Issue 2 Would Legalize Recreational Marijuana. Automatic Record Expungements? Not So Much

A talking point in favor of legalizing recreational marijuana in Ohio says it will end arrests, court dates, jail sentences and fines for low-level marijuana possession and cultivation of the plant.

But state Issue 2, the initiated statute on the Nov. 7 ballot, says very little about criminal justice reform. It could make Ohio an anomaly. Every state that has legalized adult-use marijuana since 2018 has paired criminal justice reform with it.

Criminal justice advocates are calling on state lawmakers to make changes if it passes. Since Issue 2 is an initiated statute and not a constitutional amendment, the legislature can amend it.

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Dozens of Schools Recognized for Work on Mental Health Services and Prevention

A total of 78 schools, including three charter schools and 16 traditional public-school districts, received recognition for their efforts to prevent mental health problems like suicide, vaping and more.

The Montgomery County Educational Service Center and the Montgomery County Alcohol, Drug Addiction & Mental Health Services joined together for the Schools of Excellence in Prevention program, which provides a framework for schools who want to prevent mental health problems.

The schools received bronze, silver, gold or platinum honors. Some districts have been working on this program for a long time, while others were in their first year. Districts who received platinum status at all of the schools in their district included Brookville, Oakwood City, New Lebanon and Mad River Local.

Shannon Cox, the Montgomery County Educational Service Center superintendent, noted prevention can be difficult to measure, which makes it harder to get grants. But she said these types of programs are also key to getting kids to have a safe environment for mental health.

To view the full article, click here.

The Ohio Council Welcomes New Member Provider, HelpLine of Delaware & Morrow Counties, Inc!

HelpLine of Delaware & Morrow Counties, Inc. in Delaware, OH – Susan Hanson, Executive Director, can be reached at [email protected]  or by phone at (740) 363-1835. 

About HelpLine: As the community’s only comprehensive 24/7 resource, we are the go-to for supporting and empowering change. Our highly-trained specialists offer compassionate support to anyone in crisis or in need of information through our free, 24/7 hotline, connecting people with the right community resources.

For more information click here. 

Proper Disposal of Prescription Medication

You can dispose of unneeded medicines through a drug take back program — or you can do it at home.

• National Prescription Drug Take Back Day – October 28^th
• Too often, unused prescription drugs find their way into the wrong hands. The National Prescription Drug Take Back Day addresses a crucial public safety and public health issue.
• Find a Year-Round Drug Disposal Location
  DEA provides a tool for locating drug disposal locations near you.
• Disposal of Unused Medicines: What You Should Know
  Although some medications are safe to throw away at home, learn how to properly dispose of your expired prescriptions.
• Where and How to Dispose of Unused Medicines
• How to Properly Dispose of Your Unused Medicines - PDF

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