Mental Health & Addiction Advocacy Coalition - MHAC

Mental Health & Addiction Advocacy Coalition - MHAC To foster education and awareness of mental health and addiction issues while advocating for public

The Mental Health & Addiction Advocacy Coalition (MHAC) fosters education and awareness of mental health and addiction issues while advocating for public policies and strategies that support effective, well-funded services, systems and supports for those in need, resulting in stronger Ohio communities. The MHAC is a place where diverse interests come together, speak with a common voice, and work t

owards guaranteeing access to quality services and supports for individuals with mental health and addiction disorders.

Technology can open the door to transformation—but technology alone doesn’t create lasting change. 💡We’re proud to see o...
09/11/2026

Technology can open the door to transformation—but technology alone doesn’t create lasting change. 💡

We’re proud to see our Southwest MHAC member, Greater Cincinnati Behavioral Health Services (GCBHS), highlighting the expertise and leadership of Sr. VP of Information Services, Michael R. Lyons, whose article “The Readiness Advantage” was recently published in HealthTech Magazines’ Mental Health Special Issue.

The article explores an important lesson for behavioral health organizations: meaningful, sustainable transformation requires more than new technology. It takes leadership alignment, strong governance, and organizational readiness to turn innovation into lasting impact. 👏🏾

Congratulations, Michael, on sharing your insights and helping advance the conversation around digital transformation in behavioral health!

Read the full issue and Michael’s article ➡️ https://lnkd.in/g8H4x8DE

This World Su***de Prevention Day, let’s remind Ohioans that hope, connection, and support can make a difference—and tha...
09/10/2026

This World Su***de Prevention Day, let’s remind Ohioans that hope, connection, and support can make a difference—and that su***de prevention is something we all have a role in.

Su***de prevention starts with noticing, listening, and reaching out. A simple check-in with a friend, family member, coworker, or neighbor can open the door to a conversation that someone may need.

For Ohioans experiencing a behavioral health crisis, 988 is available 24/7 by call, text, or chat to connect people with free, confidential support.

Today, and throughout the year, let’s keep the conversation going, learn the warning signs, check in on the people around us, and make sure Ohioans know they are not alone and help is available. 💙

📲 If you or someone you know is struggling, call or text 988.

Learn more about su***de prevention resources in Ohio:
🔗dbh.ohio.gov/get-help/prevention-services/su***de-prevention

Ohio Department of Behavioral Health

***dePrevention

We’re shining a spotlight on Positive Education Program (PEP), one of our esteemed Northeast Hub members! 💡Positive Educ...
09/08/2026

We’re shining a spotlight on Positive Education Program (PEP), one of our esteemed Northeast Hub members! 💡

Positive Education Program is dedicated to supporting young people, their families, and the professionals who work with them as they navigate developmental trauma, mental health challenges, autism, and other complex needs.

Through therapeutic schools, community-based support, autism services, early childhood programming, and consultation and training, PEP takes a strengths-based, trauma-informed approach to helping young people overcome challenges and thrive.

🔎 Learn more about this Northeast Hub member and their work supporting young people across Northeast Ohio: pepcleve.org

Families navigating a congenital heart disease (CHD) diagnosis often carry an emotional burden alongside the medical cha...
09/04/2026

Families navigating a congenital heart disease (CHD) diagnosis often carry an emotional burden alongside the medical challenges. ❤️‍🩹

That's why we're glad to see our Southwest Hub member, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, contributing to research that recognizes the importance of supporting both children and their caregivers.

The BOND Trial is exploring ways to strengthen parent well-being, parent-infant bonding, and infant development during the first year of life through enhanced mental health and breastfeeding support.

🔗 Learn more about the BOND Trial and its potential impact: https://lnkd.in/gfSer_qK

Driving behavioral health advocacy through collaboration, knowledge, and action. 💪🏾The Mental Health & Addiction Advocac...
09/03/2026

Driving behavioral health advocacy through collaboration, knowledge, and action. 💪🏾

The Mental Health & Addiction Advocacy Coalition (MHAC) brings together diverse voices from across Ohio to strengthen systems of care and advocate for policies that improve the lives of individuals impacted by mental health and addiction disorders.

Our work is powered by four key areas:
📣 Advocacy — Bringing members, policymakers, and communities together to advance policies that improve access to behavioral health services and supports.

📊 Research — Gathering and sharing data, insights, and resources to help inform conversations and drive meaningful solutions.

🤝 Partnerships — Building connections across organizations, regions, and sectors to create a stronger collective voice for Ohioans.

🌱 Public Awareness & Sustainability — Educating communities, elevating behavioral health priorities, and strengthening the coalition’s ability to continue this work for years to come.

Together, MHAC members are helping create a future where behavioral health is prioritized, supported, and accessible for all Ohioans.

