As caseworker for a program that helps the homeless in Clermont County, Alex Boltz regularly encounters heartbreaking situations, sometimes involving seniors. She fears that growing numbers of aging citizens will find themselves facing similar living conditions.
“I think it’s just going to get worse,” said Boltz, a Greater Cincinnati Behavioral Health employee with the PATH (Projects for Assistance in Transition from Homelessness) program. “Their checks are not enough to cover their living expenses and rent continues to rise. Some end up living in cars.”
PATH provides intensive outreach services to Clermont County adults who are homeless or at imminent risk of homelessness. The program links people with mental health or substance use treatment services and provides other supports such as assistance with the Social Security application process and housing referrals. You can call an outreach worker directly at 513-765-9094 or 513-614-6918. The program is funded through Ohio Mental Health and Addiction Services via federal funds and the Clermont County Mental Health and Recovery Board.
Boltz and co-worker Abby Rau, a PATH SUD (substance use disorder) outreach worker from Greater Cincinnati Behavioral Health, say they are working with more senior citizens who receive Social Security checks, get evicted because rent costs went up, and need help getting connected to housing.
“A lot of these people have worked their whole lives and they don’t want to ask for help,” Boltz said. “They have lost faith in the system. When they break down their pride and go for help, it doesn’t go well. Services are good, but providers often are understaffed and overloaded and they just can’t keep up. If a person is willing to live in assisted living or a nursing home, that’s fairly easy to help them navigate the system. Especially if they’re getting their Social Security check. I think it’s just a matter of bridging the gap between their resources.”
Boltz tells about a 65-year-old woman who had been living in her car for two years. The woman now resides in an efficiency room in an independent living facility. Rent at the subsidized facility covers all her meals, transportation to appointments, an on-site laundromat, and community activities.
“She’s so grateful,” Boltz said. “She’s so happy. She didn’t even know that was an option. A lot of seniors think they can’t afford a home, but they’re all sorts of programs and different levels of assistance.”
Boltz and Rau are surprised by the number of homeless senior citizens.
“They’re retired, still have a vehicle, and are living in cars,” Boltz said. “They have no family support. Their family is out of state or passed away. They have lived in poverty all of their lives, so they don’t have a safety net. They have no evictions, no criminal record. They just need somebody to help them put in the footwork.
“Of course mental health and addiction play a big role in the homeless situation, but you run into people going through rough times that don’t have mental health problems,” Boltz added.
Rau said: “For many, rent is going up and they’re not making enough money on their jobs to counter expenses. For some of these people, it’s just an unfortunate situation. Most of us are just one or two paychecks away from homelessness.”
The PATH workers locate and contact with homeless individuals in wooded areas, on riverfronts, under bridges, in jails, hospitals, shelters, libraries, soup kitchens, or time-limited temporary/transitional housing.
They network with a variety of referral sources throughout Clermont County, including law enforcement, shelters, medical clinics, hospitals, churches, businesses and social service agencies. Once PATH workers identify and engage with a homeless client, they make a preliminary assessment for services and begin creating a plan for the client.
Boltz said: “We meet with the homeless, in cars a lot of the time, do an assessment, see what the needs are, any barriers, talk about how they ended up homeless, make a plan, get them to shelter if they want it and can connect them to services. Sometimes, it’s the same resources you or I would use. But they do not have access to a computer or know how to use one. They just need help.”
Rau added: “Sometimes they prefer to sleep outside. You make sure have food. Check in on them. Give them hand warmers.”
For those needing substance use treatment, there are options for sober living. However, subsidized apartments have long waiting lists and group homes for those with mental health challenges are out of the county.
For now, the PATH workers are trying to build awareness about the situation and the services they offer. Boltz has been in her job for 18 months and Rau started in September.
“It’s going to be a cold winter,” said Rau, thinking about those she plans to help in the months ahead.
BATAVIA, OH (July 20, 2023) — The Clermont County Mental Health and Recovery Board awarded 12 mini-grants to local organizations for the period of July 1, 2023 – June 30, 2024. The Mental Health and Recovery Board plans, funds, and monitors mental health and addiction services locally. The grants will fund evidence-based programs that enhance mental health and/or prevent addiction in Clermont County. The grant applications were initially reviewed by a three-member committee. A total of $30,000 was allocated, with maximum funding per project of $3,000.
