Public Comment Period - Prevention Services Rule (O.A.C. 5122-29-20)

The Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (OhioMHAS) is proposing changes to the prevention services rule, O.A.C. 5122-29-20. A copy of the proposed rule, a summary of the changes it would make, and a red "Launch" link through which comments on the rule may be sent directly to OhioMHAS is available from this web site: https://mha.ohio.gov/about-us/rules-and-regulations/rules/draft-rules/prevention-services. 

Comments are due by Friday, November 29, at 5 pm. For each comment you have, please specify which particular paragraph or paragraphs of the rule you are addressing. This is very helpful for our analysis of your comments. Thank you.

Great Minds Workforce Commitment Incentive Program Application Deadline TODAY

Last month, Governor DeWine announced a new initiative to encourage recent graduates to serve in the community-based behavioral health field through incentives of up to $20,000 in student loan support. This initiative aims to bolster workforce stability and ensure long-term service delivery. Applications for this program are due TODAY November 15, 2024. More information is available at Great Minds Fellowship Workforce Commitment Incentive Program

Applications Open - Great Minds Fellowship Workforce Commitment Incentive Program

The Ohio Department of Higher Education has opened applications for the Great Minds Fellowship Workforce Incentive Program, which provides loan repayment up to $20,000 on behalf of new graduates that commit to working at a community behavioral health center for a least one year of full-time (32 hours per week) employment. 

To be eligible to apply for the Great Minds Fellowship Workforce Commitment Incentive Program, an applicant must:

• Have graduated or received certification between May 1, 2023 and January 6, 2025 from one of the following academic programs: Marriage and Family Counseling, Mental Health Counseling, Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing, Social Work, Substance Abuse/Addiction Counseling or related academic program. Note: Academic program relatedness will be determined by the Ohio Department of Higher Education.
• Be currently employed at an eligible Ohio Community Behavioral Health Center (CBHC) in a direct care position OR have an employment offer with a start date no later than January 6, 2025 from an eligible Ohio Community Behavioral Health Center (CBHC) in a direct care position.
• Commit to at least one year of full-time employment at an eligible Ohio CBHC in a direct care position.
• Full-time is defined as an average of 32 hours or more.
• Successful applicants will be required to provide verification of employment at the one-year mark.

The application is available and must be submitted by November 15, 2024.  Applicants will need to fill out the application form completely and email the form and a digital copy of their college or university transcript demonstrating graduation date and academic program to [email protected].

Great Minds Fellowship - Workforce Commitment Incentive Program Application (PDF)

We strongly encourage you to share this information with any employee or student that has or will complete their degree between May 2023 and January 6, 2025 that will be or is currently employed full-time.  This is a great, one-time opportunity for loan forgiveness. More information and an FAQ can be found here. 

Ohio Voters Approve All 12 Local ADAMH Levies 

Ohio voters approved all 12 Alcohol, Drug Addiction and Mental Health Services board levies on Tuesday's ballot. Results are below:

Allen/Auglaize/Hardin | 10-year, 0.5 mill renewal | 63% Yes
Butler | 5-year, 0.5 mill additional | 55% Yes
Erie | 5-year, 0.5 mill renewal | 68% Yes
Fairfield | 10-year, 0.75 mill renewal | 58% Yes
Guernsey | 10-year, 1 mill renewal | 63% Yes
Jefferson | 10-year, 0.5 mill replacement | 56% Yes
Lake | 10-year, 0.9 mill renewal | 58% Yes
Lorain | 10-year, 1.2 mill renewal | 64% Yes
Ottawa | 5-year, 0.5 mill renewal | 67% Yes
Putnam | 5-year, 0.7 mill renewal | 64% Yes
Trumbull | 10-year, 1 mill renewal | 66% Yes
Wood | 10-year, 1.6 mill renewal | 64% Yes