Overdose Awareness Day is observed on August 31 to honor those who have been lost to overdose and remind us all that there is hope. Stop by and say hi to MHRB at these events:

Overdose Awareness Community Cookout

August 26 | 5pm - 8pm

Food Truck Park - 20 E 4th St., Franklin, OH

Blanchester Overdose Awareness Event

August 29 | 6pm - 8pm

116 S. Broadway St., Blanchester, OH

We invite you to "Light It Up Purple" and join people around the world to send a clear message: overdose is preventable, and together, we’re committed to saving lives.

Tag us on social media so we can spread awareness - #MHRBWCC



Summer has flown by, and the Board has been busy! Check out some highlights:

• Our team recently celebrated the retirement of longtime Deputy Director of Communications, John Cummings, John did an amazing job building awareness in our community to support resources and services available, and we wish him well.
• In early August, MHRB welcomed the new Deputy Director of Communications, Carolyn Swabek. Reach out to her at cswabek@mhrbwcc.org.
• Staff participated in 6 National Night Out Events on August 4 - Wilmington, Sabina, Blanchester, Hamilton Township, Franklin, and Lebanon.
• We also celebrated another Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) Training for School Resource Officers.
• Groundbreaking for New Housing Ohio's affordable housing development in Lebanon took place on August 12. Made possible by many generous community partners, this development will provide stable and secure housing and on-site care for 36 individuals. The Board is proud to support this important project.

What the Board Does, Part 3:

Focus on Monitoring

MHRB provides funding to support a coordinated continuum of care for the behavioral health system which addresses five key areas:

• Prevention
• Crisis Services
• Community Services
• Justice Systems
• Recovery Support Services



Monitoring this funding through regular reviews and agency audits is how MHRB works with provider agencies to ensure the quality, effectiveness, and appropriateness of services and programs while aligning with Ohio law, Board policies, and community priorities. MHRB’s monitoring process helps ensure that funding is achieving meaningful outcomes for individuals and the community.

NAMI Family-to-Family Course

This no-cost, 9-week course is designed for family, caregivers, and friends of individuals living with mental illness

.

Tuesdays Sept. 8 - Oct. 27 | 6:30pm - 9pm

Christ's Church Mason - 5165 Western Row Rd., Mason OH

Wednesday, Oct. 7 - Dec. 2 | 6:30pm - 9pm

Virtual

NAMI Peer-to-Peer Course

This no-cost, 8-week course is designed for adults living with mental health conditions who are looking to better understand themselves and their recovery.

Wednesday, Aug. 26 - Oct. 7 | 6pm - 8pm

Hope Community Center - 4 Cecilia Dr., Amelia, OH

Tuesday, Oct. 6 - Dec. 1 | 6pm - 8pm

Virtual

Find Help

MHRB contracts with multiple agencies to offer behavioral health services and programs for Warren and Clinton County residents. Explore what you need here.

Warren County Suicide Prevention Coalition

The WCSPC provides resources and support for community members. Monthly meetings are open to all. To get involved, email WarrenCountySPC@gmail.com. Events are listed on MHRB's Events Page.

Back to School Resources

Mental Health America has released free tools for students, parents, and caregivers to help navigate this busy time of year. Access them here.

Confidential Alcohol and Drug Use Assessment

If you or a loved one is struggling with drug or alcohol use, or you are seeking resources that can help you stay informed, visit the e-Prevention tool page our website.

Free Teen Mental Health First Aid Courses

The Statewide Mental Health First Aid Collaborative, managed by Mental Health America of Northern Kentucky and Southwest Ohio, is offering 8 free Teen Mental Health First Aid courses this fall for roughly 200 high schoolers, with instructors, materials, and coordination all provided. It's open to schools and youth-serving organizations in Adams, Brown, Clermont, Highland, or Warren counties in Ohio and Pendleton, Grant, Gallatin, Owen, or Carroll counties in Kentucky. If you or your organization is interested, please contact Janet Gora at jgora@mhankyswoh.org.

United Way 211

211 is a free, confidential hotline and website that connects residents to local community, health, and human services, and is available 24/7. Explore resources here.

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine recently signed Executive Order 2026-03D, which authorizes the Ohio Department of Behavioral Health (DBH) to establish a statewide certification program for recovery housing operators.

Per the press release, "Over the last four years, there has been significant growth in recovery houses operating across the state. In 2022, there were 356 recovery houses in operation, and today, there are more than 1,700.

With this rapid growth, DBH has identified the recovery housing industry as an area the state can proactively improve needed oversight before potential issues with fraud, waste, and abuse become wide-spread. For example, there has been a growing number of recovery houses opening and operating without necessary certification and with unsafe, poor living conditions, particularly in southern Ohio. 

Under the new emergency rules, DBH will implement a centralized, state-administered certification program with higher-quality standards for certification. DBH will also have direct authority to receive complaints, investigate potential issues, and enforce compliance at these homes. This authority also gives DBH direct oversight to refer any potential cases of fraud, waste, and abuse to the Ohio Attorney General's Office. "

Copies of the draft rules and business impact analysis are available for comment from DBH's Draft Rules website, available here. Comments must be submitted by 5 pm on Friday, August 28. 

Get Ready for Suicide Prevention Month this September



Suicide Prevention Resource Center- Ideas for Action

In Crisis? Call 988 or (877) 695-6333 any time 24/7

Crises aren't "9 to 5" happenings. They sometimes come on when it's not easy to pick up a phone and call someone.

Here's the good news: you can text for help at any time! Chat with a trained person by texting "HELLO" to 741741. That person will help you de-escalate and can offer information about local resources where you can find in-person help if needed.

The Crisis Text Line is always there for you, 24/7. Just send a message!

Mental Health Recovery Board Serving Warren & Clinton Counties

201 Reading Rd., Mason, OH 45040 | (513) 695-1695 | mhrbwcc.org

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