June 2020
An Update from the ADAMH System of Care
ADAMH has been working to reduce stigma and disparate treatment for African Americans and people of color for decades. The ADAMH Board stands fully committed to addressing racism and acknowledges and supports efforts by county and city leaders to declare racism as a public health crisis. The ADAMH Board of Trustees, recognizing our role in the community, took an additional step to advance anti-racist practices and policies in our agency and across our network of mental health, suicide prevention and substance use disorder providers by adopting a new resolution declaring racism a public health crisis.

 
ADAMH exists to support the most vulnerable people in our community and works to ensure that everyone, regardless of race and status, has access to mental health and substance use disorder services. Like many cities across the U.S., Columbus is experiencing considerable unrest. The death of Minnesota resident George Floyd has sparked considerable outrage and a strong display of free speech expressions, some of which became destructive. While the ADAMH building does have visible damage, this experience is less about broken windows and more about people who are experiencing levels of shattered trust. ADAMH will continue to support critical services despite the state of our physical building. Together with community partners and citizens, we will pick up the pieces.

Over the weekend, we partnered with local artist Lisa McLymont to turn the boards over our windows into an inspirational mural, featuring a quote from The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., “Only in the darkness can you see the stars.” (See pictures below.)

Through all of this uncertainty, I am thankful for the safety of our staff and the strong partnership with our providers. 
 
We are better if we move forward together.

Ohio and Franklin County are also making moves to reopen while continuing to prevent the spread of the COVID-19.

As we navigate this ever-changing environment, we encourage you stay connected and support each other through phone calls, email and social media. If you don’t have a support system or need professional mental health support, the amazing staff who work at our providers are finding different ways to continue serving you and are accepting new clients.  To connect with a service provider in the ADAMH System of Care, visit our website: adamhfranklin.org
 
Please follow us at  @ADAMHFranklin  on Facebook and Twitter to stay up to date on what is happening at ADAMH and within our System of Care during this time.
Sincerely,

Erika Clark Jones
ADAMH CEO

ADAMH - Where Better Begins.
Originally scheduled in March, the 4th Annual ADAMH Faith Leader Symposium will be held virtually TOMORROW,  June 25, 10:00 am - 12:00 pm.

Rev. Dr. C. Dexter Wise, Faith Ministries and Rev. Dr. Tim Ahrens will share skill building tools to help faith leaders apply their training to taking care of themselves and their congregations.
Via Zoom |  Click here  to register.
Presented by ADAMH of Franklin County in partnership with NAMI Franklin County.
Coping with the stress through COVID-19
Dr. Kevin Dixon, ADAMH Vice President of Community and Cultural Engagement, Shawn Holt, CEO of Maryhaven, and Julie Erwin Rinaldi, CEO of Syntero, joined Franklin County Commissioner John O'Grady to discuss the effects of COVID-19 on our mental health.

For a full list of ADAMH provider agencies in Franklin County, visit adamhfranklin.org/find-help/our-network/   Check a provider’s website and social media for current information on services. Many have modified their services, but have continued to serve the community and are accepting new clients.

Learn more about Syntero at syntero.org and Maryhaven at maryhaven.com .

Additional resources referenced in this video can be found in this email.
ADAMH is on Twitter!
In the midst of everything going on, ADAMH decided to join Twitter! Follow us there for updates on ADAMH and our System of Care as well as other community partners.

Look for us on social: @ADAMHFranklin
Mail Order Naloxone
Mail Order Naloxone is available through  Columbus Public Health  to Franklin County residents during the COVID-19 pandemic, so you can stay safe and healthy at home. Learn more and request a free naloxone kit at  columbus.gov/cfcap
Managing Stress in Long-term Crisis
By ADAMH Medical Director, Dr. Delaney Smith

This is a time of great uncertainty and times of uncertainty can produce anxiety. Focusing on your mental health is an important way to prepare yourself to address the COVID-19 pandemic both personally and as a community. 

If you or someone you care about is feeling increased anxiety during this time, there are things you can do that will help.
Franklin County Hotlines and Warmlines
Netcare Access   Emotional Support/Crisis Line (Adults): 614.276.CARE (2273)
 
Nationwide Children’s Hospital  (17 and under): 614.722.1800

Franklin County Suicide Prevention Hotline : 614.221.5445*
*Text Line available Monday – Friday, noon to 10 pm.

