Latest news with #OhioDepartmentofMentalHealthandAddictionServices
Yahoo
a day ago
- Health
- Yahoo
DeWine, mental health leaders unveil 988 license plate
Jun. 10—COLUMBUS — Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine recently joined leaders from the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services and the Ohio Suicide Prevention Foundation to unveil a new specialty license plate intended to increase awareness of the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. "Every life matters, and the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is a vital part of Ohio's effort to ensure that help is available when it's needed most," said DeWine. "These specialized license plates are another example of how we are getting the word out about this important, lifesaving resource." The easy-to-remember, three-digit 988 Lifeline launched nationwide in July 2022 and provides free and confidential support 24/7 to Ohioans experiencing a behavioral health crisis. Ohio's 19 call centers have responded to nearly 538,000 contacts including calls, texts, and chats, and are now averaging more than 19,500 contacts each month. Most of those calls are answered in-state by fellow Ohioans with only about 1 percent of calls rolling over to a national backup provider. "Ohio has become a national leader in the delivery of 988. We know it works, and it's saving lives," said OhioMHAS Director LeeAnne Cornyn. "As more Ohioans become familiar with the service, our hope is that reaching out to 988 for a behavioral health crisis will become as natural as calling 911 for other types of emergencies." The license plate featuring Ohio's 988 logo is available now for purchase at deputy registrar locations and online at OSPF will receive $25 from the sale of each plate to support suicide prevention initiatives in communities throughout Ohio. "The proceeds will go directly back into Ohio communities to provide training and resources to prevent suicide," said OSPF executive director Tony Coder. "With this new license plate, we will continue to spread hope and healing across the state." OSPF championed the specialized plate after being approached by Chip and Debbie McClintock of northeast Ohio who were impacted by the deaths of two loved ones to suicide. This prompted a signature-gathering effort to encourage state lawmakers to create a specialty license plate dedicated to suicide prevention. Governor DeWine signed Senate Bill 163 earlier this year, which officially established the 988 license plate. "I'm beyond grateful to everyone who worked so hard to make this suicide prevention license plate a reality," said Debbie McClintock. "This is a small but powerful way to show that help is available, and you are never alone. I hope it reminds others that asking for help is always OK. If it helps just one person, it means the world." You Might Like News Kiwanis raffle will raise funds for community projects News Taylor introduces bill to connect rural communities with water resource programs News Man in cape, underwear breaks into West Portsmouth Dollar General News Concert series returns Tuesday night
Yahoo
12-02-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Pizzulli introduces legislation to address unregulated recovery housing
Feb. 11—COLUMBUS — State Rep. Justin Pizzulli, R-Scioto County, introduced on Tuesday legislation to address Ohio's unregulated recovery housing industry. Pizzulli 's office said the bill will empower the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services to establish a certificate of need program to assess and set the appropriate level of recovery housing in each Ohio region to ensure a fair distribution of services statewide. It will also allow local Alcohol, Drug Addiction, and Mental Health Services boards to inspect recovery housing facilities, investigate complaints and impose penalties on facilities that fail to comply with statewide standards. "Unfortunately, Ohio's recovery housing industry is currently operating without adequate oversight, creating a 'Wild West' environment and allowing bad actors to exploit the system," Pizzulli said. "By instituting strong local oversight, this legislation will help root out bad actors, protect vulnerable residents, and ensure that taxpayer dollars are spent wisely." According to Mapping the Gap: An Assessment of Capacity, Cost-Benefits, and Disparities in Utilization in Ohio Recovery Housing, 21 Ohio counties lack any recovery housing, while 22 counties are running at over 100 percent capacity — some exceeding 500 percent capacity. Pizzulli encourages those who are interested in providing testimony on the bill during the committee process to contact his office at Rep90@ for more information. He also encourages those who have concerns about a recovery home in their area to complete the form found at
