Recovery is a Journey; Join us on our 2nd Annual Recovery Walk!
The “working” definition of recovery from mental health or substance use disorder is “a process of change through which individuals improve their health and wellness, live a self-directed life, and strive to reach their full potential”. September is National Recovery Month, a month that should be spent acknowledging all walks of recovery.
Learn MoreA Walk to Remember – Remembering Loved Ones Lost to Suicide
The community is needed to further the mission of the SAA by joining the Alliance, volunteering at Alliance events, and by participating in “A Walk to Remember” on October 9 at 10:00 a.m. at the Armory in Marietta. For more information, call the WCBHB at 740-374-6990.
Learn MoreWashington County has Drug and Alcohol Detox Beds!
Rigel Recovery Residential Center in Marietta offers detoxification and residential addiction treatment services. Beds are open and available in Washington County!
Learn MoreDrug Overdose and Grief Awareness Walk
WASHINGTON COUNTY, Ohio –
International overdose awareness day is the world’s largest annual campaign to end overdose. On August 31st, we pause and remember, without stigma, those who have died from drug overdose, and acknowledge the grief of the family and friends left behind. This day is preserved to remember, and a campaign to act to end overdose.
When we think of drug addiction, stigma may lead us to think of people who have thrown their lives away, made poor choices, are homeless, or have no support system from taxing and abusing relationships. Drug addiction is often a result of trauma, childhood abuse, introduction to opioids after an accident or chronic illness, untreated mental health diagnosis, or a combination of various risk factors. Nonetheless, drug addiction affects our parents, our children, nieces, nephews, friends, and sometimes ourselves. Drug addiction is not 100% preventable, or we would not have those struggling with substance use disorders. However, drug overdose deaths are preventable.
The nation’s COVID-19 pandemic made the nation’s drug overdose epidemic worse. Every state reported a spike or increase in overdose deaths or mental health crisis during the pandemic. The data is tragic, yet not surprising. For many, isolation and fear exacerbated underlying mental health challenges. Coping with substance use, and misuse, led to many relapses. Over the past 18 months, many of our loved ones did not see recovery again, leaving our families and our community devastated from the unnecessary losses. Yet here we are, with the pandemic still enduring, and the number of overdose deaths still increasing.
At least 5,215 Ohioans fatally overdosed on drugs in 2020, which is a 22% increase over 2019 data (Ohio Capital Journal, 2021). The health system and behavioral health providers have expanded services and began telehealth in efforts to reach those who need services. There can be a barrier to connecting individuals suffering with substance use disorder to treatment, and getting them to stay engaged with treatment services is often beyond our control, despite our best efforts to offer access and support recovery.
Linda Sistrunk, Director of Behavioral Health Services at Memorial Health Systems reflects, “We have seen an increase in substance use and mental health crisis, with notable cause being loneliness, unemployment, and family discontent with change in routine. We have also witnessed how strong the human spirit can be and have noticed an increase in people willingly seeking help, openly discussing how hard this crisis has been for them, and following up with recommendations that will help them through these trying times.”
To bring awareness to drug overdose, empathize with the grief of families who have lost loved ones, and educate the community on how to be actively involved in reducing overdose deaths, the Washington County Behavioral Health Board, The Right Path for Washington County, and the Washington County Health Department are collaborating to host a remembrance and awareness walk.
The community will gather on Saturday, August 28th, 2021. The walk starts promptly at 9 a.m. and will begin at the corner of Front Street and East Muskingum Park in Marietta, Ohio. The path for the walk will go across the Putnam Street Bridge, down Gilman Avenue, across the Washington Street Bridge and back to East Muskingum Park.
The Health Department will educate community members on how to recognize and respond to an opioid overdose, and how to administer nasal naloxone, known as Narcan (prescription medication used to reverse the effects of a known or suspected opioid overdose, evident by emergency signs of breathing problems, severe sleepiness, or not being able to respond). Family members, friends, or bystanders, may use Narcan to reverse the effects of an opioid overdose until emergency assistance can arrive. Free Narcan and training will be available to community members in the East Muskingum Park.
Community members are encouraged to bring pictures and homemade signs to share their loved one’s stories. We look forward to you joining us there!
If you, or someone you know, is struggling with a mental health challenge or substance use disorder, reach out for help.
