Activists like Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. worked tirelessly to ensure marginalized individuals obtain civil rights but are often gone too soon to realize the impact they have made in society. Dr. King was assassinated at 39 years old, but when pathologists completed his autopsy, they reported that his heart looked like one of a...
Category: Strengthening the HHS Safety Net
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Record Low Unemployment Statistics Leave Out Millions of Ohioans
Ohio’s unemployment rate of 3.3 percent in July 2023 was one of the lowest on record, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Yet this number tells only part of the story. Many Ohioans have removed themselves from the labor force completely and no longer count in official unemployment statistics. Many Ohioans have removed themselves...
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What you may have missed in the budget: The State of Ohio’s updated parental leave policy
During the state budget debate over funding, the state’s parental leave policy was changed to allow employees working for the State of Ohio more paid time off upon the birth or adoption of a child. The major changes are highlighted below: State employees will now have 12 weeks of paid time off, at 70 percent...
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Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services: Final budget overview
On July 5th, Governor Mike DeWine signed H.B.33 into law. The enacted version of H.B. 33 appropriates $1.2 billion in FY 2024 and $1.1 billion in FY 2025 for the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (OhioMHAS), totaling $2.3 billion for the entire biennium. Approximately half (50.4%) of these funds come from the General...
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Financial challenges in two Cleveland neighborhoods: housing, wages, childcare
By: Ivan T. Conard, Intern, Community Impact and Engagement During my internship with the Center for Community Solutions, I embarked on a journey that allowed me to dive deep into the heart of Cleveland’s neighborhoods. Through surveys conducted via handwritten notes, verbal discussions, and digital links, I gained invaluable insights into the challenges faced by...
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Department of Children and Youth Begins Planning; Announces New Director
Earlier this year, the DeWine administration announced in their state budget proposal a plan to create the Department of Children and Youth (DCY). The agency will combine several programs and resources from six agencies working in health and human services. With the recent passage of the state budget, the new Department is officially going to...
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April HHSA meetings focused on housing, transportation, medical respite and recovery
The Cuyahoga County Health, Human Services, and Aging Committee met on April 5th, 2023, to consider several contracts. The meeting was Chaired by Vice Chairman Martin Sweeney. The first item considered was an award of $10,000 over two years to Enterprise Community Partners. The funds were administered because of the American Rescue Plan Act, from...
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An update on 988: What is the future of behavioral health crisis care?
On July 7th, 2023, Governor Mike DeWine gave a press conference discussing the 988 Lifeline. His press conference outlined significant changes that have occurred since the Lifeline number was federally changed last July. Previous work by Community Solutions has tracked the implementation of the 988 Lifeline number. With the conclusion of the state budget, the...
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Sandwich Caregivers: Holding it All Together
Bathing and grooming, managing medications, toileting assistance and wound care may pop to mind when you hear the term “caregiver.” These activities are very much under the umbrella of caregiving, and so are dropping off groceries once a month, mowing someone’s lawn, or giving a ride to a doctor’s appointment. 12 of Ohio’s 88 counties...
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Initial reflection on the 2024-2025 budget
The 2024-2025 state budget is wrapped. While we’ll spend a lot more time and blog-space on how this state budget will impact health and human services, this initial reflection on the budget provides a quick look at where The Center for Community Solutions’ budget priorities landed. Improving the health of Ohio’s kids and moms Community...