The organizations selected for a mini-grant are:
Batavia Middle School, Calm Room: To create a calm, sensory-controlled space where students can go to feel safe and relaxed when they are overstimulated. The room will contain special lighting, snacks and drinks, comfortable areas to decompress, fidgets and sensory items, plants, and various calming activity options such as yoga and journaling.
Clermont County Public Health (2), Wound Care Kits and Xylazine Test Strips: To purchase Xylazine test strips and Xylazine Wound Care kits to be distributed to the participants of the Clermont County Bloodborne Infectious Disease Prevention Program (Syringe Services Program). The Bloodborne Infectious Disease Prevention Program offers a comprehensive approach to harm reduction that includes a one-for-one exchange of syringes, free naloxone, HIV and Hepatitis C testing, and referrals to treatment or other services.
Inter Parish Ministry, Food Pantry Summer Picnic: To provide summer picnics, freshly prepared hot meals, and “pop-up” picnics in various Clermont County communities for clients who are in need and to provide community mental health resource information and empowerment items. IPM’s Summer Community Picnic Program fosters a sense of well-being among food-insecure families and individuals who use the agency as a food resource.
Milford Mulberry Elementary School, Sensory Path/Positive Behavior Intervention Supports (PBIS): To install a permanent sensory path in the school building to be used as a tool that students can access when they need an out-of-classroom break that is guided with specific motor activities to reregulate their bodies. The grant will also pay to continue the school’s subscription to the PBIS software app that supports data-driven decision making.
Milford Pattison Elementary, Second Step Learning Kits K-3: To purchase one Second Step instructional kit for each grade level from kindergarten through third grade and one Principal Toolkit to assist with training for staff. Kits will be used by general education teachers class-wide to provide research-based instruction in social emotional skills and in turn, to help students build confidence, collaborate with others, and learn to navigate the world. The kits also allow teachers to access online digital resources related to the program that can be used for future, stand-alone implementation. The kits allow staff to access online training modules to prepare for teaching.
Milford Seipelt Elementary, Social Emotional Learning Program (SEL): To provide every student with whole-school assemblies, as well as smaller breakout sessions for more social-emotional learning (SEL) sessions, in which students will have the opportunity to engage in activities that promote self-reflection, relationship building, and social awareness.
Milford School District, Staff Well-Being: To plan activities around the wellbeing of staff that will include securing a weekly yoga instructor who could provide yoga to our staff onsite as well as various sensory and mindful materials that would create the opportunity to be available at various professional development days that have been set for recalibration as a station to relax and reset.
New Richmond High School, Sources of Strength: To continue efforts to improve mental wellness of both staff and students through a program called Sources of Strength. Sources of Strength is an upstream suicide prevention program that provides training for early intervention and suicide prevention. The program’s goal is to improve the social and cultural climate of the school and improve the mental health and wellbeing of both staff and students. It uses peer leaders to enhance protective factors associated with reducing suicide across a school population.
Safe Harbor of Hope, Day Ministry Center: To begin a Day Ministry Center available Monday through Friday as a point of connection for services geared toward women in the community who struggle with addiction and mental health wellness. The women will receive peer support services, food, clothing, hygiene products, drug testing, and other resources and information.
SMART Recovery, US Inc., SMART Recovery Handbooks: To purchase 200 SMART Recovery Handbooks to be distributed to clients at Clermont County addiction treatment facilities. The handbooks will provide clients with tools to help them with recovery. The grant will also be used for facilitator training and the development of additional community meetings.
West Clermont Merwin Elementary, PBIS Rewards System Access: To implement a schoolwide digital management system for Positive Behavioral health and Interventions Supports (PBIS) Rewards. Teachers and support staff at Merwin Elementary are currently using physical tokens to reward students for demonstrating appropriate behaviors at school. Teachers often share that the process of printing and cutting out the physical tokens is extremely time consuming each week. Rewarding students as a whole class is not always feasible during instruction or learning activities. The PBIS Rewards digital program will allow teachers and staff to immediately acknowledge positive student behavior from a mobile device.
BATAVIA, OH (July 14, 2023) – Clermont County is participating in Ohio’s BRIDGE Day, in support of the first national Day of Deflection, on Wednesday July 19. The event serves to educate the public about the work of law enforcement and treatment partnerships to address mental health and substance use challenges.
The Ohio Department of Public Safety (DPS) in collaboration with other state, local and private entities are driving the statewide community outreach day called BRIDGE Day.