St. Vincent Family Center  Warmline: 614.358.6400

*Available daily 5 pm - 3 am

MyRecoveryWorks through  Southeast Healthcare  also offers Peer Support. You can go to  myrecoveryworks.com  to find the number for a Recovery Guide.
Emotional Support
Netcare Access  has expanded their crisis services to offer emotional support to anyone who is struggling. Call 614.276.CARE (2273) to talk to a licensed Netcare Access counselor who can provide emotional support and direct you to helpful resources.
ADAMH has also created an Emotional Support flyer with additional information and resources.
First Responder Support
First responders, healthcare workers and essential staff who are on the front lines during the COVID-19 pandemic have been fighting this battle for more than two months. ADAMH wants to ensure first responders who are working to protect Franklin County residents have the resources they need to protect their own mental health. Please share these resources with peers and colleagues.
Franklin County Youth Behavioral Health Services
Youth have experienced more universal uncertainty, stress and loss of structure during these past few months than ever before. The ADAMH System of Care is here to help. Please share these resources with families you know who may need some extra support during this time.
Provider News Updates
  • Maryhaven's Gambling Intervention Program has produced a new video! View "Give a Tenth" and Gambling Community Conversation about Informed Gambling for African American Faith Congregations HERE.Contact George Hick for more information about these resources.

  • ADAMH Youth-led -Projects - SCC Teen Leadership Academy developed a culturally relevant activity book titled What Would Good Look Like for 4th -8th graders on social emotional learning based on their internships at Barack Recreation Center summer day camps from 2013 to 2019. Contact Mark Stansberry, Barack Recreation Center, Dwight Hughes, Columbus Public Health & George Hicks, Maryhaven, for more information about the activity book. Learn more about the program at their website: sccteenleadershipacademy.com
 
  • The Paragon Project is releasing a new album! The CD Launch will take place on Friday, July 10: The Paragon Project Vol. 4:ADD-A-LESSON. Learn More.

  • LOSS Community Services
  • Support Groups: Support groups are starting Wednesday, August 12 and Wednesday, September 16. 10-week Survivor of Suicide Loss Support Groups include a book and journal by Dr. Alan Wolfelt and are a safe way to explore our grief with fellow sojourners. Learn More
  • Tuesday Gatherings: Every Tuesday from 4 to 5 pm, join fellow suicide loss survivors for a one-hour conversation. Each week is a different topic. No registration required. Zoom link posted every Tuesday on LOSS’s Social Media accounts. Learn More
  • Butterfly Release: Saturday, August 1, 11 am – Noon at Whetstone Park. Butterflies should be reserved by July 15 for this event. Butterflies are nature’s ultimate symbol of change, transformation and beauty. Releasing live butterflies for a loved one is a unique way to honor and remember them. Learn More

  • NAMI Franklin County Mentor Program - The Mentor program connects peers in recovery, families, friends, and partners of a loved with mental illness with a caring guide or coach who can help you deal with the realities and difficulties of caring for your loved one. Contact Regina Hillman at 614.501.6264 (9 am - 5 pm Monday through Friday) or regina@namifc.org.

  • NAMI Franklin County Face Masks Available Now! As we get back to work, NAMI Franklin County has face masks available in a variety of sizes and colors for only $10.00, which includes a complimentary NAMI Franklin County membership. Proceeds benefit NAMI Franklin County programs. Click here to download an order form. Return completed forms to laurita@namifc.org.

  • OhioGuidestone Recovery Coaches Making an Impact - Recovery Coaches with OhioGuidestone are continuing to make an impact in the community despite COVID-19. Going above and beyond, they supplied 20 families with weekly deliveries of diapers, toys and games that they bought with their own money. They made vision boards, gratitude jars, hand sanitizer, bacterial spray and face masks and delivered these weekly. They also waited in numerous food bank lines to ensure families who could not get out had food. In addition, they are participating with the Rapid Response Emergency Addiction and Crisis Team (RREACT) on Operation RECOVERY by working four hour shifts to help distribute NARCAN and test strips at designated locations across the city to help combat opioid overdose.

These updates have been submitted by providers in the ADAMH System of Care. If you work for a provider in our network and want to see your update in the next ADAMH eNewsletter, send information to Leah Hooks at lhooks@adamhfranklin.org .
About ADAMH
ADAMH, the Alcohol, Drug and Mental Health Board, is a Franklin County government agency which funds over 30 non-profits who offer mental health and substance abuse treatment and prevention programs to Franklin County residents. These community non-profit organizations provide quality mental health as well as alcohol and drug addiction treatment services. We are dedicated to providing Franklin County residents with affordable, high quality alcohol, drug and mental health care. 

If you or someone you know needs treatment or services, call Netcare, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week:
614.276.CARE (2273)
@ADAMHFranklin
Where Better Begins.

Phone: 614.224.1057 | Fax: 614.224.0991 | adamhfranklin.org