Local Mental Health & Substance Use Disorder Treatment Providers
- Family Counseling & Rehabilitation Center (Marietta, OH): 740-249-8061
- Hopewell Health Center (Belpre, OH): 740-423-8095
- Call Mondays & Wednesdays between 8AM-11AM for available Walk-In Hours
- Integrated Services for Behavioral Health (Marietta, OH): 1-800-321-8293
- Life and Purpose Behavioral Health (Marietta, Belpre, & Beverly, OH): 740-376-0930
- Walk-In Hours Monday through Friday 8AM-1PM
- Rigel Recovery Services (Reno, OH): 740-371-5160
Cathy Harper shares her perspective on Relapse and Overdose
WASHINGTON COUNTY, Ohio –
In April of 2020 I wrote an article on relapse after our oldest son began using Heroin after 10 years of abstinence. Although it has been hard to share his addiction story, I felt then, and still feel now, that those in the trenches with their loved ones need to know they are not alone. Those living with mental illness and/or addiction have a very powerful story to share; a story that may save someone’s life. These are stories of hope, even when it feels hopeless.
During the COVID 19 pandemic we have continued to experience an epidemic within a pandemic, with overdose and suicide rates increasing. According to the CDC “over 81,000 overdose deaths occurred in the US in the 12 months ending in May 2020, the highest number of overdose deaths ever recorded in a 12 month period. The latest numbers suggest an acceleration of overdose deaths during the pandemic.”
Anxiety, feelings of helplessness have also contributed to increased drug use and suicide rates. Sepsis and endocarditis deaths have increased during the pandemic as people struggling with mental illness and addiction may not be accessing health care and when they finally do it may be too late. My son was hospitalized for 2 rounds of sepsis and endocarditis, an infection around his heart, just days before his fatal overdose.
The CDC recommends 5 key strategies to prevent drug misuse, overdoses and death: using data to monitor emerging trends and enhance prevention; work with providers and health systems to reduce unsafe exposure to opioids and treat addiction; strengthen state and local capacity to respond to this epidemic; coordinate with public safety and community-based partners to rapidly identify overdose threats, reverse overdoses, link people to EFFECTIVE treatment and reduce harms associated with illicit opioids and finally increase public awareness about the risks.
We can all play a role; not all overdoses have to end in death. Learn about the risks; learn about Naloxone (NARCAN), its availability and how to use it. Help those struggling find the right care and treatment. Learn about the CDC’s overdose surveillance and prevention efforts in our community. Learn more about what may help if you or someone you love is increasing drug use during our COVID 19 pandemic.
The National Institute on Drug Abuse has seen some success with emergency department administered high-dose buprenorphine, a food and drug approved medication to treat opioid disorder. This approach helps with withdrawal and allows underserved populations to seek outpatient services in commonly encountered delays in access to follow up care. This is promising and data may give us hope.
My son lost his battle with addiction 1/31/21. My hope is that by sharing his story his death will not be in vain.
The Right Path for Washington County and the Washington County Health Board are hosting a National Overdose and National Grief Awareness Walk on Saturday August 28. We will gather on the corner of East Muskingum Park next to the Putnam Street Bridge at 9 am. We will walk across the bridge, down Gilman Avenue, across the Washington Street Bridge and back. The Washington County Health Department’s Project DAWN will be on hand with Naloxone kits (NARCAN) and how to use it to save lives. Far too many lives have been lost to overdose, this epidemic inside the pandemic. No Mother should lose her Son to overdose; so preventable. I know; Jason’s Mom 1/31/21 #4everbroken.
Please join us and share a picture or memory of your loved one! Say Their Name.
Cathy Harper
Learn MoreBehavioral Health Matters Scholarship Recipients
WASHINGTON COUNTY, Ohio –
The Washington County Behavioral Health Board supports local workforce development in the area of behavioral health, including the fields of social work and counseling. This year, the Board awarded three $2,500.00 Behavioral Health Matters scholarships to provide support to students who are pursuing an associate, baccalaureate, or master’s degree in the behavioral health field. At the Board’s first annual appreciation event hosted on June 23rd, 2021, the recipients of the scholarships were announced and recognized.
It is important to remember that behavioral health is a blanket term that includes mental health and addiction. Behavioral health describes the connection between behaviors and the health and well-being of the body, mind, and spirit. This would include how behaviors like eating habits, drinking, substance misuse, or other behaviors impact physical and mental health.
The Board received many applications of qualified scholars, and is appreciative of every applicants’ time, interest, and dedication to the nature of the workforce. The scholarship committee, comprised of WCBHB Board members, selected Washington County residents who are passionate about serving Washington County long-term and are attending school within the county. This year’s scholarship recipients included Lacey Wilson, Derek Layton, and Megan Gilliam.