Bridging Recovery Interdiction Data Gathering Enforcement (BRIDGE) combines law enforcement and substance use treatment resources in a coordinated effort focusing on reduction of supply and demand, simultaneously prioritizing treatment for those who qualify. Deflection Teams, also known as Quick Response Teams (QRTs), are comprised of first responders and mental health professionals who assist in pre-arrest diversion and post-overdose response.
Deflection is when first responders, social workers and recovery support professionals connect individuals experiencing mental health or substance use challenges to community-based treatment and/or services as an alternative to arrest or taking no action.
Clermont County has been in the forefront of these trends since the Opiate Task Force (now called the Clermont Addiction and Recovery Partnership) helped created QRTs in 2017. Greater Cincinnati Behavioral Health Services provides QRTs under a contract with the Clermont County Mental Health and Recovery Board (MHRB).
The team consists of first responders and treatment professionals. With QRT, the goal is to get people into treatment following an overdose.
“In Clermont County, increased naloxone distribution and heightened awareness mean that more people are surviving opioid overdoses,” said Lee Ann Watson, Director of the MHRB, and former Co-Chair of the County’s Opiate Task Force. “The QRT partners first responders with treatment professionals who can connect people to needed substance use disorder treatment at a time they are most actively seeking it.”
A video is being created to help explain how deflection works in Clermont County.
BATAVIA, OH ( March 23, 2023) – The Clermont County Mental Health and Recovery Board will present the Stepping Up Ohio Countywide Meeting virtually 11 a.m.-2 p.m. April 17, featuring presentations on mental illness and the criminal justice population.
The Clermont County Mental Health and Recovery Board is proud to bring the Stepping Up Ohio team to Clermont County for a follow-up visit. The meeting will provide updates on the work Clermont County has done since becoming a Stepping Up County and be a chance for state partners to share information about resources available to Clermont County.
The meeting is free and open to the public. Please contact Cindy Knoblauch at cknoblauch@ccmhhrb.org or 513-732-5400 for registration information.
For more information about Stepping Up Ohio, visit https://mha.ohio.gov/wps/portal/gov/mha/community-partners/criminal-justice/stepping-up-initiative/stepping-up-initiative or email Evelyn Stratton at evelyn_stratton@yahoo.com. To learn more about the Stepping Up initiative in this community, contact County Coordinator Lee Ann Watson at lwatson@ccmhrb.org or 513-732-5400 phone.
BATAVIA, OH — The DEA’s National Prescription Drug Take Back Day takes place 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 29. Turn in unneeded medication for safe disposal.
BATAVIA, OH (Aug. 10, 2022) — The Clermont County Mental Health and Recovery Board awarded 11 mini-grants to local organizations for the period of July 1, 2022 – June 30, 2023. The Mental Health and Recovery Board plans, funds, and monitors mental health and addiction services locally. The grants will fund programs that enhance mental health and/or prevent addiction in Clermont County. The grant applications were initially reviewed by a three-member committee. A total of $30,000 was allocated, with maximum funding per project of $4,000.
The organizations selected for a mini-grant are:
Cathy Barney, Artsy Fartsy Saturdays: To host a book launch event and reunion for past Artsy Fartsy students who have found their voices and creativity, built confidence and self-esteem, and received encouragement throughout the history of the program. The students will each receive a copy of the book, which includes their own stories, words, art, and photographs and will be a tangible reminder they are a vital and valuable part of their community.
Goshen Middle School, ReDo Day/The ID Project: The ID Project is specially designed to provide 7th and 8th grade students a forum where each can safely discuss and dialogue with others this radical period of mental, emotional, physical and social growth and change. As students traverse this extreme fast-forward internally and externally, graceful peer interactions are often the last to develop. The ID Project helps each student connect with her/his spot in the journey, and how to positively view their peers on their journeys.
Inter Parish Ministry, Food Pantry Summer Picnic: To provide summer picnics, freshly prepared hot meals, and “pop-up” picnics in various Clermont County communities for clients who are in need and to provide community mental health resource information and empowerment items. IPM’s Summer Community Picnic Program fosters a sense of well-being among food-insecure families and individuals who use the agency as a food resource.
Milford Boyd E. Smith Elementary School, Positive Behavior Intervention Supports (PBIS): To enhance the current PBIS framework by developing and implementing a checklist system that identifies students who need additional support and guidance with academic, behavioral and emotional needs outside of the typical framework.
Milford Meadowview Elementary, ReSet Room/Positive Behavior Intervention Supports (PBIS): To enhance the current PBIS program by incorporating a ReSet Room. The ReSet Room is an intervention strategy that is used as a safe space where students can retreat to de-escalate, problem-solve, and refocus on appropriate behaviors so they can avoid classroom or school removal. ReSet Rooms are supervised by trained educational assistants and specifically focus on restorative and progressive practices.
