VAP RECEIVES OHIO DEPARTMENT OF MENTAL HEALTH AND ADDICTION SERVICES CERTIFICATION
We are very excited to share that Victim Assistance Program has received our certification from the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (OhioMHAS)! We are officially certified to provide referral and information services to be used during crisis intervention and advocacy services.

So, what does this all mean?

This means that the OhioMHAS has deemed that our referral and information services meet the guidelines that they have set for that category. These rules and regulations define what these services are and how these services should be carried out, based on best practice standards.

Referral and information service certification means that we are providing vetted responses to anyone who asks about resources and services available in our community! Additionally, we work to coordinate with other health and human service providers and ensure that our referrals are accessible. Some of these regulations include having a compiled list of resources that we can provide to clients and ensuring that these resources are vetted and accessible. We have always provided this much needed service and that will not change!

This certification, in addition to our history of expertise in the field of victim advocacy and accreditation from the Council on Accreditation, can provide you with the confidence that we are providing services of the highest standards. Not only do we always hold ourselves accountable to our clients, but we are also held accountable by the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services.

We are very excited about this milestone on this journey of elevating our services and we hope you are, too! Thank you for your support and for helping us continue to carry out our mission of empowering our community to restore lives impacted by crisis, violence, and tragedy!
VAP SERVICES ARE ALWAYS AVAILABLE!
Our advocates are still providing 24/7 crisis intervention and advocacy services to our community.
As we continue to navigate the current landscape caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, we continue to monitor all information available to us in order to best serve our clients, while also keeping the safety of our clients and staff in mind. As a result, our physical offices will remain closed until further notice. We will keep you up to date on our plans to reopen, when that time comes.

Until then, if you or someone you know is a victim of a crime or trauma, we are still here for you. Our advocates can be reached via:

24 hour hotline
330.376.0040

24 hour text messaging
330.376.0040

24 hour online chat
www.victimassistanceprogram.org

Additionally, as the only agency providing on scene response to Summit County victims of crime and trauma, we have and will continue to provide in person services upon request from local law enforcement, Summit County emergency management agency, EMS, and/or fire officials.
Did you know that, in addition to going digital for this next session of The Essentials, our Summit Victim Assistance Academy has created a brand new YouTube Channel? This new channel is a place for professionals to enhance their knowledge about supporting victims of crime and trauma while working remotely. As victim service agencies are adapting to social distancing, so are we. Our Summit Victim Assistance Academy in-class trainings have been paused….but that isn’t stopping us! Now more than ever we need to help others adjust their skills and administrative practices to ensure victims are receiving the best care possible.
 
Our Academy and expert training staff stand apart from other training institutes. Please subscribe to stay abreast of our weekly uploaded videos, presented by actual staff who continue to provide direct service 24/7/365 during these trying times. If you have a suggestion about a training topic, send us a message and we’ll see what we can do.
PTSD AWARENESS MONTH
What is PTSD Awareness Month?
There are currently about 8 million people in the United States with PTSD. Even though PTSD treatments work, most people who have PTSD don't get the help they need. PTSD Awareness Month serves to spread the word that effective PTSD treatments are available and there are many different options available to anyone who is experiencing this.

To learn more visit the National Center for PTSD website!
LGBTQ PRIDE MONTH
What is LGBTQ Pride Month?
This month-long celebration demonstrates how LGBTQ Americans have strengthened our country, by using their talent and creativity to help create awareness and goodwill. June 2020 marks the 50th anniversary of LGBTQ+ Pride traditions.