When Danielle and Danny of Batavia became foster parents in September 2019, they wanted young children.

“If someone would have said next year you’ll have four teens, I would have laughed,” Danielle said.

But, to their amazement, they came to find fostering teens to their liking. They are in the process of adopting a 13-year-old, who has been with them since January 2020. Their home also includes a 16-year-old foster child, a 13-year-old foster child and daughter Ryan, 11, their only biological child.

Danielle’s parents died when she was 16. She understands what it’s like for children to live with relatives and be separated from their siblings.

“Never in a million years would I have imagined my story would have involved foster care, adoption, co-parenting,” said Danielle, 32, a hospice aide. Danny, 43, is a cable technician.

The Clermont County Crisis Intervention Team (CIT), a partnership between behavioral health professionals and law enforcement to improve community responses to people experiencing mental health crises, has accomplished much since 2011. The CIT celebrates its 10th anniversary in May.

The program follows a nationwide model that involves two components: 1) training first responders, particularly law enforcement, to recognize mental health crises and know the resources to assist someone in crisis with getting needed behavioral health treatment; and 2) improving access to the mental health system so that individuals in crisis can access needed behavioral health treatment.

This past year presented so many different challenges and obstacles that tested our strength and resiliency.

The global pandemic forced us to cope with situations we never even imagined, and a lot of us struggled with our mental health as a result.

The good news is that there are tools and resources available that can support the well-being of individuals and communities. Now, more than ever, we need to combat the stigma surrounding mental health concerns. That’s why this May, which is annually designated as Mental Health Month, the Clermont County Mental Health and Recovery Board (CCMHRB) is highlighting campaigns to help individuals deal with their mental health.

A year of alternating signage at Pattison Park conveying messages to promote proper recycling — such as no plastic bags, empty contents of plastic bags, no garbage, flatten and empty cardboard boxes – has decreased contamination by nearly a third.

Preliminary calculations estimate a decrease from 41-percent contamination in 2020 to an estimate of 10-percent contamination now.

“We saw very little illegal dumping this time and most contamination appeared to be a misunderstanding of which plastics are accepted,” said Hannah Lubbers, director of the Adams-Clermont Solid Waste District.

The $550 million Nestlé Purina PetCare plant in Williamsburg Township has been recognized by REDI Cincinnati, the region’s economic development organization, with the prestigious James A. Wuenker Growth Award.

Clermont County Community and Economic Development nominated the project for the award, which is given annually for the region’s most-impressive project.

Clermont Transportation Connection (CTC) is offering free rides to COVID-19 vaccination, testing and doctor’s appointments within Clermont County to people age 59 and younger. Rides are available 7 a.m.-6 p.m., Monday-Friday.

Call 732-7433 (ext. 2) to schedule a ride. Give your name and phone number, home address, the clinic’s address, time of appointment and expected time to be picked up from the clinic.

People 60 and older may call Clermont Senior Services at 513-536-4115 to schedule a ride.

CTC received an Ohio Department of Transportation grant through its Rides to Community Immunity program offered throughout the state.

When the pandemic started, clinical social worker Greg Rausch wondered about his future. For more than 13 years, he has been embedded in Clermont County Children’s Protective (CPS) offices in Batavia. He provides mental health counseling to kids in foster care, adoption or nearing adoption.

“When COVID hit and everyone began to shut down, I was really worried that my time here was about to come to an end because I wasn’t sure I could engage enough clients through video to make it work, and I wasn’t sure case workers would remember I was around and still make referrals,” said Rausch, who has worked for The Counseling Source for 21 years.

But former CPS Director Tim Dick decided to continue providing counseling in person, along with visitation and parent education through Central Clinic. CPS caseworkers also visited kids and families personally.

“This allowed us to assess risk and needs better and build and maintain relationships with families and caretakers,” said Dick, now director of Clermont County Department of Job and Family Services. Tina Pocock continued the in person sessions when she became CPS director.

