Mental Health & Addiction Advocacy Coalition - MHAC

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

This Indigenous Peoples’ Day, let’s recognize that access to mental health care is not the same for everyone. 🧠Indigenou...
10/13/2026

This Indigenous Peoples’ Day, let’s recognize that access to mental health care is not the same for everyone. 🧠

Indigenous and Native communities experience unique mental health challenges shaped by historical and ongoing trauma, cultural factors, and barriers to accessing behavioral health services. Meaningful support requires more than simply making services available. It means building trust, understanding cultural context, and providing care that respects the experiences, strengths, and traditions of Indigenous communities.

This Indigenous Peoples’ Day, take the opportunity to learn more about the mental health disparities affecting Indigenous and Native communities and why trauma-informed, culturally humble care matters.

🔎 Learn more: https://dbh.ohio.gov/research-and-data/data-and-reports/health-disparities/indigenous-native-communities-trauma-and-cultural-humility-brief

Ohio Department of Behavioral Health









This World Mental Health Day, let’s look at what the numbers tell us about mental health in Ohio. 🧠According to NAMI Ohi...
10/09/2026

This World Mental Health Day, let’s look at what the numbers tell us about mental health in Ohio. 🧠

According to NAMI Ohio ’s 2025 data:
👉🏾 2.2 million Ohio adults live with a mental health condition.
👉🏾 470,000 Ohio adults experience serious thoughts of su***de each year.
👉🏾 4.8 million Ohioans live in communities without enough mental health professionals.
👉🏾 664,000 Ohio adults reported needing mental health treatment but not receiving it.

These numbers highlight both the scale of mental health needs across Ohio and the importance of accessible, effective care and support.

Want to learn more? Check out the full NAMI Ohio infographic and explore more data on mental health in our state.
🔗nami.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Ohio-GRPA-Data-Sheet-8.5-x-11-wide.pdf

There’s more to see than what’s on the surface.As Cincinnati lights up for Blink, we’re reminded how much can be reveale...
10/08/2026

There’s more to see than what’s on the surface.

As Cincinnati lights up for Blink, we’re reminded how much can be revealed when we take the time to look closer. And the same can be true of our mental health. 🧠✨

Depression doesn’t always look the way we expect. Someone can be showing up, going to work, spending time with friends, and participating in their community while quietly struggling.

That’s why National Depression Screening Day is an opportunity to pause, check in, and learn more about your mental health. A screening can be one small step toward recognizing when something feels different and connecting with support.

This week, as you take in Cincinnati’s incredible displays of light, take a moment to look a little closer, too. You never know what someone may be carrying beneath the surface ➡️ screening.mhanational.org.

10/06/2026

At the 2026 Southwest Hub Public Officials Breakfast Reception, we had the opportunity to record meaningful Tap-In Behavioral Health Chat interviews. 🎙️🎧

These conversations feature leaders and advocates who are shaping the behavioral health landscape through their experience, perspective, and commitment to community well-being.

We're continuing the series with Dr. Ruby Castilla-Puentes who highlights the importance of prioritizing mental health alongside physical health, particularly when it comes to women’s health. As a psychiatrist, she emphasizes the need to recognize the connection between the two and continue promoting mental health for everyone.

Through Tap In, our goal is to listen closely, learn together, break stigma, and highlight the importance of accessible, human-centered behavioral health support.

Behind every strong coalition is a group of dedicated leaders helping guide the way. 🙌🏾The MHAC Northeast Hub Steering C...
10/05/2026

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

The MHAC Northeast 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 Northeast 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:
✨ Katherine (Katie) Jenkins, MPA — Executive Director, NAMI Greater Cleveland | Northeast Hub Chair
✨ Andrea O'Brien, MAEd, LPCC-S — Director of Care Coordination, OhioGuidestone | Northeast Hub Vice Chair
✨ Jacqueline Bruner — Director of Business Operations, Lake Adamhs
✨ Andrew DeFratis, MPA — Senior Director of Public Affairs, Cleveland R**e Crisis Center
✨ Crystal N. Dubican, MSW, LSW — FIRST Consultant & Trainer, Best Practices in Schizophrenia Treatment (BeST) Center at Northeast Ohio Medical University (NEOMED)
✨ Jason Joyce, M.Ed., LPCC-S, LICDC-S — CEO, ADAMHS Board of Cuyahoga County
✨ Jim Lawrence — President & Chief Executive Officer, Oriana House, Inc.
✨ Victor Leandry — Executive Director, Lorain El Centro
✨ Lou Weigele — National Association of Social Workers Chapter, Region III & Problem Gambling Network of Ohio

