The Ohio Association of County Behavioral Health Authorities (OACBHA), the Ohio Department of Mental Health & Addiction Services (OHMHAS), and Alcohol, Drug Addiction, and Mental Health (ADAMH) Boards throughout Ohio are promoting that the week of September 18th to the 24th be set aside to thank all mental health and addiction workers throughout the state.
The theme of the week is "Bringing Help. Bringing Hope. Says Cheri L. Walter, CEO of the OACBHA, “As an individual in long-term recovery and a family member of individuals who have experienced mental illness and addiction, I want to express my sincere respect, admiration, and appreciation for the workers who spend their days committed to helping others achieve and maintain recovery.”
A decline in the number of mental health and addiction professionals in the state has made OHMHAS dedicated to improving the recruitment and retention of mental health and substance use disorder workers. As part of this effort, the agency has identified Ohio’s Wellness Workforce Priorities and is pursuing partnerships with providers, local community leaders, and educational institutions to create more pathways for Ohioans to pursue these careers.
When announcing his new workforce initiative Ohio Governor Mike DeWine said, “The health and success of Ohio’s families and communities depends on our ability to recruit, train, and retain the best talent to ensure Ohio has the most robust behavioral health workforce possible.”
