“Connected and caring communities keep people well. If you feel you belong to a community, and that community makes you feel valued and accepted, you’re more likely to be healthy.”

From Community Health and Wellbeing's "The Belonging Guide"
Psychology Today Teaches You How to
“Create a Sense of Belonging”
As with any good habit, when it comes to building a sense of belonging, practice makes perfect! From looking for similarities between yourself and others, to working on accepting others the way they are—this article gives some great advice to help you build community right where you live. Read more about it here .
A Recent New York Times Article Asks, “When Will We Solve Mental Illness?”
“Despite billions of dollars in research funding, and thousands of journal articles, biological psychiatry has given doctors and patients little of practical value, never mind a cause or a cure.” Read more about it here .
When Employees Struggle with Addiction
According to the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence, 70% of Americans who abuse drugs are employed. The problems caused by employee drug and alcohol abuse can make work a difficult place to be, and prevention is the key. From communicating what resources are available, to scheduling face-to-face meetings, we have some ideas to help you help employees who struggle with substance abuse.
Governor Mike DeWine—Vision for Behavioral Health Services in Ohio
MHRB Chair Dr. Dwight McElfresh, Executive Director Steve Stone, and Associate Director David Ross traveled to Columbus on January 29 to hear from newly elected Governor Mike DeWine, key cabinet members, and House and Senate legislators representing Ashland County.
Mental Health Tip
Create a Positive Cycle by Being Kind!
Did you know that doing a good deed for someone else not only makes that person happier, it also increases your happiness? And even the smallest gesture can make a big difference. If you’re feeling down, try it out today and see what a difference kindness can make.
Agency Spotlight
Older Adult Behavioral Health Coalition

The Coalition’s mission is to unify, educate, and collaborate among professionals who work with older adults and their caregivers in all areas of mental, physical, and behavioral healthcare. The Coalition also strives to involve and include older adults who are consumers of healthcare services. The Coalition meets the third Tuesday of every month at the Professional Building in Ashland at 8:00 a.m. The next meeting is scheduled for March 19. Each month a professional is invited to give an informational talk about the services they provide for older adults in the community.
Upcoming Events
Redbird Resilient: Principles and Dynamics of
Addictions - Part 1

Date: March 5th
Time: 7:00 - 9:00 p.m.
Location: Ohio Theatre in Loudonville

What happens when an addiction develops? Come learn the “101s” of addiction through an informative NOVA documentary and a panel of guest speakers.
Writing for Recovery

Date: February 26 - Starting in March the meetings will be the 2 nd  and 4 th  Thursday of each month, the next dates will be March 14 th  and March 28 th
Time: 1:15-2:45 p.m.
Location: Professional Building, 34 W. Second Street, Ashland, in the Community meeting room

Writing For Recovery at Pathways, sponsored by Catholic Charities, provides writing workshops as well as time to talk and share in recovery groups. Participants are encouraged to write personal stories of inspiration, struggles, and perseverance. Writing helps with renewal and healing, and helps participants process trauma and build self-esteem.