|
Recovery in Action
Newsletter
| June 2024 | Volume 8 - Issue 6 | |
|
The ADAMHS Board Welcomes Two New Board Members and
Reappoints Two Others
| |
|
Kathryn Y. Parks, MBA, MA, LPC, LICDC, was sworn in at the General Board Meeting on June 26. Ms. Parks is the Operations and Programs Manager at Step by Step Family Services. Her work involves supporting individuals, families, and organizations in the vital areas of mental health and substance recovery and prevention services. With over 30 years of experience, she has forged partnerships with organizations and agencies that serve as catalysts for change in their communities. Her diverse background includes roles in education, business, behavioral health, real estate, education recruitment and client retention. Currently, she also serves as an adjunct faculty member at Cuyahoga Community College’s Business and Technology department, where she has spent 11 years shaping the minds of future leaders.
Molly Wimbiscus, M.D., was also sworn in at the General Board Meeting. Dr. Wimbiscus is a Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist at Cleveland Clinic since 2011; Founder and Director of School Mental Health Program since 2019; Program Director of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Fellowship from 2014-2018 and 2023-present; Assistant Professor at Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University since 2014; and Child Psychiatrist at Neighborhood Family Practice since 2016. She is actively involved in local and national professional societies and has served as a community leader or professional advisor in multiple organizations. Her scholarly work is in school mental health, youth development and identity, collaborative care and preventive psychiatric care.
| |
|
Ashwani Bhardwaj, was reappointed by OhioMHAS to serve on the Board for another term. He is President at Avon Tech Staffing Solutions, Inc., an organization with experience in finance and accounting. Mr. Bhardwaj also has experience as a speaker and Board member for ethnicity and addiction issues. Community affiliations include his participation as a member of the Advisory Committee of Chia Chen’s Asian Planning Board, a volunteer with the Greater Cleveland Shiva Vishnu Temple since 2010, and past President (2014-2015) and member of the Marwari Association of Northeast Ohio.
Steve Killpack, MS, was reappointed by OhioMHAS to the Board to serve another term. He is the Executive Director of Community Endeavors Foundation and Coordinator of Healthy Fathering Collaborative. His appointment as Second Vice Chair will be effective July 1, 2024.
| |
2024 OACBHA Mental Health & Addiction Conference | |
|
On June 3 and 4, members of the ADAMHS Board attended Ohio's 2024 Mental Health & Addiction Conference hosted by the Ohio Association of County Behavioral Health Authorities (OACBHA). Scott Osiecki, ADAMHS Board CEO, presented at two breakout sessions, including one spotlighting the Board's three-year Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Strategic Implementation Plan.
Scott's presentation titled "Clubhouses and Recovery" discussed how accredited clubhouses are key partners in recovery-oriented systems of care, including a new and shining example of a recent clubhouse services expansion location in Ohio, Broadway STARS Clubhouse in Youngstown.
Scott; Clare Rosser, ADAMHS Board Chief Strategy and Performance Officer; and Rico Rice, President of Rice Education Consulting, gave a presentation titled "Integrating DEI in Mental Health, Addiction, and Recovery Systems." This covered how the planning process prioritizes lasting DEI-related change; the steps taken to involve all our providers, clients and families; other action steps, as well as the initial changes resulting from the DEI Strategic Plan.
| |
|
Integrating DEI in Mental Health, Addiction and Recovery Systems Presentation Team
(l-r) - Scott Osiecki, Clare Rosser and Rico Rice
| |
|
Clubhouses and Recovery Presentation Team
(l-r) - Scott Osiecki; Brenda Heidinger, Associate Director, Mahoning County Mental Health & Recovery Board; Laura Lonardo, Director, Broadway STARS Clubhouse; and James Wineinger, Director of Clubhouse Ohio, Magnolia Clubhouse
| |
|
|
ADAMHS Board Funds New MetroHealth Psychiatric Emergency Department
The ADAMHS Board, in conjunction with MetroHealth and St. Vincent Charity, announced that a new psychiatric emergency department will open on MetroHealth's Cleveland Heights campus later this fall.
