Ohio Observes May as Mental Health Awareness Month

In recognition of May as Mental Health Awareness Month, the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (OhioMHAS) is encouraging increased public awareness and usage of the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.

“We want all Ohioans to know they are not alone; there is always hope, and help is just a phone call, text, or chat conversation away,” said OhioMHAS Director LeeAnne Cornyn. “Just like 911 is synonymous with help for a police, fire, or medical emergency, our goal is to promote 988 as the go-to resource for immediate support during an emotional crisis.”  

Beginning in May, OhioMHAS is launching a public awareness campaign that includes radio, television, social media, and out-of-home messages in communities throughout Ohio, with a goal of making more people familiar with the potentially lifesaving resource.

Launched in July 2022, the easy-to-remember, three-digit number provides 24/7, free, and confidential support to anyone experiencing thoughts of suicide, a mental health or substance use crisis, or other severe emotional distress.

Ohio 988 is a direct connection to compassionate, accessible care and support for anyone experiencing mental health related distress, and functions as a front door to the community crisis system Ohio has been working hard to implement under Governor Mike DeWine’s leadership. Use of the service has increased as awareness has grown organically over time. In 2023, counselors at Ohio’s 19 call centers responded to nearly 163,000 contacts, which includes calls, texts, and chats.

Last fall, OhioMHAS led a messaging campaign that focused on increasing awareness through various social media platforms. While those efforts helped to boost awareness -- Ohio’s call centers are currently averaging more than 13,400 contacts per month -- state officials expect to see that number expand as awareness of 988 increases. According to a baseline survey, slightly more than one-third (36%) of Ohioans expressed familiarity with 988. While that number more than doubles the national rate of 17%, state officials hope this year’s campaign helps cement 988 as a valuable and trusted resource.

“No one plans a crisis in their life any more than planning a heart attack. The goal of the campaign is to increase awareness of the number to call when a crisis occurs,” stated Ohio’s 988 Administrator Doug Jackson. “988 is simple to remember and is a resource for Ohioans that not only helps people during tough times…it saves lives.”

Learn more about Ohio 988 and access a free, customizable toolkit at mha.ohio.gov/988.

The Ohio Council Welcomes New Member Provider, UMCH Family Services

UMCH Family Services in Columbus, OH - Sean Reilly, CEO, can be reached at [email protected] or by phone at (614) 885-5020.

UMCH Family Services (recent merger of UMCH Family Services and Choices) is a non-profit comprehensive mental health and child welfare agency providing Treatment Foster Care, Outpatient Mental Health Services, Psychiatry, Intensive Home-Based Treatment, and Adoption in all counties.

Click here to learn more about UMCH Family Services!

Walmart Health Closing All Clinics

In a sharp reversal of strategy, Walmart announced it will close all of its health clinics and end its virtual care platform.  According to an article published in Modern Healthcare on April 30, 2024, the retail giant attributed this shutdown of Walmart Heath to reimbursement challenges and escalating operating costs that made the business model unstainable.  Walmart Health operated 51 clinics that provided primary care, dental, behavioral health, lab, X-ray, and telehealth services.  All 51 clinics currently in operations will close within the next 90 days.  Walmart will continue to operate its pharmacies and vision centers.

US Poised to Ease Restrictions on Marijuana in Historic Shift, But It'll Remain Controlled Substance

The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration will move to reclassify marijuana as a less dangerous drug, a historic shift to generations of American drug policy that could have wide ripple effects across the country.

The proposal, which still must be reviewed by the White House Office of Management and Budget, would recognize the medical uses of cannabis and acknowledge it has less potential for abuse than some of the nation's most dangerous drugs.

However, it would not legalize marijuana outright for recreational use. Once OMB signs off, the DEA will take public comment on the plan to move marijuana from its current classification as a Schedule I drug, alongside heroin and LSD. The proposal would move marijuana to Schedule III, alongside ketamine and some anabolic steroids. After the public comment period and a review by an administrative judge, the agency would eventually publish the final rule. Federal drug policy has lagged behind many states in recent years, with 38 having already legalized medical marijuana and 24 legalizing its recreational use.