Mental Wellness Matters

In this episode, Lisa Ward, Executive Director of the Mental Health and Recovery Board (MHRB) for Belmont, Harrison, and Monroe Counties (Ohio), talks about the responsibilities of the MHRB, the financial sources that sustain it, how it is vital to the local communities, stories of success, impediments to progress in the three counties the board oversees, innovative solutions around tackling mental and behavioral health issues, and discusses the future of Mental and Behavioral Health. Lisa also shares that May is Mental Health Awareness Month and outlines the activities taking place in the three counties.

In today's episode, we speak with Monroe Central High School Seniors Alexis Vargo, Ginni Paradiso, and Melody Chambers, who are youth-led Monroe Rising members, as well as Sunessa Tollie, the youth-led instructor from the student services program at East Central Ohio Educational Service who works inside Monroe Central High School. Sunessa describes her role at Monroe Central High School, the Sources of Strength program and its importance within schools, as well as information on how to become involved as an Adult Ally. Alexis, Ginni, and Melody talk about their experiences in the Sources of Strength program and how it's impacted their lives.

April is Sexual Awareness Prevention Month. In today's episode, I speak with JaQue Galloway from Tri-County Help Center. JaQue discusses everything from what is sexual abuse, including work and marriage abuse; informed consent; signs to look for in a relationship; resources locally and nationally for more information; an overview of the services provided by Tri-County Help Center; what to do if you have been accused of sexual abuse; and stats around sexual abuse. For more information, please contact Tri-County Help Center 24/7 at 740-695-5441.

In today's episode, we interview Ohio University Eastern's College of Social Work professors Dr. Warren Galbreath and Tracey Pritchard to learn more about the social work field and Ohio University's field of social work studies. Dr. Galbreath and Tracy Pritchard share stories about their own experience and answer questions about the field. You can learn more about the Ohio University College of Social Work by visiting, https://www.ohio.edu/chsp/social-work

March is Problem Gambling Awareness Month.  In this episode, we interview Derek Longmeier the Executive Director of Problem Gambling Network of Ohio.  Derek discusses PGNO, statistics, information around the marketing of sports betting, the PGNO hotline (1-800-589-9966), gambling awareness resources,  and training opportunities being offered by PGNO.  If you or someone you know is concerned about problem gambling, please contact the PGNO hotline at 1-800-589-9966 and/or visit pgno.org for more information.

In today's episode, Catherine Lanham and Tina McGill talk about their work at Belmont County Student Services. Student Services is a school-based, not-for-profit agency that provides prevention, early intervention, and support services in Belmont and Monroe Counties. Catherine and Tina talk about the 988 crisis line and its benefits.  Additionally, they inform listeners about the professional development grant they received through the Ohio Center of Excellence and their upcoming virtual conference held on February 17th from 8 a.m. -4 p.m. with speakers Christi Valentini-Lackner, Ron Scott, Jr, Karen Vadino, and Derek Longmeier. There is also discussion around QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer) training and Mental First Aid.  We also touch on the Belmont, Harrison, and Monroe mental health and addiction coalitions, upcoming meetings and community activities, and how community members can engage.  Furthermore, we talk about project hope and other initiatives Belmont County Student Services is working on.