In a continuing effort to foster activities that promote positive mental health and prevent addiction, the Clermont County Mental Health and Recovery Board is pleased to announce that the opportunity for funding called “mini-grants” will again be available for the upcoming year.

The board is looking for innovative projects that will positively affect mental health and/or prevent addiction for any age group. A total up to $30,000, from the board’s levy funds, is available for programs serving Clermont County residents. The maximum funding per project is $4,000. The grant period is July 1, 2021 through June 30, 2022. Any organized group in Clermont County – with the exception of the contract agencies of the Mental Health and Recovery Board – can apply for funding. Previously funded applicants are eligible to reapply. Applicants must have a financial structure in place to account for the awarded funds. Funds may not be used to cover ongoing operating expenses.

Proposals must be submitted no later than Monday, May 17, 2021, to: Mini-Grant Project, c/o Cindy Knoblauch, Clermont County Mental Health and Recovery Board, 2337 Clermont Center Drive, Batavia, OH 45103.

Greater Cincinnati Behavioral Health Services will honor Clermont County Commissioner David Painter at the 15th Annual Champions of Hope Gala on May 7.

Each year, GCBHS salutes a community leader involved in raising awareness and helping people with mental health and/or substance use disorder diagnoses. In addition, a GCBHS client or family member shares their firsthand experience with the disease and how they have managed to make a better life for themselves.

Commissioner Painter was selected as Champions of Hope Honoree because of his dedication to reducing the effects of the opioid crisis in our community. He has been an active member of the Clermont County Opiate Task Force and a tireless advocate for those who serve people with mental health challenges and substance use disorders.

The Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) is gearing up for another busy construction season. This year, ODOT will invest $1.92 billion into 956 projects to improve transportation across the state, including these improvements in Clermont County:

✔️Happy Hollow Road Deck Replacement -- $1.9 million

✔️SR 32 Widening and Bach Buxton Road Interchange -- $34.2 million

✔️SR 32/Bauer Road Intersection Improvement -- $4.8 million

✔️Old SR 74 widening -- $12.9 million

Two of the projects are under construction already -- and the other two are in the design phase with construction coming soon.

Lexus McCoy didn’t let the pandemic stop her from starting recovery from addiction. McCoy, 22, began the rigorous Clermont County Family Recovery Court just before COVID-19 hit. Much of her support came over Zoom, instead of in person.

“You have a great work ethic,” said Judge James A. Shriver, during the court’s 11th graduation ceremony on April 15.

McCoy joined the program in February 2020. She has been employed throughout the process and is pursuing her GED. Since joining the Family Recovery Court, she has been successfully released from probation. She is active in the sober support community and is working with a sober support sponsor. She has had her 5-year-old son back in her care since December 2020.

The Board of County Commissioners on April 14 awarded a $3.5 million bid for the 2021 Road Resurfacing Program to Barrett Paving Materials of Middletown. County Engineer Jeremy Evans had recommended awarding the award to Barrett, which had submitted the lowest and best bid.

For the first time, in 2020 the Community Alternative Sentencing Center (CASC) saw a significant number of women (18 percent) and men (10 percent) with stimulant use disorder as their primary substance use diagnosis. In past years, it had been less than 1 percent.

Many employers are participating in the Virtual Career Fair: 10 a.m.-2 p.m., May 4.

Register now, to see Southwest Ohio employers and job openings: https://app.brazenconnect.com/a/jobsohio-region3/e/nO1j6

On event day, use your computer or mobile device to safely interview from anywhere.

The Board of County Commissioners has proclaimed April 30 as National Therapy Animal Day in Clermont County. Learn more about therapy animals in Clermont County from Karen Spradlin of Pet Partners.

A: Pet Partners is a National and International Therapy Animal Program. We are located now in six different countries besides the U.S. Our mission is to “improve human health and well-being through the human-animal bond.”

A: It is a person and their animal who visits patients, residents and students in facilities who request therapy animal visits.

