Guide Aims to Help Reporters Sensitively Cover Behavioral Health Topics

In mid-June, RecoveryOhio, the Ohio Attorney General’s Task Force on Criminal Justice and Mental Illness, and the Ohio Opioid Education Alliance released an updated guide for media professionals writing about mental health and SUD-related topics. “Reporting About Substance Use and Mental Health: A Resource for Media Professionals” is designed to help journalists avoid stigmatizing language or imagery in news and media coverage. The guide covers word choice, the use of images, and other topics. Ohio Council members are encouraged to read the guide and share it with local media professionals as opportunities permit.