Every policy space that we explore has inequities and racism built into it. This country’s approach to people who use drugs and the services and treatment available to them is no different. Even long before the so-called “war on drugs” began, Black and brown Americans who struggled with addiction were treated differently than white Americans.[1]...
Category: Blog
DRIVING SCARED – Is your Town a Sundown Town?
I was expecting the flashing light and siren behind me as soon as I passed the police car. I had an anxious feeling that he would be coming after me. I was passing through a small town in Ohio, a state I have lived my entire life, and I did not see a lot of...
ARPA Funding is an Opportunity to Improve OhioWIC
By: Hope A. Lane-Gavin, Fellow, Health Equity, The Center for Community Solutions Katherine Ungar, Policy Associate, Children’s Defense Fund – Ohio The American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) of 2021 has been at the top of hearts and minds since its passage last year as state and local governments prioritize economic recovery following the height of the...
Human Services Advocacy Network explores current state of the Cuyahoga County Diversion Center
On June 28, 2022, the Center for Community Solutions hosted a virtual conversation for the Human Services Advocacy Network (HSAN) titled “The State of the Diversion Center: Past, Present, and Future.” The panel consisted of Megan Testa, M.D., University Hospitals, Brandy Carney, Director of Public Safety and Justice, Cuyahoga County, Mike Randle, Executive Vice President...
How to be a more prepared, patient, and joyful voter
The Ohio May Primary opened with a glitch: the ballots wouldn’t scan. It became a problem that made Twitter and local news segments, but wasn’t the only interesting or exciting thing that happened that day. As serious as voting is, it is also a day to celebrate, remember, and feel accomplished. Voting is a serious...
Kyle Thompson joins the Policy Team at Community Solutions
Kyle Thompson joins Community Solutions as a Policy Assistant, with experience in policy analysis, community development, advocacy, and diversity education. Based in the Columbus office, he will support statewide policy work and the Greater Cleveland American Rescue Plan Coalition. Kyle will support statewide policy work and the Greater Cleveland American Rescue Plan Coalition. Graduating in...
White House releases Blueprint to Address the Maternal Health Crisis
People who give birth in Ohio and in the United States have worse outcomes compared to other developed nations. This is felt even more acutely by Black and brown people who give birth, for whom the maternal mortality rate is two to three, and in some cases three to four, times that of the maternal...
Infant Mortality, Domestic Violence, Housing, Workforce, Parks, and More Being Considered by Cleveland City Council for ARPA Funds
On Monday, June 27, Cleveland City Council met for a Caucus Meeting that lasted about three and a half hours to discuss two agenda items related to the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds that are in the city’s coffers. Because the meeting was a Caucus Meeting, no legislation was formally introduced; rather, the meeting...
The Role of Care Management Entities in OhioRISE
deBy: Patrick Kanary, Consultant OhioRISE[1] (Resilience through Integrated Systems and Excellence) is Ohio’s new Medicaid Managed Care behavioral health program for children and youth with serious and complex behavioral health needs, and their families. Aetna Better Health of Ohio[2] is the managed care provider for OhioRISE. OhioRISE went ‘live’ on July 1, 2022. The Need...