Behavioral health disparities in Appalachia and rural Ohio

Previous research at The Center for Community Solutions analyzed disparities distinctly experienced by people in Appalachian and rural counties of the state. Across many health, economic, and social indicators, people in these regions also suffer from higher rent burden,  poverty, and less diverse political representation. Behavioral health disparities exist in Appalachia and rural areas as well. A report released by...

Flexin’ in my melanin: Exploring colorism and its impact on our world

Tar baby, light bright, darkie, high yella—words that many in the Black community have heard or been called, me included. Growing up, I was a shade or two lighter or darker than my mom, depending on the season. Walking around as a lighter skinned child with light-colored eyes elicited varying responses– from curious gazes to those wondering if I was...

Ohio’s childcare crisis: The State and families are both paying the costs

When Community Solutions set out to release updated Status of Women fact sheets, the seven women sitting around the table were unanimous in wanting to see the issue of childcare represented. We knew that childcare continues to be a barrier to participation in the workforce and a stress point for families with children – including factoring into families’ decisions about...

Poverty Speaks 2023: Climbing out of poverty

Poverty Speaks 2023: Climbing out of poverty

By: Angela Maher, Research Associate Alex Dorman, Research Fellow Forty percent of low-income residents of Cuyahoga County reported that their financial situation is worse today than it was two years ago. People experiencing poverty report a rising perception that it is getting harder to get out of poverty, yet many hold hope their incomes will improve over the next year....

Age-Friendly Consulting Services

Age-Friendly Consulting Services

“A world in which you would want to grow older.” – World Health Organization definition of an Age-Friendly World Over the past ten years, the Center for Community Solutions has collaborated with cities and counties throughout Ohio as they have engaged in the process to become Age-Friendly communities. The first guide to Age-friendly cities was developed by the World Health...

Has anything improved for Black women in Cleveland? Project Noir survey is open.

Has anything improved for Black women in Cleveland? Project Noir survey is open.

The Worst City for Black Women In 2020, Bloomberg City Lab ranked Cleveland as the worst livable city for Black Women. Founders Chinenye Nkemere and Bethany Studenic of Enlightened Solutions decided to spring into action. The firm centers the lived experiences of diverse people in the research, advocacy, and solutions they provide to cultivate change in systems like corporations, hospitals,...

OneOhio Recovery Foundation accepting proposals

The OneOhio Recovery Foundation saw a busy day on March 4, 2024. The Foundation announced three regional information sessions, released the 2024 Regional Grant Request for Proposals (RFP), opened applicant registration for the grant portal, and announced additional resources for applicants. Information Sessions: Regions 1, 2, 7, and 17 The three regional information sessions are scheduled to take place in...

5 Things advocates need to know

 Cuyahoga County faces several vital decisions in the months ahead. Here are five things that advocates need to know:  1: The 40-year sales tax extension and where the money goes Cuyahoga County voters extended the 0.25 percent sales tax for another 40 years. It was initially passed by the Cuyahoga County Commissioners in 2007, and prior to the extension, was set...

Cuyahoga County Community Reinvestment Collaborative Plan: Call for proposals

Cuyahoga County Community Reinvestment Collaborative Plan: Call for proposals

Ohio’s Medicaid Managed Care plans seek to invest in local communities in Cuyahoga County. The Community Reinvestment Collaborative Plan (CRCP) is a partnership with Ohio’s Medicaid Managed Care Plans to invest in solutions that address local needs and social drivers of health to improve population health outcomes in Athens County and Cuyahoga County. Ohio’s Managed Care Organizations (MCOs) are reinvesting...

Residents with low income aren’t getting the mental health care they need 

Residents with low income aren’t getting the mental health care they need 

A 2023 Center for Community Solutions survey invited residents in Cuyahoga County with household incomes below $35,000—just below the Federal Poverty Level for a family of five—to share their experiences. Each participant was asked if they had needed mental health services or counseling since 2020, and as a follow-up, if they had successfully gotten the help they needed. It is...