Message from the ADAMH CEO |
|
The high and low points related to this week’s events come at an emotional cost to many of us. There were reasons to be hopeful about the outcome of the Derek Chauvin trial only to experience, the very same afternoon, the fatal police shooting here in Columbus of 16-year-old Ma’Khia Bryant.
The Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. said, “The moral arc of the universe is long, but it bends towards justice.” The path we travel as helpers and facilitators in Central Ohio, helps to bend this arc and urges that we meet challenges with our authentic contributions. At times, it is difficult to maintain the stamina to continue on this important journey. One way to find encouragement is to look for the bright spots along the way.
Established in early 2020, the Black Community Ambassadors Support Program, led by Elizabeth Joy, MBA, MSW, LISW, LCDIII, BCC, provides strength to African American helpers across our community. Their work serves as a beacon offering programs, resources and spaces to allow givers to become receivers, particularly in these difficult times.
Another bright spot is the amount of support that is available to every resident, every day through a single phone call. The P.E.E.R. Center provides a warm line, 614.358.8255, staffed by those with lived experiences to support adults in recovery or living with mental health or substance use disorders. For others, the emotional support line, 614.276.CARE (2273), is staffed 24 hours a day, seven days a week by trained clinicians ready to take calls from those experiencing anxiety and more critical concerns.
Lastly, Deshawn Goncalves, a young man who participated in a local youth-led prevention program, is living a once-in-a-lifetime moment that has many across the country watching and cheering. As a finalist on American Idol, DeShawn credits the experiences with the ADAMH-funded Paragon Project in preparing him for this bright moment on the national stage.
Only through our collective strength will we bend our part of the arc. ADAMH stands alongside our community partners to create more opportunities for personal and community bright spots here in Franklin County. Our network partners are working every day to do just that.
With gratitude for the journey,
|
|
Erika Clark Jones
ADAMH CEO
ADAMH -
Where Better Begins.
|
|
|
April: Alcohol Awareness Month |
|
During the past year, many have turned to alcohol as a way to deal with feelings of social isolation, economic struggles and ongoing uncertainty. In Ohio, we saw “Wine with DeWine” in reference to our Governor’s COVID-19 updates. We also know that alcohol and other substance use can contribute to worsening feelings of depression and anxiety, leaving many feeling stuck in a vicious cycle of mental distress and substance use.
According to a recent study, “people drank more frequently, and for women in particular, more heavily, and with more negative consequences, during the initial stages of COVID-19 compared to their own behaviors from a year earlier,” (Michael S. Pollard, RAND Corporation). Franklin County alone saw alcohol-involved deaths increase by 45.6 percent from 2019 to 2020 for the first three quarters of the year (Franklin County Coroner’s Office) as Ohio saw an increase of 19 percent in liquor sales in 2020 (The Ohio Division of Liquor Control). Ohio also recently passed a new law which allows alcohol delivery straight to your door seven days a week, even on holidays, so liquor can be purchased and received without ever leaving your home.
ADAMH and our network of providers are working to address substance use, including the abuse of alcohol, during and beyond the pandemic. If you have noticed that you or a loved one has continued alcohol use despite negative impacts on life and functioning, or has experienced unsuccessful attempts to cut back, it’s time to reach out for help. Learn more about the providers in the ADAMH Network offering adult services for Substance Use Disorders. These services are individualized based on a clinical assessment identifying the level of care to best meet the person's unique needs. For assistance navigating the system and finding the services that are right for you, please call Netcare Access at 614.276.2273.
|
|
Drug Take Back Day: April 24 |
|
|
|
The DEA’s National Prescription Drug Take Back Day events provide an opportunity for Americans to prevent drug addiction and overdose deaths.
|
|
COVID-19 Vaccine Information |
|
|
|
Have you scheduled your COVID-19 vaccine yet?
Franklin County Public Health: Online vaccine scheduling is currently open to individuals 18 and older through FCPH. To make a vaccine appointment at FCPH, register online at vax2normal.org/vaccine/.
Columbus Public Health: Vaccines are available to everyone 16 and older through CPH. To make a vaccine appointment at CPH, register online at columbus.gov/c19vax or by phone at 614.645.1519.
Southeast Healthcare: Call 614.360.0195 to schedule an appointment at the Southeast Healthcare community clinic.
Vaccines are also available from primary care providers, hospital systems, pharmacies and public health departments. Find a COVID-19 vaccine provider at gettheshot.coronavirus.ohio.gov.
|
|
HELP where you are. HOPE when you need it. |
|
|
|
To connect those communities most impacted by COVID-19 with a variety of free resources, ADAMH has launched an expanded crisis counseling program through the FEMA-funded Ohio's COVID Care Program.
Individuals and families impacted by COVID-19 are encouraged to call Ohio's COVID Care Program at 614.278.0190 to be connected to free financial, food, housing and health services.
Help us spread the word by sharing information with your networks. Promotional materials are available in Amharic, Arabic, Nepali, Spanish, Somali, Swahili and French.
|
|
Syntero is starting a new Grief Support Group for people coping with all types of grief related to the pandemic. Please call 614.889.5722 ext. 133 to register.
|
|
The images and words we choose to use when talking about addiction make an impact. Learn more by watching this live session with ADAMH's SUD Clinical Manager, Dreanne Zimmerman, ADAMH's Digital Communications Specialist, Leah Hooks, Maryhaven Peer Support Specialist, Brooke Roush and the Ohio Opioid Education Alliance.
|
|
News From Our Providers and Community Partners |
|
-
The Buckeye Ranch has launched a new LGBTQ+ anti-stigma campaign, including resources for LGBTQ+ youth, family and caregivers, educators and allies. Learn More
-
Community for New Direction staff members Charles Williams, Director of Treatment Services, and Kari Roll, Director of Development and Community Relations, were interviewed on WOSU's All Sides with Ann Fisher. Thanks to All Sides with Ann Fisher for having such an important discussion about substance use disorder treatment and prevention, including the importance of safe disposal of medication. Listen to he segment here.
These updates have been submitted by providers in the ADAMH System of Care. If you work for a provider in our network and want to see your update in the next ADAMH eNewsletter, send information to Leah Hooks at [email protected].
|
|
ADAMH, the Alcohol, Drug and Mental Health Board, is a Franklin County government agency which funds over 30 non-profits who offer mental health and substance abuse treatment and prevention programs to Franklin County residents. These community non-profit organizations provide quality mental health as well as alcohol and drug addiction treatment services. We are dedicated to providing Franklin County residents with affordable, high quality alcohol, drug and mental health care.
If you or someone you know needs treatment or services, call Netcare, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week:
614.276.CARE (2273)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
