Your input sought on state's updated "Olmstead Plan"
Public meetings will be held face-to-face and via video conference to gather input on "Balancing and Beyond: A Vision for Community Services and Supports for Individuals with Disabilities." This plan addresses the Olmstead initiative that requires states to provide services and programming to people with disabilities in the most integrated setting appropriate to their needs. Interested attendees will have two opportunities to provide feedback: February 26 and March 19. View the list of times and places for participation.
Revised application for grants to combat homelessness available
In Ohio, ODMH administers the federal grant program that seeks to eliminate homelessness for people with serious mental illness. Projects for Assistance in Transition from Homelessness (PATH) is funded by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. It connects people otherwise unknown to the mental health system to mental health services. Eleven counties in Ohio have PATH programs that provide outreach services to this population. Learn more about ODMH efforts regarding Housing or access the revised PATH application.
Community volunteers improve cemetery sites in four Ohio cities
Community efforts to enhance cemetery properties in Athens, Cincinnati, Columbus and Toledo are underway with support from ODMH and coordination with local advocates and volunteers. With respect for the people who died while patients at former psychiatric hospitals and the family and friends who visit today, several improvements have been made. Read the update on work completed in 2009 and visit our pages on Cemetery Reclamation and System History.
Suicide Prevention Hotline adds enhanced routing for veterans' calls
The Department of Veterans Affairs' (VA) Veterans Health Administration (VHA) has founded a national suicide prevention hotline to ensure veterans in emotional crisis have free, 24/7 access to trained counselors. To operate the Veterans Hotline, the VA partnered with the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration and the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. Veterans can call the Lifeline number, 1-800-273-TALK (8255), and press "1" to be routed to the Veterans Hotline. More resources for veterans on our Emergency Preparedness page...
State Web portal offers updates on stimulus funds
Ohio.gov | Recovery is an interactive State of Ohio Web portal for entities to submit expressions of interest in federal stimulus dollars and to view general information about the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.