A: A therapy animal team is one human being and one animal. 94 percent of our therapy animals are dogs. The owner must complete a 6-hour workshop or online course and pass an evaluation with their animal. They also go through a background check. Once the “team” has passed their evaluation, Pet Partners carries $2 million liability insurance on each team.

A: Example: You are a hospital representative and you would like four teams to visit your hospital throughout the week.

The Clermont County Municipal OVI Court Specialized Docket held its 34th graduation ceremony on April 21. The event, presided over by OVI Court Judge Jason E. Nagel, featured six participants who successfully completed the program.

OVI Court Specialized Docket is dedicated to rehabilitating high-risk multiple OVI offenders through a combination of intensive community control supervision, frequent judicial monitoring, and specialized substance abuse treatment at the Clermont Recovery Center.

The program started in June of 2005. The Clermont County OVI Court is certified by the Specialized Docket Section of the Supreme Court of Ohio. Anyone interested in learning more about the Clermont County OVI Court, please contact Brian Dixon at 732-8142.

As the newly elected prosecutor for Clermont County, I want to first thank the voters of Clermont County for the opportunity to serve as the Prosecutor. It is the highest honor of my career.

The job of the prosecutor isn’t simply about putting away the bad guys, prosecutors have a duty to do justice. Additionally, the Civil Division of my office provides many varied legal services for all Clermont County elected officials and their departments. We also provide legal services for other County offices such as the Board of Elections, Public Health, the Public Library Board, the Veterans Service Commission, the County Park District, and all Non-Home Rule Township Trustees and their departments.

Fortunately, I have a talented team of attorneys, paralegals, and administrative staff who come to work every day focused on serving the people of Clermont County. I could not be prouder to work with these great professionals.

Commissioner Bonnie Batchler and Jennifer Haley, aide to the first-year commissioner, toured the Clermont County Community Alternative Sentencing Center (CASC) on April 13. They also met many of the center's staff.

CASC seeks to provide innovative behavioral health and medical treatments for community members who are struggling with substance use disorders and are connected to the Clermont County Municipal Court system. The program is located on the same campus as the Clermont County Jail facility.

The program utilizes a combination of proven treatments that address coping skills, recovery supports, education around the disease model, healthy relationships, connection to medical care, and medication assisted treatment. Each individual gains access to employment specialists who will help build work readiness skills and provide employment support. Peer recovery coaches inspire recovery through sharing their experiences and helping to connect to community supports.

Do you or someone you love have diabetes? With 30 million diabetics in America, you are not alone! Join OSU Extension’s Dining with Diabetes and learn how to incorporate good, healthy cooking techniques and other practices to help control your blood sugar. The program is designed for people with diabetes and their family members or caregivers.

Dates:

• May 3, 10 a.m.-noon

• May 10, 10 a.m.-noon

• May 17, 10 a.m.-noon

• May 24, 10 a.m.-noon

Cost: Free

Registration: https://go.osu.edu/diningwithdiabetes52021

Zoom link will be sent to your email address 24 hours before the class.

Questions: Please contact Margaret Jenkins, jenkins.188@osu.edu, FCS Educator, Clermont County.

What can we learn from a chick? Cincinnati Nature School students found out with ChickQuest, a 4-H School Enrichment program that challenges youth to use science, technology, engineering, and math skills to investigate the life cycle of an embryonic chicken egg. From monitoring living eggs to observing fluffy chicks, students use a logbook to record data and observations. These lively activities pique curiosity, encourage collaboration and communication, and provide young scientists with unforgettable experiences.

This 21-day STEM classroom adventure starts with eggs and ends with chicks. ChickQuest challenges youth to investigate the life cycle of an embryonic chicken egg. While watching eggs in the incubator and waiting for them to hatch, students learn about habitats, life cycles, structure and function, classification and a lot of careers. Students are the scientists who help make it happen!

Meadowview (Milford) and St. Louis (Owensville) Elementary begin its “Egg-citing Adventure” next soon. If your school is interested in bringing ChickQuest to your classroom, contact OSU Extension at 513-732-7070.