Low-income families with children across Ohio are receiving a much-needed boost in food assistance this summer, thanks to the continuation of the Pandemic EBT (P-EBT) program. In June 2022, the U.S. Department of Agriculture approved two plans by the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS) and the Ohio Department of Education (ODE) to...
On Friday, July 1, 2022, the OhioRISE (Resilience through Integrated Systems and Excellence) Medicaid program for youth with complex behavioral health and multi-system needs launched after years of development. OhioRISE seeks to bring comprehensive, coordinated care and new and enhanced services to children and youth with the most complex needs. OhioRISE seeks to bring comprehensive,...
In May, 2022, Mayor Justin Bibb unveiled his priorities and process for maximizing the use of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds through what he dubbed “Mayor Bibb’s Rescue & Transformation Plan.” As part of my work leading the Greater Cleveland American Rescue Plan Coalition, I wanted to dive more deeply into what the process...
On June 28, 2022, Community Solutions’ hosted a Human Services Advocacy Network (#HSAN) discussion on the past, present and future of the Cuyahoga County Diversion Center. The discussion was moderated by Mental Health & Addiction Advocacy Coalition’s Executive Director Joan Englund, and featured panelists, Megan Testa, M.D., University Hospitals, Brandy Carney, Director of Public Safety...
By: Sarah Hudacek, Policy Assistant, Advocates for Ohio’s FutureHope A. Lane Gavin, Health Equity Fellow, The Center for Community Solutions Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, a myriad of temporary health and human service programming was created to help stabilize families facing unprecedented illness, job loss and closures. Much of this programming was targeted at low-income working...
By: Jax Kelly, AIDS Funding Collaborative Intern/Guest Even prior to Pride, it’s been a busy few months of LGBT events. Jax Kelly, an intern with the AIDS Funding Collaborative, has been making the circuit speaking on HIV, ageism, stigma, and dating. His internship with AFC is part of a practicum as a Master of Public...
On June 13, 2022, the Ohio Department of Administrative Services (DAS) announced a new contract with Conduent State & Local Solutions, Inc. to manage Ohio’s Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) and Electronic Payment Card (EPC) Systems for the State of Ohio. This is an important development for Ohioans who receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) or...
June is Pride Month, a time of celebration for the LGBTQ community, and we should recognize and honor comprehensive lived experiences. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, nationally, “Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual or Transgender (LGBT) respondents to the U.S. Census Bureau’s Household Pulse Survey (HPS) were more likely than non-LGBT respondents to experience economic and mental health...
Nearly 20 percent of Ohio children under 18 lived in poverty during 2015-2019. At 19.9 percent, poverty under the age of 18 is higher than any other age group, compared with 13.8 percent for adults 18 to 59 and 8.8 percent for seniors 60 and over. For all ages together, the poverty rate was 14.0...