Milford Mulberry Elementary School, ReSet Room/Positive Behavior Intervention Supports (PBIS): The purpose of the Reset Room is to provide a space for students who are having difficulty in the general classroom setting to step away from that environment and re-regulate by using sensory tools, guided reflection, and restorative practices so that they can repair harm and return to learning in a way that is acceptable to all parties. The space will be supervised and guided by an educational assistant trained in restorative practices who can teach and practice appropriate coping skills.
New Richmond High School, Speak Love Program: The Speak Love Program explores a three-step process with students to deepen their understanding of diversity and inclusion. New Richmond High School will use the program to improve the mental wellness of its staff and students. The training will be an opportunity to foster character and leadership skills and allow students to connect with the entire student body.
Safe Harbor of Hope, Short Term Refuge: The Safe Harbor of Hope will use this grant to set up a short-term refuge for women who battle addiction and mental illness in Clermont County. The refuge, with the help of area treatment agencies, will provide detox and dual diagnosis treatment and will be staffed by volunteers with medical backgrounds.
West Clermont Clough Pike Elementary, Positive Behavior Intervention Supports (PBIS): Clough Pike Elementary School is implementing Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS) programs which support students through an evidence-based Multi-tiered Intervention approach. The grant will be used to fund the relationship-building training and to host parent night.
West Clermont Holly Hill Elementary School, Positive Behavior Intervention Supports (PBIS): To enhance the current PBIS program, which supports students through an evidence-based Multi-tiered Intervention approach, by transitioning into tier 3 of the program and providing training for a staff of 40 teachers and paraprofessionals. The grant will fund the virtual workshop and refresher training throughout the year for school staff.
West Clermont Willowville Elementary School, Positive Behavior Intervention Supports (PBIS): Willowville Elementary School is implementing Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS) programs which support students through an evidence-based Multi-tiered Intervention approach. The grant will be used to fund the strategy training and to host parent night.
“I was able to not only open up, but find ways to detach from my cravings and trauma when it comes to my mind – and realize I have more to live for than what I had told myself.”
This quote comes from one of the 208 adults admitted to the Clermont County Community Alternative Sentencing Center (CASC) in 2021.
CASC is a comprehensive outpatient program that provides behavioral health services to individuals with substance abuse disorders. Individuals referred by Clermont County Municipal Court choose to be in the intensive outpatient program, which runs five days per week.
CASC is funded by the Board of County Commissioners with services provided through Greater Cincinnati Behavioral Health Services and grants obtained by the Clermont County Mental Health & Recovery Board.
Alicia Fine, vice president of Greater Cincinnati Behavioral Health Services in Clermont County, and team members gave an annual update to Commissioners on April 25.
During the seven years GCBH has operated CASC, demographics have been consistent: average age in late 30s, with most having high school or higher education. Alcohol remains the primary use disorder, followed by opioids. Seventy-one percent of women and 40 percent of men had co-occurring mental health diagnoses.
Overall, in 2021, 75 percent of individuals were not incarcerated within a year of leaving the program. More than 85 percent remained in treatment at Clermont Recovery Center for at least 90 days.
CASC’s main curriculum is Thinking for a Change, an evidence-based cognitive-behavioral program. CASC also provides supplemental educational groups, with topics ranging from anger management to communication skills to healthy relationships to what to do when you’re bored.
Also included are individual counseling (at least once per week), case management (helps manage medications, connect to primary care doctors, dentists and eye care, coordinate services such as Medicaid, Medication-assisted treatment, psychiatric services and nursing) and
an embedded employment services specialist. There are peer recovery supports and community support (AA, Smart Recovery).
Commissioners complimented the CASC team on the great work it’s doing helping people on the road to recovery.
BATAVIA, OH — In a continuing effort to foster activities that promote positive mental health and prevent addiction, the Clermont County Mental Health and Recovery Board is pleased to announce that the opportunity for funding that we have labeled “mini grants” will again be available for the upcoming year.
The Board is looking for innovative projects that will positively affect mental health and/or prevent addiction for any age group. A total of up to $30,000, from the Board’s levy funds, is available for programs serving Clermont County residents. The maximum funding per project is $4,000. The grant period is July 1, 2022 through June 30, 2023. Any organized group in Clermont County – with the exception of the contract agencies of the Mental Health and Recovery Board – can apply for funding. Previously funded applicants are eligible to reapply.
