OCTOBER NEWSLETTER

COALITION MEETING

Prevention Coalition and Suicide Prevention Coalition:

October 7th, 2026 from 3:00PM to 4:15PM

4717 Main Ave. (Lower Level)

Ashtabula, OH 44004

MONTHLY BOARD MEETING

Ashtabula County Mental Health and Recovery Services Board Meeting:

October 15th, 2026 @ 8:30AM

4717 Main Ave. (Lower Level)

Ashtabula, OH 44004

One Life Race Brings Community

Together for Suicide Prevention

The Ashtabula County Suicide Prevention Coalition held its annual One Life Race on September 12th, bringing together approximately 150 participants for a 5K race and 1-mile walk in support of suicide prevention and mental health awareness. Community members of all ages came out to participate, show their support, and help spread an important message of hope. Even our four-legged friends joined in making it a wonderful event for the entire community!

Shannon Riley, who also serves on the Ashtabula County MHRS Board, was the featured guest speaker. Prior to the start of the race, Shannon shared a meaningful message and personal story reminding everyone of the importance of the event.

The One Life Race is more than just a race or walk. It is an opportunity to bring people together, raise awareness about suicide prevention, and encourage open and honest conversations about mental health. By coming together as a community, we can help break down the stigma associated with seeking help and remind individuals and families that they are not alone.

The Suicide Prevention Coalition extends a heartfelt thank you to everyone who attended and participated, our generous sponsors, and Stasny Road Racing for once again coordinating this wonderful event. We are grateful to everyone who helped make the day such a success and to our community for continuing to show up, support one another, and help spread the message that every life matters.

For more information about the Suicide Prevention Coalition please contact Bridget Sherman from the MHRS Board at 440-992-3121 or via Email at Bsherman@ashtabulamhrs.org 

C.O.R.E. End-of-Summer Recovery Event

On September 26th, C.O.R.E. (Community for Outreach, Recovery and Empowerment) hosted an end-of-summer recovery event at Walnut Beach in Ashtabula, bringing together approximately 40–50 members of the recovery community for a beautiful day of connection, fellowship, and empowerment. Attendees enjoyed food, time together, the beautiful Lake Erie setting, and a friendly game of beach volleyball.

The event was a wonderful opportunity to come together and celebrate the many positive things that recovery brings into our lives. A special thank you to all of the C.O.R.E. members who helped host the event and contributed food, activities, and their time to make the day such a great success!

If you would like to be apart of C.O.R.E and make a difference within Ashtabula County's Recovery Community

please e-mail: Christy Fisher at Cfisher@ashtabulamhrs.org.

C.O.R.E meets the 1st Thursday of every month, location varies.

Click here for details

SUD COE: Kratom in Ohio – What Every Clinician Needs to Know

Wednesday, October 7, 2026

10:00 AM - 11:30 AM

This training provides an in-depth examination of kratom, including its basic pharmacology, dose-dependent effects ranging from mild stimulant-like to opioid-like sedative effects, and the clinical health implications of its use. Participants will explore high-potency and synthetic kratom derivatives, associated health risks, patterns of misuse, and current regulatory efforts. Emerging approaches in treating individuals with kratom use, particularly in the context of co-occurring substance use and mental health disorders will be introduced. Participants will leave with practical knowledge to recognize and respond to the growing public health challenges associated with kratom. The Center for Evidence-Based Practices incorporates exercises and case examples specific to the unique practice settings of participants in attendance to promote knowledge transfer and skill application practice.

Continuing Education Units (CEUs)

Cnslr: 1.5

LPN: 1.5

RN: 1.5

SW: 1.5

OCDP: (C1) 1.0, (C6) 0.5

Nursing Contact Hrs: 1.5

To view a whole list of trainings provided for the month of September please click below:

Alcohol Use Disorder Part 2: Addressing the Special Needs of Women and Understanding Recovery Trajectories and Relapse

Virtual | October 29, 2026 | 1:00 - 2:30 PM EST

This webinar will examine alcohol use disorder among women in the United States, with a focus on the evidence base for treatment and clinical considerations that may shape women’s experiences when seeking care. Participants will learn about evidence-based behavioral and medication interventions, as well as clinical and recovery support that can promote treatment engagement and sustained recovery. Presenters will review widely used models of recovery, recovery trajectories, and current research on recurrence of alcohol use, including factors that may increase risk and those that may support long-term wellness.



Register Here

COMMUNITY INFORMATION

The event below was rescheduled

from last month:

Want to see something in our Newsletter or subscribe? 

Email Christy Fisher: Cfisher@ashtabulamhrs.org