➡️ Learn more about our work and how you can get involved: https://mhaadvocacy.org

Su***de Prevention Month is a reminder that every conversation, connection, and act of support matters. 📣Su***de impacts...
09/01/2026

Su***de Prevention Month is a reminder that every conversation, connection, and act of support matters. 📣

Su***de impacts individuals, families, and communities across Ohio—but prevention is possible when we work together to build awareness, reduce stigma, and ensure people have access to support when they need it most.

The Ohio Su***de Prevention Foundation (OSPF) works to champion, advocate, and coordinate strategies that reduce su***de risk while supporting individuals, families, and communities impacted by su***de. Their work includes connecting Ohioans with resources, supporting prevention efforts, and helping communities take action.

This month, we encourage everyone to:
💙 Learn how to recognize when someone may need support
💙 Start conversations about mental health and su***de prevention
💙 Share resources and remind others they are not alone

Together, we can create communities where asking for help is met with compassion, understanding, and support.

➡️ Learn more and explore su***de prevention resources from the Ohio Su***de Prevention Foundation: https://www.ohiospf.org/

***dePrevention

Yesterday was National Grief Awareness Day, a meaningful reminder that grief can impact anyone, and no one should have t...
08/31/2026

Yesterday was National Grief Awareness Day, a meaningful reminder that grief can impact anyone, and no one should have to navigate loss alone.

We’re grateful to see Northeast Hub member Lake Adamhs highlighting this free weekly Grief Support Group offered through Lake-Geauga Recovery Centers. This compassionate space provides connection, understanding, and support for individuals and families grieving the loss of a loved one, including those impacted by su***de loss and substance use-related loss.

Grief looks different for everyone, and having access to supportive, judgment-free spaces can make a meaningful difference in the healing process.

Thank you to our members and community partners who continue to expand access to resources that support mental health, recovery, and well-being.

➡️ To learn more or register, contact Lake-Geauga Recovery Centers at 440-255-0678 or [email protected].

Behind every strong coalition is a group of dedicated leaders helping guide the way. 🙌🏾The MHAC Southwest Hub Steering C...
08/28/2026

Behind every strong coalition is a group of dedicated leaders helping guide the way. 🙌🏾

The MHAC Southwest Hub Steering Committee plays an important role in strengthening regional behavioral health advocacy by bringing together diverse perspectives, expertise, and community connections.

Through their leadership, this committee helps shape local priorities, support collaboration among members, and ensure the voices of communities across Southwest Ohio are represented in conversations around mental health and addiction.

We are incredibly grateful for the time, passion, and expertise each of these leaders brings to this work:
✨ LaNora Godfrey — President & CEO, Hamilton County Mental Health and Recovery Services | Southwest Hub Chair
✨ Lisa Amlung — Senior Analyst, Government Relations, Cincinnati Children's | Southwest Hub Vice Chair
✨ John Banchy, MBA — President & CEO, Best Point
✨ Nan Cahall — Director of Government Relations, Council on Aging of Southwestern Ohio
✨ Dr. Ruby Castilla-Puentes — President & Founder, WARMI Mental Health
✨ Jeff O’Neill — President & CEO, Greater Cincinnati Behavioral Health Services
✨ Scott Boone, MA — CEO, New Housing Ohio, Inc.
✨ Sonya Carrico, BSW — Program Director of Mental Health Policy, Interact for Health
✨ Teri Nau — Vice President of Community and Donor Relations, Talbert House
✨ Russell Winters — Chief Executive Officer, Tender Mercies

Thank you for sharing your leadership, insight, and commitment to advancing behavioral health policy, services, and supports across Southwest Ohio.

Your collective efforts help MHAC continue building partnerships, elevating community voices, and advocating for systems that better support individuals and families. ✅

We’re shining a spotlight on Benjamin Rose, and one of our esteemed Northeast Hub members! 💡The Benjamin Rose Institute ...
08/26/2026

We’re shining a spotlight on Benjamin Rose, and one of our esteemed Northeast Hub members! 💡

The Benjamin Rose Institute on Aging is dedicated to improving the lives of older adults and caregivers through services, research, education, and advocacy.

Through person-centered care, community partnerships, and advocacy efforts, Benjamin Rose helps strengthen systems of support that recognize mental health as a critical part of healthy aging and overall well-being.

🔗 Learn more about this Northeast Hub member on their website: benrose.org.

08/25/2026

We’re excited to share these behavioral health workforce spotlight videos, which are designed to highlight the people, stories, and career pathways that make this field so impactful—while also helping inspire, inform, and encourage future professionals to explore opportunities in behavioral health. ✨

In this video, we hear heartfelt reflections on the impact of working in behavioral health—from helping youth identify their strengths and overcome barriers, to the importance of showing up consistently for others, to the powerful and often unexpected moments that remind us the work truly matters.

Through personal experiences, we’re reminded that even small acts of support can create lasting change in someone’s life and community. 🙌🏾

This project was made possible through grant funding awarded to the Hamilton County Mental Health and Recovery Services by the Ohio Department of Behavioral Health, in partnership with the Workforce Council of Southwest Ohio and IKRON Corporation.

Address

4500 Euclid Avenue
Cleveland, OH
44103

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

+12164327262

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