This department will be funded by the ADAMHS Board. Click here to read the press release.
| | | |
Hitchcock Center for Women Expansion Groundbreaking
On June 28, Scott Osiecki, ADAMHS Board CEO, Latoya Hunter Hayes, Chief of External Affairs, and Ian Jameson, External Affairs Officer, attended the Hitchcock Center for Women's groundbreaking groundbreaking for a new 77,000-square-foot residential treatment and recovery facility. The project also includes renovations to its current 95,000-square-foot building, 53 fully furnished permanent housing units and 42 residential treatment beds that will be adjacent to the facility. When the Board submitted its Community Capital Plan to OhioMAS, it identified the Hitchcock Center for Women’s expansion project as a priority item, which enabled it to receive an additional $750,000 in capital funding.
"What makes the Hitchcock Center for Women stand out is its mission of keeping families together throughout their healing and treatment journey. This is why we’ve been fervent supporters," said Scott. "Today’s groundbreaking is yet another step forward, not only for the Hitchcock Center for Women, but for all of Cleveland and Cuyahoga County."
| |
|
All of Hitchcock’s programs, from residential treatment to recovery housing and outpatient treatment, allow its patients to have their children, up to age 12, live on-site with them while they heal. During this fiscal year, the ADAMHS Board is providing over $452,000 of funding for the Women’s Recovery Housing program and Transportation program, along with paying for outpatient and residential treatment in our pooled funding.
We're proud to support the Hitchcock Center for Women, help fund this new residential treatment and recovery facility, and provide yet another valuable treatment and recovery resource to the residents of Cuyahoga County. We also remain committed to backing our mission statement by prioritizing and helping these programs flourish throughout the county.
| |
Speakers and stakeholders from Cleveland, Cuyahoga County and the State of Ohio break ground on the new expansion. | |
(l-r) Scott Osiecki and Jason Joyce, President and CEO of the Hitchcock Center for Women. | |
|
Pride in the CLE
On June 1, Ian Jameson, External Affairs Officer, attended 2024’s Pride in the CLE parade and festivities. Harm reduction supplies such as Narcan and fentanyl test strips were handed out, as well as information on the Board’s COPN app.
Lincoln Electric Health Fair
On June 5, Ian Jameson staffed Lincoln Electric’s Health Fair. On their lunch break, Lincoln Electric employees learned about our providers and were trained on how to use Narcan.
Front Steps Family Health Fest
On June 8, Ian Jameson attended Front Steps Housing & Services’ Family Health Fest. Front Steps residents and local community members alike visited and learned the role the Board plays with mental health, substance abuse and more.
Cuyahoga County Fatherhood Conference
On June 14, Ian Jameson attended Cuyahoga County's 18th Annual Fatherhood Conference. We distributed resources discussing mental health, suicide among young people, as well as information on our providers.
Family Fun & Fitness Skate Jam
On June 15, Joicelyn Weems, External Affairs Officer, staffed the Annual Family Fun & Fitness Skate Jam. Families were invited to an afternoon focusing on STEM activities, fitness, healthy living and much more.
Juneteenth Celebration
On June 16, Ian Jameson attended University Heights' 3rd Annual Juneteenth Celebration. In addition to supporting local artisans and music acts, guests also learned about the ADAMHS Board, our harm reduction efforts and the work we do throughout their community and county.
|  | |  |
|
Cuyahoga Problem Gambling Coalition 2024 Symposium
On June 20 and 21, Joicelyn Weems and Ian Jameson attended the county Problem Gambling 2024 Symposium. More than 1.8 million adult residents in Ohio can be categorized as at risk for problem gambling.
Health and Safety Fair in Slavic Village
On June 22, Michaele Smith, OUD Specialist, staffed Neighborhood Pets and University Settlement's Health and Safety Fair in Slavic Village.
Faith Community Worship Center Health Fair
On June 22, Joicelyn Weems attended Faith Community Worship Center's Community Health Fair. Vendors offered health information and screenings to the neighborhood.
State Representative Brewer Health Resource Fair
On June 28, Joicelyn Weems attended Ohio State Representative Darnell T. Brewer's Health Resource Fair. The ADAMHS Board wants to thank Representative Brewer (pictured below) for reaching out and including us in this event.
|  | |
Hope N Mic
On June 29, Joicelyn Weems will attend NAMI Greater Cleveland's Hope N Mic at Wade Oval. It's an opportunity to celebrate how the arts can be utilized for healing, connection, mental wellness and to break down stigma. Enjoy a diverse range of performances, discover local organizations and connect with community members in celebration of the power of the arts.
| Heard about our new COPN app? | | |
|
Maggie Tolbert Retires from the ADAMHS Board
Maggie Tolbert, RN, ADAMHS Board Assistant Chief Clinical Officer, announced her retirement effective July 5, 2024, from the ADAMHS Board. Retirement celebrations were held on June 26 and 27, and Maggie's years of service were acknowledged at the June 26 General Board Meeting.
