for updates. 

In the News

12.5.22 | The Washington Post The crisis of student mental health is much vaster than we realize

12.5.22 | Columbus Dispatch Emergency medicine: Most of us still frazzled by effects of COVID pandemic

12.5.22 | NewsMedical.net Exploring effects of COVID-19 on neurodevelopment and mental health in adolescents

12.5.22 | Public News Service Kids’ mental health challenges straining Ohio’s children’s services

12.3.22 | Steubenville Herald-Star Multi-county effort to address stigma reduction

12.2.22 | Kaiser Health News Experts: substance abuse Medicare coverage gaps hit older adults

12.2.22 | Columbus Dispatch Here’s how to make mental health and well-being your priority in 2023

12.1.22 | The Associated Press Ohio House passes a bill to decriminalize fentanyl test strips

12.1.22 | WCMH-TV Alvis, Inc. expands to better provide mental health, addiction and post-incarceration services

12.1.22 | WKRC-TV Addiction specialists say these three steps can help you get through holiday stress

12.1.22 | WKRC-TV Lindner Center of Hope conducting study on possible bipolar depression treatment

12.1.22 | WKBN-TV Bill could change future of social work in Ohio

11.30.22 | Cleveland.com Gov. Mike DeWine to prioritize expanded mental health services, research in his next budget proposal

11.30.22 | WKSU 90.3 DeWine’s plan for improving mental health services in Ohio includes paid internships

11.30.22 | CBS News Drug, alcohol deaths increasing among U.S. adults 65 and older, CDC data shows

11.30.22 | WKBN-TV Gambling in Ohio: what to do if you need help

11.30.22 | Scioto Post New responsible gambling campaign encourages Ohio bettors to ‘Pause Before You Play’

11.29.22 | WEWS-TV Addiction treatment center finds holidays lead to upswing in addiction, often relapses

11.28.22 | Sandusky Register Gibson first graduate of drug court