Proper Prescription Drug Disposal
Improper disposal of prescription drugs contributes to our current opioid epidemic. Please help by disposing of unused drugs correctly—and help us spread the word! Watch this video, “How to Safely Dispose of Medications,” a public information campaign brought to you by the Mental Health & Recovery Board of Ashland County and the Ashland County Health Department. Prescription drug drop boxes are located at the Ashland County Sheriff's Department and Loudonville Police Department, Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Our Human Community: Mental Health and Addiction Recovery in Ashland County, Ohio
“Adverse childhood experiences are the most basic and long-lasting cause of health-risk behaviors, mental illness, social malfunction, disease, disability, death, and healthcare costs.” —Vincent J. Felitti, M.D., co-investigator of the Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) Study. In our recent “Our Human Community” report, learn more about research that shows unacknowledged and untreated trauma contributes to chronic health and mental health conditions, emotional suffering, and substance abuse and addiction problems across a person’s lifespan.
Elder Empowerment Month
Elder Empowerment month this June was well-attended! Some of the highlights included a kick-off breakfast hosted by the Council on Aging, stroke screening provided by UH Samaritan, two Walking into Wellness events in Ashland and Loudonville with Catholic Charities, and our own Leaving a Lasting Legacy Event. Thanks to everyone who helped to organize events and also to those who participated!
Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM)
This June 4th and 5th, over 70 school administrative staff, school community liaisons, and area counselors and social workers met at Ashland University to learn how to apply Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) in school settings. Trainer and content expert Barb Ertyl taught attendees the core components of facilitating crisis management briefings, defusings, and critical incident stress debriefings. Ashland’s Youth Crisis Response Team (YCRT) has used this evidenced-based model to respond to school-based crises for the past 15 years. More school administrators attended this year’s training, which will help ensure clearer communication and expectations when school officials make the decision to mobilize the team.
Awareness Topic
Back to Basics: Dr. James Mooney, M.D.
Check out this article written by Dr. James Mooney, M.D. about how early detection of trauma can save lives and should begin in childhood. As Benjamin Franklin once said, "An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure."
Upcoming Events
Title: Falcon Funfest
Date: Saturday, August 17
Time: 3:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.
Location: Hillsdale High School, 485 Township Hwy 1902, Jeromesville, OH

Area agencies will be on hand at this back-to-school kick-off event to provide information about their services. The Mental Health & Recovery Board will have a resource table at this event. Come and see how local agencies can benefit schools and the community, and also join in on the fun activities and food!
Title: Veterans Appreciation Day
Date: Saturday, August 3
Time: All day
Location: Ashland County Airport


Celebrate community veterans by joining us for a complimentary cookout, with entertainment by Nashville's Ricky Lee, the Kroc Center Dixieland Band, and Matt Young. The evening will end with fireworks! It will be great fun for the whole family! Click here to see the event on Facebook.
Summer 2019 Activities for Kids and Families
Arts activities, summer camps, reading programs, and more! There’s so much for kids and families to do this summer around Ashland County. Get the full list here:
"I don't believe in 'mental illness.' My thoughts, moods, feelings, and emotions are not a disease, disorder, or an illness. They are me. They are the essence of my being and what makes me a unique human being."

—Patrick Risser, mental health advocate from Ashland County