Within minutes of taking the oath of office in January, Governor Mike DeWine issued an executive order establishing the RecoveryOhio Advisory Council to guide his new administration’s efforts to address Ohio’s ongoing crisis of drug addiction and mental illness. The council’s appointees are comprised of advocates and experts across systems, representing state and local governments,...
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John Corlett’s top 10 favorite reports of 2018
The Center for Community Solutions’ offices are closed through January 2, and on the last day of 2018 we want to share our president and executive director, John Corlett’s top 10 Community Solutions’ reports from 2018. The report topics span a variety of health and human services issues, ranging from seniors to teens, infant mortality to Medicaid....
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Criminal justice and behavioral health number one issue for many in Northeast Ohio
By: Tara Britton, tbritton@communitysolutions.com Brie Lusheck, blusheck@communitysolutions.com On October 26, The Center for Community Solutions hosted its annual Celebration of Human Services in Cleveland. The event highlighted the incredible service from individuals around the city as volunteers, providers and public officials gathered to pay homage to the human services work and workers in Cleveland. Three breakout...
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Medication Assisted Treatment Bills Considered by Legislature in Lame Duck
On Wednesday, November 28, the House Health Committee heard testimony on two separate bills that each aim to expand access to Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) for opioid use disorders by loosening restrictions on pharmacists who dispense or administer MAT drugs. Proponents of Senate Bill 119 and House Bill 601 each testified to the importance of...
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A “PEP” talk from Dr. Bruce Perry on Clinical Approach to Combat Adverse Childhood Experiences
Though the impacts of toxic stress and Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) can be overwhelming, Dr. Bruce Perry of the Child Trauma Academy gave an inspiring and informative talk in Cleveland on May 15 on the effects of such trauma, and ways to build and empower a trauma informed community. Though I have participated in many...
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Community Engagement is Critical for Success as Ohio and its Counties Modernize Work Support Programs
May 7, 2018 INTRODUCTION Ohio’s County Departments of Job and Family Services are in the midst of significant changes to the way they administer public assistance programs – including food, cash and medical assistance. These programs are designed to help low-income families get back on their feet. In each of Ohio’s 88 counties, new technology...
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Ohio Medicaid Funding for County Program for Children with Autism, and Other Mental Health Needs, Slated to End
In less than 100 days the Ohio Department of Medicaid (ODM) is poised to end a special funding arrangement for a 27-year-old program in Cuyahoga County called Positive Education Program (PEP) Connections. Each year, PEP Connections serves nearly 900 high-risk youth with autism, and or other intensive mental health needs who are also at risk...