Applicants must have a financial structure in place to account for the awarded funds. Funds may not be used to cover ongoing operating expenses.
To apply for a mini grant, please submit a brief proposal that includes the name, address, email address, and phone number of the contact person, a description of the activity/purpose for which the grant will be used, an explanation of how the activity will promote positive mental health and/or prevent addiction, a description of what part of the activity the mini grant will fund if used with other monies, the date(s) of activity, and the amount of the funding request. Mini
grant funds cannot be used to purchase equipment such as iPads, iPods, tablets, or other electronic items. The funds can be used for materials, supplies, and/or food for activities planned.
Proposals must be submitted no later than Monday, May 9, 2022, to: Mini grant Project, c/o Cindy Knoblauch, Clermont County Mental Health and Recovery Board, 2337 Clermont Center Drive, Batavia, OH 45103 or by email to cknoblauch@ccmhrb.org.
In 2021, the Clermont County Mental Health and Recovery Board funded a total of 13 mini grants to 12 separate organizations. Seven schools in Clermont County received grants that assisted in initiating activities that helped children stay drug-free, established mentoring programs, or promoted mental health well-being. In addition, grants were awarded to other agencies providing services directed to community members, such as Inter Parish Ministry and SMART Recovery USA.
Any group receiving funding is required to submit a report to the Mental Health and Recovery Board on its efforts and resulting outcomes following completion of the activity. A final accounting of funds must be submitted within 60 days of the end of the activity. All unused funds must be returned to the Mental Health and Recovery Board.
It is possible that mini grants may not be available in the future or that a project funded once may not receive funds a second time, so mini grants should be viewed as one-time only funds.
If you have any questions about applying for these grants, call the Clermont County Mental Health and Recovery Board at (513)732-5400 or email Cindy Knoblauch at cknoblauch@ccmhrb.org.
The Clermont County Mental Health and Recovery Board awarded 10 mini-grants to local organizations for the period of July 1, 2021 – June 30, 2022. The Mental Health and Recovery Board plans, funds, and monitors mental health and addiction services locally. The grants will fund programs that enhance mental health and/or prevent addiction in Clermont County. The grant applications were initially reviewed by a three-member committee. A total of $30,000 was allocated, with maximum funding per project of $4,000.
The organizations selected for a mini-grant are:
Cathy Barney, Artsy Fartsy Saturdays: To host a book launch event and reunion for past Artsy Fartsy students who have found their voices and creativity, built confidence and self-esteem, and received encouragement throughout the history of the program. The students will each receive a copy of the book, which includes their own stories, words, art, and photographs and will be a tangible reminder they are a vital and valuable part of their community.
Clermont Senior Services, Caregiver Support Group: To provide educational resources for caregivers who make it possible for seniors to remain in their home and out of a long-term facility. The resources will aid the caregivers in developing healthy caregiving skills. Also, to purchase non-medical items that encourage cognitive stimulation/emotional support for seniors who have mild to moderate dementia.
Felicity-Franklin Elementary School, Outdoor Classroom/Family Engagement: To build an outdoor classroom where students can develop a sense of self, independence, confidence, empathy, and self-discipline. Also, to host Family Reading Night and Math Night which promote positive family interactions with the school via the new outdoor classroom. The funds will also contribute to Red Ribbon week at the school, a drug-use prevention campaign to keep kids drug-free.
Goshen Spaulding Elementary School, Safer, Smarter Kids: To purchase a curriculum that is designed to empower elementary school-aged children to protect themselves in situations where someone could abuse them. In addition, to purchase lesson plans that incorporate visual aids to educate children about the importance of body boundaries and personal safety. And lastly for trauma-informed care that supports families and organizations that care for abused children, especially those seeking support within the foster care system.
Inter Parish Ministry, Food Pantry Summer Picnic: To provide groceries, as well as a freshly prepared hot meal for approximately 100 families who are in need, community mental health resource information, and empowerment items. The picnics also provide an opportunity for staff to interact with and meet clients who will hopefully embrace a sense of community and comradery.
Milford McCormick Elementary School, Positive Behavior Intervention Supports (PBIS): To enhance the current PBIS framework by adding a block of time and available resources schoolwide, each day, to explicitly teach skills that promote social-emotional well-being. Activities during these time blocks may include a lesson on resiliency, how to accept disappointment, self-regulation, or expressing emotions appropriately.