Lacey Wilson is a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) who decided to continue her education in the field of mental health and addiction. During her time as a LPN, she worked in nontraditional settings such as prisons, jails, and community mental health settings, and is compelled to address all aspects of health to make a difference in people’s lives. She is continuing her education at Marietta College and obtaining her Master’s degree in the Clinical Mental Health Counseling program.
Derek Layton is continuing his education at Marietta College and obtaining his Master’s degree in the Clinical Mental Health Counseling program. Derek’s long term goals include being a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC), owning and operating a private practice in the Mid-Ohio Valley, and working with adolescents.
Megan Gilliam is starting her career in social work by studying at Washington State Community College. Megan has lived experience, passion, and dedication to the field of mental health and addiction. Currently, she is employed, taking full time credits, and volunteering. Her long-term goals include continuing her education in social work and obtaining her master’s degree.
The Washington County Behavioral Health Board wishes to thank the citizens of Washington County for your continued support through our Mental Health Levy passed in 2017. Since receiving additional funding, Washington County has had tremendous growth in local programs and services. As a next step to addressing the local need, the Board has been able to utilize levy funding to support scholars that are growing the local behavioral health workforce.
If you are interested in learning more about the field of behavioral health, please visit our website: www.wcbhb.org or call the Board office: 740-374-6990.
Learn MorePride Month LGBTQ
WASHINGTON COUNTY, Ohio –
The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Questioning (LGBTQ) community represents a diverse spectrum of identities, expressions of gender, and sexual orientation. LGBTQ Pride Month is celebrated annually in June to honor the 1969 Stonewall riots, and efforts to achieve equal justice and equal opportunity for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning (LGBTQ) Americans. Pride Month is not only a month of celebration, but an opportunity to reflect and learn about the historic and current challenges individuals of the LGBTQ community face in being open with themselves and finding supportive environments to thrive.
Belonging to the LGBTQ community can be a major source of strength, but may also bring unique challenges. It’s important to recognize how individuals’ experiences of sexual orientation and gender identity can relate to mental health.
According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) members of the LGBTQ community are more than twice as likely to experience depression, anxiety disorders, and other mental health challenges.
There are many important risk factors that contribute to mental health challenges in the LGBTQ community including stigma, societal rejection, or trauma from homophobia, biphobia, transphobia, bullying, or identity shaming. Often, substance misuse and/or overuse, and self-harm may be used as a coping mechanisms or as a form of self-medication for resulting mental health challenges.
NAMI further states that compared to the general population, LGBTQ adults are twice more likely to experience a substance use disorder and transgender individuals are almost four times as likely to experience a substance use disorder. LGBTQ members are also at an increased risk of experiencing homelessness as a result of family rejection or discrimination. High school students who identify as lesbian, gay or bisexual are more than four times as likely to have attempted suicide compared to their heterosexual peers and 40% of transgender adults have attempted suicide in their lifetime, compared to 5% of the general population.
Social media has been a complex landscape for the LGBTQ community. Free platforms such as TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram has provided access to openly watch others, find friends, and connect with other LGBTQ members, strengthening the sense of community. For LGBTQ youth, the internet can be a refuge, a place to feel less alone, and may normalize their sexual orientation or gender identity by seeing others that look like them and use the same identifying labels. Unfortunately, these platforms also create a space for cyber bullying and harassment.
The good news is that there are a number of agencies and resources committed to helping fight the stigma that exists against the LGBTQ+ community, and who exist to help support behavioral health services and suicide prevention. Confronting barriers and mental health challenges with an LGBTQ-inclusive approach in mental health and/or addiction treatment can lead to better outcomes, and ultimately make recovery from depression, anxiety disorders, substance use disorders, or other mental health challenges possible. It may take time to find a match in a professional but thanks to the Mental Health Levy passed in 2017, Washington County has expanded options for services! If you or someone you know is struggling with LGBTQ+ identity, mental health disorders, or substance use disorders, please reach out for help.