The Board commends Maggie for over 26 years of service. She's held positions of significance with the ADAMHS Board and the Cuyahoga County Community Mental Health Board (CCCMHB), including as Assistant Chief Clinical Officer from 2018 to 2024, Utilization Review Specialist from 2003 to 2018 and Hospital Clinical Specialist from 1997 to 2003. She's excelled in the areas of supervision, management and program responsibility, including collaborative efforts with provider agencies, governmental entities, community partners, hospitals and health systems.
In 2022, Maggie was also nominated by the ADAMHS Board and was recognized by
Cleveland.com, the Greater Cleveland Nurses Association and the Ohio League of Nurses with a Top Nurse Award in the Innovation category for her project management of the Cuyahoga County Diversion Center.
Congratulations on your retirement, Maggie!
| |
|
Staff Juneteenth Celebration
On June 18, ADAMHS Board staff members participated in a Juneteenth celebration. Staff learned about the history of the holiday, traditional foods and how to use this time for reflection, education, and celebration of African American culture and heritage.
Juneteenth is a significant date in American history and the African American experience. It celebrates the announcement on June 19, 1865, to the people of Texas that all enslaved African Americans were free.
| |
Welcome, Diana Clifford!
The ADAMHS Board welcomes Diana Clifford as a Client Rights Officer II. After graduating from Eastern Michigan University with a master’s degree in social work, she had the opportunity to work in various areas of the mental health and substance abuse field including street outreach, clinical treatment, supportive housing and program development. She's excited to have the opportunity to assist individuals in accessing quality services that promote recovery, personal choices, and growth while ensuring they are receiving those services in a safe, positive and caring environment.
| |
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Spotlight | | |
|
Integrating Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in Mental Health, Addiction and Recovery Systems
On June 4, Scott Osiecki, ADAMHS Board CEO; Clare Rosser, ADAMHS Board Chief Strategy and Performance Officer; and Rico Rice, President of Rice Education Consulting, gave a presentation on the Board's Three-Year Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Strategic Implementation Plan. This endeavor began in 2020 with goals of defining existing barriers for behavioral healthcare, identifying the disparities and creating a system that fits the people it serves, not one that forces people to fit.
In June of 2020, the ADAMHS Board signed a statewide declaration that Racism is a Public Health Crisis, as a member of the Ohio Association of County Behavioral Health Authorities. Following this, the Board was recommended by Rice Education Consulting to establish a baseline of care provider training needs and set out to develop a strategic DEI plan. Facilitating Microaggressions and Cross Cultural Communications trainings, as well as revamping the language in job postings and translating essential information into other, non-English, languages have been important steps throughout the project.
"The ADAMHS Board makes sure that if leaders are talking about health, they do not leave mental health, substance use disorder and addictions out of the conversation," Scott said. "We have long been a trusted partner for community-wide efforts, and it is heartening to see that extend into the much needed and overdue health equity conversations happening now."
| | |
|
Trainings Provided by the ADAMHS Board
View our full calendar of meetings and trainings.
Awareness Opportunities
July is National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month
National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month, officially known as Bebe Moore Campbell National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month, serves as a crucial reminder of the unique mental health challenges faced by Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC) communities. This observance highlights disparities in mental health care access, treatment and, outcomes among minority individuals, aiming to foster understanding, support and advocacy.
Bebe Moore Campbell (1950-2006) was an American journalist, author and teacher. She played a pivotal role in founding NAMI Urban Los Angeles and emerged as a national catalyst for change, fundamentally transforming how we address mental health in marginalized communities. Countless individuals and organizations, such as Mental Health America, honor her each July.
Fear of judgment, cultural beliefs, generational differences and lack of access to resources often prevent people of color from addressing struggles openly and seeking the help they need. To overcome these barriers, it is essential to foster open and honest conversations about mental health. Breaking the silence is a crucial step toward healing and prioritizing mental wellness.
Click here to take free online screenings.
Click here for more information on Minority Mental Health Awareness Month.
| | | | |