Milford Mulberry Elementary School, Positive Behavior Intervention Supports (PBIS): To expand the PBIS program by providing options for behavioral and sensory enrichment outside of the classroom. School staff have designated a room in the building where students can go when they need a break outside of the classroom, away from peers, potential triggers, and other stressors. The grant will be used to equip this room with sensory tools to help the students regroup, recenter, and return to the classroom.
On Our Way Home, Inc., Recovery House Improvements: To enhance the recovery house property and provide an inviting residence for tenants recovering from substance use disorder. The improvements are aimed at making the tenants feel safe, secure, and proud of their new home. In addition, the improvements will help maintain good relations with the neighbors.
SMART Recovery USA, Meeting Handbooks: To purchase SMART Recovery (Self-Management and Recovery Training) handbooks for meeting attendees. The handbooks will provide materials and worksheets individuals can use to achieve their goal of addiction recovery by teaching the four-point program: 1. Building and Maintaining Motivation; 2. Coping with Urges; 3. Managing Thoughts, Feelings, and Behaviors; and 4. Living a Balanced Life.
West Clermont Holly Hill Elementary School, Positive Behavior Intervention Supports (PBIS): To enhance the current PBIS program by improving designated calming spaces, extra support, and a PBIS incentive program. The grant will help provide resources and self-regulation tools to each homeroom’s “calming corner”- a designated space where a student can retreat to de-escalate. The grant will also provide an extra layer of support for special needs learners through tools and adapted lessons/equipment to help them grow in the area of social and emotional learning.
In addition to the above recipients, the Board has also received permission to use outside grant funding to help support other local programs that submitted mini-grant proposals.
Those award recipients are:
Grant Career Center, Grant Us Hope: To develop a “Hope Squad”- a community of students who work together to learn suicide prevention and mental wellness. Hope Squad is a school-based, peer-to-peer, suicide prevention program for students with curriculum that emphasizes suicide prevention fundamentals, self-care, and anti-bullying.
Safe Harbor of Hope, Tuition Sponsorship: To provide tuition costs for four women to complete their first 90 days in a residential, sober living residence where they can recover from unhealthy lifestyles. The women will receive an individualized program with ongoing assessment and Case Management as well as a support coach. Safe Harbor has no salaried employees and most of its funding is through grants, donors, faith-based support, and fundraisers.
Williamsburg Middle School, Hope Squad Summer Camp: To continue the school’s suicide prevention program and host a summer camp where new members can become acquainted with the expectations and goals of the Hope Squad program. The students will do team building activities, complete suicide prevention and awareness trainings, plan the Hope Squad schedule, and discuss ways to spread awareness for good mental health and suicide prevention.
Additional information on the mini-grant awards, the programs, and about mental health or addiction prevention can be obtained by contacting the Mental Health & Recovery Board at 513-732-5400 or visiting their website at www.ccmhrb.com.
BATAVIA, OH — Clermont County residents who have an interest in assisting with the direction of local addiction and mental health services in the county are invited to contact the Clermont County Mental Health and Recovery Board (CCMHRB) about a volunteer position on its Board of Directors.
There are currently five vacancies on CCMHRB’s Board of Directors.
The Board of County Commissioners is responsible for appointing eight members of the board. Five of those positions are filled. Three positions are available.
The Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (OMHAS) is responsible for appointing six board members, with three of those positions filled and one in process. Two positions are available. Priorities for these OMHAS appointments are for a person who has received services for mental health issues or alcohol and/or drug use, a family member of someone who has had a mental health or addiction issue, or someone who is working or has worked in the mental health and addiction field, or who has been involved in advocating for mental health and/or alcohol/drug services.
The selected individuals will be part of a 14-member board representing a variety of interests, including professionals from the mental health and alcohol/drug fields, family members, individuals in recovery, and community representatives.
The board meets monthly on the second Monday of the month at 7 p.m. Members also are involved periodically in meetings for one of two committees – Finance and Program. Terms for board members are four years, and a member can serve two terms.
CCMHRB is the local board of alcohol, drug addiction, and mental health services. It is the county agency responsible for planning, monitoring, evaluating and funding all mental health and addiction services in the county provided through public dollars.
Both the County and OMHAS have application forms that potential Board members must complete, and board staff will provide those to you if interested.
If you are interested in serving on the board, please send a letter of interest and a resume to CCMHRB at 2337 Clermont Center Drive, Batavia, OH 45103 or by email to cknoblauch@ccmhrb.org. For more information, call the CCMHRB office at 513-732-5400.