Local Mental Health & Substance Use Disorder Treatment Providers
- Life and Purpose Behavioral Health (Marietta, Belpre, & Beverly, OH): 740-376-0930
- Walk-In Hours Monday through Friday 8AM-1PM
- Rigel Recovery Services (Reno, OH): 740-371-5160
- Hopewell Health Center (Belpre, OH): 740-423-8095
- Call Mondays & Wednesdays between 8AM-11AM for available Walk-In Hours
- Integrated Services for Behavioral Health (Marietta, OH): 1-800-321-8293
Crisis Resources to save in your cell phone:
- Trevor Line (LGBTQ) call 1-866-488-7386 or Text START: 867678
- Youthline call 1-877-968-8491 or Text TEEN2TEEN: 839863
- 24-Hour National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255
- Crisis Text Line: text “4Hope” to 741741 (24/7, Free & Confidential)
Marietta Municipal Court gains support of the Washington County Behavioral Health Board for Proposed Mental Health Court
WASHINGTON COUNTY, Ohio –
The Washington County Behavioral Health Board (WCBHB) passed a motion at the April 22nd Board meeting to support the Marietta Municipal Court’s proposed Mental Health docket utilizing levy funds. David Browne, Executive Director of the WCBHB, states “We see the mental health court as a perfect use of levy funds entrusted to the Board”.
Mental health concerns have been on the minds of many since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. For Marietta Municipal Court Judge Janet Welch, it has been a concern in her court for many years. Judge Welch has had a special interest in mental health and linking mentally ill offenders to treatment since she began her career as a judge in 2006.
The Washington County Behavioral Health Board has been collaborating with community partners and sponsoring Crisis Intervention Training for law enforcement for the past six years. As a result approximately 110 law enforcement officers and dispatchers have received focused training on recognition of severe mental illness and the many ways it presents, and procedures designed to de-escalate a volatile situation. Judge Welch has participated in the design and delivery of the training curriculum since its inception in Washington County. Crisis Intervention Training, while helpful with emergency response, cannot address the long term need of those individuals who cycle in and out of the criminal justice system, and who bear the burden of untreated and severe mental illness. The Mental Health Court would complement the training as a next step for offenders being addressed in the criminal justice system.
Eric Fowler, WCBHB Board President, shares “It is going to take continued collaboration between the courts, law enforcement, and local mental health treatment for the court to be a success. The court will have to trust the clinical recommendations of the mental health treatment provider, and more importantly, the court and probation staff will have to gain the trust and confidence of the court participants”.
The designated levy funding will support the first full year of the proposed Mental Health Court, including increased case management, probation, transportation, and effective delivery of recommended treatment and wraparound services. During the first year, the Marietta Municipal Court will apply for their certification as a Mental Health Court specialized docket. The Court must meet specific requirements including evidenced based practices in order to be certified by the Ohio Supreme Court. Certification increases resources to the court for participants’ treatment and program management.
Mental Health Courts focus on the treatment and rehabilitation of offenders with a history of severe and persistent mental illnesses who bear an increased risk of criminal recidivism. Traditional jail settings are generally not equipped to provide the level of treatment required by those with severe and persistent mental illness. To address mentally ill offenders and the challenges of the jail setting, courts have established special “dockets” which are programs within a court designed specifically for mentally ill offenders, including individuals with addiction diagnoses. Moving from incarceration to a treatment-based setting frees up needed and expensive jail beds and supports individuals’ progress towards healthy re-entry to the community.
According to the DSM-5, severe and persistent mental illness is defined as a group of mental health disorders including schizophrenia-spectrum, schizoaffective, severe bipolar, and severe major depression with psychosis. Co-occurring substance use disorder may also present, but the mental health diagnosis must be the primary cause of involvement with the justice system. Most individuals with severe mental illness live quietly and productively in our community without contact with law enforcement, however, there are repeat offenders that require structured support for rehabilitation and stabilization. Each potential court participant will have a full clinical evaluation and must consent to participate.
Amy Bean, Assistant Marietta City Law Director, adds “As the Domestic Violence Prosecutor, there are a lot of cases where untreated mental illness is a strong contributing factor to the criminal offense. It is my hope that with the specialized docket, case management, mental health treatment, and wraparound services, it will allow them to stay in the community and out of the criminal justice system”.
The Washington County Behavioral Health Board and the Marietta Municipal Court are thrilled for the opportunity of continued collaboration and ability provide this much needed program to community members.
Learn MoreBehavioral Health Matters Scholarship Announcement
Apply today! Application deadline for 2021 scholarships is May 31, 2021!
WASHINGTON COUNTY, Ohio –
The Washington County Behavioral Health Board is thrilled to announce that we are offering (3) individual academic scholarships for $2,500.00 per award.
The Washington County Behavioral Health Board supports local workforce development in the area of behavioral health, including the fields of social work and counseling. The Behavioral Health Matters scholarship provides support to students who are pursuing an associate, bachelors, or master’s degree in the behavioral health field.
