Featured News
Newsletter offers advice on addressing bullying
The Office of Children, Families and Prevention at the Ohio Department of Mental Health focuses on the topic of bullying in its latest Kids Newsletter. In addition to strategies for parents and professionals, readers can view an article by Youth Advocate Rachel Regula. Other news items include the launch of www.RedTreehouse.org as an online community to support Ohio families and young adults. Subscribe to receive future issues directly..
Provider questions answered by ODMH regarding Medicaid cost containment
ODMH has recently implemented changes that will contain Medicaid costs to preserve funding for non-Medicaid services. In an effort to educate providers about these changes, ODMH has issued its second iinstallment of answers to provider questions. Read the Frequently asked questions - Part II document. Additional questions may be directed to the ODMH Medicaid office
Federal grant will help Ohio expand care for teens and young adults in transition
Ohio's population of youth and young adults ages 14-21 totals 1,287,162, with more than 90,000 having serious emotional disturbances or serious mental illnesses. Read the press release on how the ODMH Office of Children, Families and Prevention will use a federal grant to ENGAGE youth, young adults, families, and child- and adult-serving professionals in planning for system of care improvements.
Webinar for Community Providers on December 2 - slides now available
Janel M. Pequignot, Chief, Standards Development and Administrative Rules will review rule changes for certified community mental health agencies. The rules governing deemed status and reciprocity, certification procedure, and provisions of certification will be effective November 24, 2011. The webinar will be held Friday, December 2, 2011 from 10:30 am - 11:00 am. View the webinar slides.
Two research funding opportunities announced by ODMH
ODMH is accepting proposals for research on Implementing Integrated Care Models in Behavioral Health and Examining the Continuity of Behavioral Healthcare for Persons Involved in Ohio's Criminal Justice System. Applications for both are due November 21. These Requests For Applications (RFAs) and additional guidance can be found on our Applying for Research Grants page. Questions about research requirements can be directed to ODMH Chief of the Office of Research and Evaluation Kraig Knudsen, Ph.D., via email or phone at (614) 728-2527.
New Internet training on dual diagnosis offered for therapists
A new online training program can inform psychotherapists and clinicians on treatment of individuals who have both mental illness and developmental disabilities (a ‘dual diagnosis.’) The effects of trauma, the risk of suicide, and other important themes are presented for use in practice. The training is a product of the Mental Illness Developmental Disabilities/Coordinating Center of Excellence, a joint project of ODMH and the Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities. ODMH offers one free CEU hour upon course completion. Visit www.ocali.org/a_midd.
Sims announced as CEO of Heartland Behavioral Healthcare in Massillon
ODMH Director Tracy J. Plouck announced the appointment of Jeffrey L. Sims to head the state-run psychiatric hospital in Massillon, effective Oct. 3. Sims has served as the nurse executive at another state facility, Northcoast Behavioral Healthcare, since 2001. Read the press release.
Recovery components are focus of news brief
The Empowerment & Advocacy Brief for August focuses on 10 fundamental components of recovery for people with mental illnesses. These components include autonomy, respect, responsibility and hope. This edition also includes news on additional building blocks toward recovery such as work opportunities, housing assistance and a holistic approach to overall health.
Attention behavioral health providers: MITS implementation update issued
If you are a Medicaid provider and need assistance with the MITS Web Portal, please contact the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services MITS Provider Call Center at 1-800-686-1516 or visit the ODJFS website. Additionally, ODMH and ODADAS have established email lists to disseminate MITS information updates specific to behavioral health providers. Visit our Medicaid page to read the MITS Updates.
State consolidates programs that give adults with disabilities housing options
As of July 1, responsibility for licensing Adult Care Facilities (ACF) and administering the Residential State Supplement (RSS) program transferred to ODMH from the Ohio Departments of Health and Aging, respectively. Residents currently receiving RSS subsidy payments will continue receiving their payments and will see no change in their residential placements.
Report available on Consumer Perception of Care Survey Results
During the first six months of 2011, ODMH conducted a random mail survey of 16,000 adult consumers and parents of child and adolescent consumers. Responses are compiled in a public report of findings that indicates how consumers perceive their experience of the community mental health system. The survey was part of the ODMH Office of Research and Evaluation's Treatment Episode Outcomes System.
Ohio Department of Mental Health issues Annual Report for 2010-2011
Now available on this site, the ODMH 2010-2011 Annual Report highlights the work of the department and its collaboration with partner organizations. It includes utilization information at state-run regional psychiatric hospitals, as well as appropriations and expenditures at state and local levels. Annual reports, newletters and other resource documents can be found on our Publications page.
State budget consolidates programs that give adults with disabilities housing options
As of July 1, responsibility for licensing Adult Care Facilities (ACF) and administering the Residential State Supplement (RSS) program transferred to ODMH from the Ohio Departments of Health and Aging, respectively. ODMH is now the regulatory body that oversees license application, inspections and renewal procedures for operators of these residential options for adults with various disabilities. Ohio's RSS program provides a cash subsidy for room and board, and Medicaid coverage, for eligible applicants who live in these types of community homes. Residents currently receiving RSS subsidy payments will continue receiving their payments and will see no change in their residential placements
Heat alert for psychotropic medication users
A pamphlet on "Heat Related Illness in Psychotropic Medication Users," provided by the ODMH Medical Director shares information about the risks of heat-related illness and prevention during times of high heat and humidity. In addition, the National Institutes of Health's tips for older adults to combat heat-related illnesses may be of interest.
Provider questions answered by ODMH regarding Medicaid cost containment strategies
ODMH intends to implement benefit package changes and cost containment strategies effective July 1, 2011. In an effort to educate providers about these changes, ODMH is providing answers to the first installment of questions it has already received. Additionally, regional training will occur around the state during June. Read the Frequently asked questions document. Additional questions may be directed to the ODMH Medicaid office.
