Community Action Plan for Expanding Naloxone & Fentanyl Test Strip Access for Community Partners

The Ohio Department of Mental Health & Addiction Services (OhioMHAS) is working to curb unintentional drug overdoses by increasing access to naloxone and fentanyl test strips for ADAMHS Boards, Behavioral Health providers, and other community partners.

Ohio’s illicit drug supply (including cocaine and methamphetamines) has become increasingly contaminated with fentanyl, a synthetic opioid that is 100x stronger than morphine. Individuals using any illicit substances for any reason, whether recreationally or due to dependence, are at high risk of unintentionally encountering fentanyl.  Fentanyl test strips give persons using any drugs the ability to test for fentanyl and minimize the risk of accidental drug overdose. Naloxone is the life-saving medication that can reverse the effect of an opioid-overdose.

OhioMHAS’ overdose prevention strategies include:

• Naloxone Access: OhioMHAS is strongly encouraging Ohio’s ADAMHS Boards and treatment providers to register to become Project DAWN (Deaths Avoided With Naloxone) programs, which would enable them to freely obtain and distribute large amounts of naloxone for their community.
• Fentanyl Test Strip Distribution: Additionally, registering to become a Project DAWN site allows access to free fentanyl test strips for ADAMHS Boards, treatment providers, and community partners. Organizations or individuals who are not Project DAWN partners may also obtain Fentanyl Test Strips from your local Project DAWN program.
• Media Plans: OhioMHAS has also developed OH Against OD, a harm reduction campaign communities can use to help others understand the issue and share information about resources; with the goal of increasing messaging about resources and help that is available to support people actively misusing substances as a key method to reduce overdose death.

For additional information, please see OhioMHAS’ Community Action Plan for Expanding Access to Naloxone and Fentanyl Test Strips, which is part of Ohio’s Strategic Plan on Opioid & Stimulant Use Disorder.

Ohio In-Demand Job Survey

The Governor’s Office of Workforce Transformation has opened the 2023 Ohio In-Demand Job Survey.  This survey allows Ohio businesses to provide feedback on the state’s Top Jobs List, which guides workforce training priorities and federal funding.

The survey helps the state collect feedback based on what Ohio businesses need, creating a portal for Ohioans to learn what jobs will be important now and in the future, so they can better plan their pathway to a successful career. The survey is open to any registered business in Ohio, allowing businesses of all sizes and in all areas of the state to share their needs.

Ohio is required to maintain an up-to-date In-Demand Jobs List, part of Ohio’s Top Jobs List, that directs the spending of 85 percent of Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) training funds. Although not required, Ohio has previously chosen to survey employers to ensure that state programs meet business needs.

As a vital business that delivers behavioral health services in your community, I strongly encourage each organization to participate in this In-Demand Job survey.  This is one more opportunity for us to elevate the need for all types of practitioners and jobs in our industry.  Please take time to review and complete this survey. 

To take the survey, visit TopJobs.Ohio.gov/Survey

Sports Gambling in Ohio Surpasses $4 Billion of Bets in 2023

Ohioans have now placed more than $4 billion worth of bets on sports gambling in 2023, though July was the slowest month for sports betting so far this year. Combined Ohioans bet just under $332 million in July, down from $363 million in June, according to compiled data from the Ohio Casino Control and Ohio Lottery commissions. The casino commission released its July revenue numbers last week. Separately, the lottery commission released its report covering gaming kiosks in mid-August. After payout winnings and voided wagers, the companies took in a combined $37.2 million in revenue in July, up from $32.6 million in June, despite the drop-in betting activity. Betting tends to slow down in the summers and picks up in the fall, when both the NFL and NBA seasons start again. If you or a loved one has questions and needs to talk to a professional about gambling, call the Ohio Problem Gambling Helpline at 1-800-589-9966 or the National Council on Program Gambling Helpline (NCPG) at 1-800-522-4700 or visit 1800gambler.net for more information. 21+ and present in Ohio. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-Gambler.

(Source: Cleveland.com)

You Still Have Time to Order The Ohio Council's 2022 Salary Survey Report

The Ohio Council's 2022 Compensation and Benefits Survey Report, prepared by Blue & Co., LLC is now available. The 2022 report includes a new section on Other Ohio Industry Compensation. This section includes a comparison of In-Demand jobs in Ohio both within the health and social services sectors as well as other industries that community behavioral health providers are now competing with for talent.  Once you have your copy of the report, please see the Summary section beginning on page 5 that provides a summary overview of the survey results.  

To order, please click here to complete the order form and pay electronically. Your order will be processed immediately upon receipt and a link to the 71-page report will be sent to the email address provided on the order form.   

Thank you for participating in this year's survey process.  We truly appreciated your patience and continued support.