Applications for the scholarship will be made available from April 1st through May 31st, 2021.
Application Criteria for the scholarship includes:
- Application
- Resume
- One letter of recommendation
- Proof of enrollment to an accredited education institution
- One-page essay about educational and career goals
- Must be a resident of Washington County
- Must be pursuing an associates, bachelors, or master’s degree in behavioral health
Preference will be given to applicants pursuing their educational goals at a local Washington County Educational Institution.
For access to the application, please visit www.wcbhb.org/behavioral-health-matters-scholarship/
To apply, submit all application criteria to info@wcbhb.org by May 31, 2021. Award notifications will be made in June, 2021.
We look forward to receiving applications and providing this opportunity to those interested in the field of behavioral health.
For questions, call the Board staff at 740-374-6990.
Learn MoreUplifting Mental Health and Wellness – Public Health Week
This article was featured in the Marietta Times on April 3rd, 2021, written in collaboration with the Marietta/Belpre Health Department & the Washington County Health Department.
WASHINGTON COUNTY, Ohio –
Public health week is celebrated April 5th through April 11th, 2021
In the midst of the most challenging public health crisis of our lifetimes, it’s more important than ever to celebrate public health. Saturday April 10th of public health week is dedicated to uplifting mental health and wellness. We want this article to celebrate the partnership between the Marietta/Belpre Health Department, the Washington County Health Department, and the Washington County Behavioral Health Board.
Mental health is a critical component of public health
Strong mental health isn’t just the absence of mental health problems. Being mentally or emotionally healthy is much more than being free of depression, anxiety, or other psychological issues. Rather than the absence of mental illness, mental health refers to the presence of positive characteristics.
People who are mentally healthy have:
- A sense of contentment.
- A zest for living and the ability to laugh and have fun.
- The ability to deal with stress and bounce back from adversity.
- A sense of meaning and purpose, in both their activities and their relationships.
- The flexibility to learn new skills and adapt to change.
- A balance between work and play, rest and activity, etc.
- The ability to build and maintain fulfilling relationships.
- Self-confidence and high self-esteem.
In the United States, mental illness is one of the most common health conditions. In a year, one in five Americans will experience mental illness. Approximately 50% percent of mental illness begins by the age of 14, and 75% begins by the age of 24. Certain childhood risk factors, including growing up in poverty or experiencing abuse, can be an indicator for mental illness later in life.
The relationship between resilience and mental health
Having solid mental health doesn’t mean that you never go through bad times or experience emotional problems. We all go through disappointments, loss, and change. And while these are normal parts of life, they can still cause sadness, anxiety, and stress. But just as physically healthy people are better able to bounce back from illness or injury, people with strong mental health are better able to bounce back from adversity, trauma, and stress. This ability is called resilience.
People who are emotionally and mentally resilient have the tools for coping with difficult situations and maintaining a positive outlook. They remain focused, flexible, and productive, in bad times as well as good. Their resilience also makes them less afraid of new experiences or an uncertain future. Even when they don’t immediately know how a problem will get resolved, they are hopeful that a solution will eventually be found.
Advocacy for mental health is crucial, especially in the COVID-19 pandemic
The COVID-19 pandemic can affect mental health in many ways, including through loss of a loved one, isolation due to physical distancing mandates, exposure to the virus and loss of income. Practicing strategies like being physically active, getting at least eight hours of sleep each night, eating a well-balanced diet, practicing gratitude, participating in activities you enjoy, developing coping skills, meditating and connecting with others can improve mental health.
Reach out if you need help
If you, or someone you know, is in need of mental health and/or addiction services, please contact one of our local service providers below:
- Life and Purpose Behavioral Health (Marietta, Belpre, & Beverly, OH): 740-376-0930
- Walk-In Hours Monday through Friday 8AM-1PM
- Rigel Recovery Services (Reno, OH): 740-371-5160
- Hopewell Health Center (Belpre, OH): 740-423-8095
- Call Mondays & Wednesdays between 8AM-11AM for available Walk-In Hours
- Integrated Services for Behavioral Health (Marietta, OH): 1-800-321-8293
For immediate assistance, please contact one of the crisis lines below:
- Crisis Text Line: text “4Hope” to 741741
- 24-Hour National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255
For more information, resources, and services concerning Substance Use Disorder and Mental Health, please visit our website, wcbhb.org and check out the Recovery is Beautiful Facebook page.
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