Ohio's early childhood mental health administrator offers perspective on systems
Marla Himmeger oversees Early Childhood Mental Health initiatives at the Ohio Department of Mental Health. She spoke recently about her 30-plus years in the field with the Devereux Early Childhood newsletter. Devereux is a national non-profit behavioral health care agency that focuses on early childhood initiatives as the key to prevention. Listen to the audio interview with Marla. Read the Devereux newsletter. Learn more about "Caring for Every Child's Mental Health" from SAMHSA.
Director Plouck testifies on ODMH budget before House Human Services Subcommittee
On March 31, ODMH Director Tracy J. Plouck testified before the Ohio House Health and Human Services Subcommittee of Finance and Appropriations. She discussed the Department's budget for State Fiscal Years 2012-13. Read the director's testimony.
State to consolidate its two Northcoast psychiatric hospitals
By July 1, 2011, the Ohio Department of Mental Health will close its Cleveland campus of Northcoast Behavioral Healthcare and expand inpatient capacity at its Northfield campus located 15 miles away in Summit County. The decision to act now was made due to the age and condition of the Cleveland building. This consolidation will benefit the department with long-term cost savings in maintenance and overhead. Access to quality care in Northeast Ohio will not be diminished. Read the release...
Trauma and resiliency in African American girls subject of March 29 panel in Columbus
Research suggests that urban African American girls are exposed to more traumatic stressors than children of other racial groups. Fran Frazier, WomensWorkfcf, Inc., Mental Health America of Summit County and the Department of Mental Health have partnered to evaluate the impact of trauma and the resulting resiliency of African American girls in Ohio's communities. Five nationally known speakers will participate in "When We Were Girls: Telling Our Stories of Trauma and Resiliency" at the Lincoln Theatre from 2-4 p.m. The event is free and open to the public. Learn more about the Rise Sister Rise research project and the event. Read the release...
Cultural Competence Needs Assessment Focuses on Veterans and Family Members
The "Learning
Your Needs" Veterans Assessment Project Report provides valuable insights about factors that encourage or deter veterans and/or their family members from accessing services within the behavioral healthcare system in Ohio. Multiethnic Advocates for Cultural Competence (MACC) compiled the report in partnership with Ohio Department of Veteran Services, ODMH and other organizations. To learn more, visit the ODMH page for veterans.
Acute Care Report offers insight into inpatient mental health care and issues to consider
ODMH Hospital Services recently published a 2010 report on "Ohio's Acute Mental Health Care." It updates the previous 2004 report on "The Crisis in Ohio's Acute Mental Heath Care: A Mental Health and Overall Health Problem." The updated report calls renewed attention to issues affecting the total health care system. Visit our Hospital Services page to read the 293-page Acute Care Report.
Spread the word: the Pediatric Psychiatry Network is resource for
family doctors
Launched in October, this network will help primary care doctors recognize
and manage youth with common psychiatric disorders such as ADHD, anxiety and
depression. Ohio doctors can request a consult through a toll-free number or
website operated 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Read
the release...
Statewide “cultural competence” definition adopted
at conference
The Multiethnic Advocates for Cultural Competence, Inc. (MACC)
and ODMH unveiledl a State of Ohio Cultural Competence Definition
on Sept. 24, 2010 at MACC’s annual training conference in Worthington.
The definition was developed by state departments and MACC to
lay a foundation for building cultural competence in the state
of Ohio. Read
the release...
TSIG event showcases state/consumer action toward transformation of MH system
The Ohio Department of Mental Health hosted an event Sept. 8 at the Riffe Center's
Capitol Theatre to celebrate Ohio's progress under the Mental Health Transformation
State Incentive Grant (TSIG). Mental health consumers (youth and adults)
and their families praised the collaboration among professionals who worked
with them to address their needs, often at little or no cost to the state.
Representatives from a variety of state agencies, advocacy organizations and
work groups discussed methods of sustaining momentum beyond the end of the TSIG
grant. Read
the Geared Up for Action Report.
Resource launched for people with developmental and mental health disabilities
The Mental Illness/Developmental Disabilities Coordinating Center of Excellence (MIDD CCOE) has initiated a Web site to communicate with counties, providers, constituents and families about dual diagnosis in Ohio. The site includes a map of dual diagnosis intensive treatment teams by area; lists where to find assessments and consultations; and promotes educational events and materials. Check it out at http://www.midd.ohio.gov.
Ohio Empowerment Coalition selects Cameron as first director of consumer-run group
Jack Cameron has been named as the first executive director of the Ohio Empowerment Coalition, a peer-led organization formed in 2009 to lead statewide advocacy for mental health recovery. Cameron previously served as executive director role at Gathering Hope House, a consumer-operated service agency in Lorain, Ohio. OEC’s first annual conference will be Aug. 13-14 in Columbus. Read the OEC press release...
Recovery stories highlight triumphs, challenges of personal journeys
The Center for Evidence-Based Practices at Case Western Reserve University has added a new "Recovery
Stories" section on its Web site. It highlights the positive outcomes of services for people diagnosed with mental illness or co-occurring mental illness and substance use disorders. The stories are told by consumers, family members, and other supporters of recovery.
Web site supports families, engages youth who have emotional challenges
ODMH is pleased to announce www.ResiliencyOhio.org, a new site to educate families on mental health issues, alleviate stigma and connect youth to resources that can help. Life stories and personal journeys are shared through a video on the site to demonstrate the fundamental role of resiliency in supporting mental wellness. Read the press release...