Thank you for sharing your leadership, insight, and commitment to advancing behavioral health policy, services, and supports across Northeast 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 The Center for Community Solutions, one of our valued state-level members! 💡Center for Comm...
10/01/2026

We’re shining a spotlight on The Center for Community Solutions, one of our valued state-level members! 💡

Center for Community Solutions is dedicated to improving health, social, and economic conditions across Ohio through policy, research, and data analysis.

As an independent, nonpartisan research center, their work helps communities, policymakers, nonprofits, and other organizations better understand the challenges facing Ohioans and identify practical solutions.

🔗 Learn more about this state member on their website: communitysolutions.com/.

As we close out Su***de Prevention Month, let’s remember that su***de prevention is not something we should think about ...
09/30/2026

As we close out Su***de Prevention Month, let’s remember that su***de prevention is not something we should think about for just one month of the year. 💛

The facts, conversations, and resources we’ve shared throughout September are important to carry with us all year long.

Knowing the warning signs, starting a conversation, checking in with someone who may be struggling, and knowing where to turn for support can make a difference.

Su***de prevention is a shared responsibility—and there are resources available to help individuals, families, and communities take action.

✅ Save these resources. Share them with someone who may need them. And keep the conversation going beyond September.

Learn more about su***de prevention resources and support from the Ohio Department of Behavioral Health:
🔗 dbh.ohio.gov/get-help/prevention-services/su***de-prevention

Ohio Department of Behavioral Health

***dePrevention

09/28/2026

At the 2025 Northeast Hub Public Officials Breakfast Reception, we had the opportunity to record meaningful Tap-In Behavioral Health Chat interviews. 🎙️🎧

These conversations feature leaders and advocates who are shaping the behavioral health landscape through their experience, perspective, and commitment to community well-being.

We're continuing the series with Meghan Weiner, a Magnolia Clubhouse mental health professional whose journey began as an intern and grew into a passion for supporting members and breaking the stigma surrounding mental health.

Through Tap In, our goal is to listen closely, learn together, break stigma, and highlight the importance of accessible, human-centered behavioral health support.

Change happens when we work together—and healthy communities require a holistic approach. 💙We’re proud to see one of our...
09/25/2026

Change happens when we work together—and healthy communities require a holistic approach. 💙

We’re proud to see one of our Northeast MHAC members, Benjamin Rose, making a positive impact in our communities and finding new ways to empower Ohioans.

Through the Greater Greater Cleveland Food Bank Community Resource Center, trusted organizations are coming together to connect older adults and community members with more than food assistance—including benefits, housing support, health resources, and other services that help people thrive.

This is what collaboration looks like: bringing resources, expertise, and community partners together to address the whole person and build stronger, healthier communities. 🙌🏾

We’re grateful to see our members contributing to this important work and creating new pathways for Ohioans to access the support they need.

09/22/2026

We’re excited to share these behavioral health workforce spotlight videos, designed to highlight the people, stories, and career pathways that make this field so impactful—while inspiring, informing, and encouraging future professionals to explore opportunities in behavioral health. ✨

In this video, we hear reflections on finding purpose in helping others, discovering unexpected career pathways, and making a meaningful transition into behavioral health. From understanding the experiences that shape individuals and communities to supporting people as they work toward better lives, these stories highlight the many ways a career in behavioral health can make a difference. 💙

We’re also reminded that it’s never too late to pursue work that feels meaningful—and that the opportunity to help others grow and thrive can be incredibly rewarding. 🙌🏾

This project was made possible through grant funding awarded to the Hamilton County Mental Health and Recovery Services Board 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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