It's that time again for the OCA Awards Nominations. Submissions are being received now until September 21st. Don't wait...submit TODAY!! 

We are excited to accept submissions that can include letters of support in Word, and in Presentation/PPT, Video, Audio options. 

I am sure there is an OCA Colleague you know who is deserving of being recognized for service to the profession. Nominate the person today!

Here is the list of awards. Check out the nomination form OCA Awards Nomination Form for details about each award, the criteria, and submission guidelines.  

• CHARLES “CHUCK” WEAVER AWARD
• DAVE BROOKS AWARD
• HERMAN J. PETERS AWARD
• SUSAN J. SEARS COUNSELOR OF THE YEAR AWARD
• RESEARCH AND WRITING AWARD
• PUBLIC POLICY AND LEGISLATION AWARD
• GRADUATE STUDENT AWARD
• PROFESSIONAL LEADERSHIP AWARD
• TOM DAVIS OUTSTANDING MENTORING AWARD

 

CLICK THE LINK ---> OCA Awards Nomination Form

Greetings, OCA Members!

This is a final reminder that the OCA is hosting a digital t-shirt design contest. T-shirt designs should be centered around the counseling profession and be representative of the OCA. Submissions will be accepted via email, with pdf, jpeg, or png formats preferred. T-shirt designs must be original works.

Email submissions to stacistessmer@gmail.com by Friday, August 12th @ 5pm.

This is a great opportunity to promote the OCA and potentially win a reduced registration rate for AOCC 2022 through engaging with creativity!

Once all submissions are received, OCA members will have the opportunity to vote on their favorite from August 15th through August 19th. The winner will be announced on August 22nd and will be contacted via email with details on their reduced registration to AOCC 2022.

I hope you all will consider participating!

Take care,

Staci

Join us for our quarterly meet and greets! This is a great opportunity for members and those interested in joining OCA to connect and network with one another. OCA Leadership will also be present to provide updates on the organization. Save the dates and spread the word!

Below are the zoom links for the meetings.

September 12th, 2022 7-8pm

Topic: OCA September Meet & Greet
Time: Sep 12, 2022 07:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87670126153?pwd=ODNZQWNGMWFMU3d0RzBoWnR5NFZWZz09
Meeting ID: 876 7012 6153
Passcode: 895248

December 10th, 2022 10-11am

Topic: OCA December Meet & Greet
Time: Dec 10, 2022 10:00 AM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81096144626?pwd=TVNEbkR0Y0twTTUzbENiemtqMmFIdz09
Meeting ID: 810 9614 4626
Passcode: 154276

March 13th, 2023 7-8pm

Topic: OCA March Meet & Greet
Time: Mar 13, 2023 07:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89472781162?pwd=cDVjeU9tMWJaQnkxakhPM3gyQ1FRZz09
Meeting ID: 894 7278 1162
Passcode: 866260

June 10th, 2023 10-11am

Topic: OCA June Meet & Greet
Time: Jun 10, 2023 10:00 AM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89620093674?pwd=UldCS0RuMXU2dllYQXd6MDBFVVI2Zz09
Meeting ID: 896 2009 3674
Passcode: 729535

State of Ohio Ready for Transition to New, Nationwide 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

July 13, 2022 | MHA

(COLUMBUS, OH) -- Following 18 months of careful preparation, the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (OhioMHAS) is pleased to announce that Ohioans experiencing suicidal crisis, mental health or addiction-related distress will soon be able to call 988, an easy-to-remember three-digit number to access free, 24/7, confidential support for themselves or loved ones. The nationwide 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline goes live on Saturday, July 16.

“Mental health is just as important as physical health,” said Governor Mike DeWine. “988 is a statewide resource that will quickly connect anyone who needs immediate support or crisis treatment to a trained counselor who can listen and connect them with resources. I encourage Ohioans who are in crisis themselves, or helping someone who is, to call 988 for help.”

In 2020, Congress designated the new 988 dialing code to operate through the existing National Suicide Prevention Lifeline’s (NSPL) network of more than 200 locally operated and funded crisis centers across the country. The service was established to improve access to crisis services in a way that meets the nation’s growing suicide and mental health related crisis care needs. The existing 10-digit National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (1-800-273-8255) launched in 2005 and will remain active following the transition to 988, as will local helplines and hotlines, keeping important safety nets in place.

“Too often Ohioans in crisis don’t know where to turn for help, and the stigma of asking can keep them from reaching out,” said OhioMHAS Director Lori Criss. “We are working to change all this in Ohio. Moving to a 3-digit crisis number helps increase the visibility of the help available to Ohioans experiencing a mental health or addiction crisis,” said Director Criss. “988 is more than just an easy-to-remember number—it is a direct connection to a compassionate person on the other line who is trained to provide support to anyone in distress – whether that is thoughts of suicide, emotional distress, or substance use crisis.”

To prepare for implementation, Ohio expanded the number of NSPL-affiliated call centers to 19, ensuring Ohioans in all 88 counties have access to coverage and support. Starting July 16 when Ohioans dial 988, they can expect to hear a greeting message while their call is routed to the local Lifeline network crisis center (based on the caller’s area code – see map here). A trained crisis counselor will answer the phone, listen to the caller, provide support, and connect them to additional resources if needed.

Some may struggle with “should I call 911 or 988?” Director Criss explained, “The 988 number will become well known over time, just like 911. We want people to think about: 1. Is this a fire or police emergency or imminent danger to life? CALL 911. 2. Do I need help related to thoughts of suicide, mental health or addiction crisis? CALL 988.”

The Lifeline provides live crisis center phone services in English and Spanish and uses Language Line Solutions to provide translation services in over 250 additional languages for people who call 988. The 988 dialing code will also be available nationwide for text or chat (English only).

“The transition to 988 is another important step in strengthening and transforming crisis care in Ohio,” said RecoveryOhio Director Aimee Shadwick. “Governor DeWine has prioritized making person-centered care more visible, accessible, and effective, and 988 will serve as a front door into Ohio’s crisis care system.”

There are urgent realities driving the need for crisis service transformation across the United States. In 2020 alone, the U.S. had one death by suicide about every 11 minutes—and for people aged 10 – 34 years, suicide is a leading cause of death. Additionally, from April 2020 to 2021, over 100,000 individuals died from drug overdoses. Numerous studies have shown that most Lifeline callers are significantly more likely to feel less depressed, less suicidal, less overwhelmed, and more hopeful after speaking to a Lifeline crisis counselor. Studies have shown that approximately 80 percent of calls made to a crisis line can be resolved through a phone conversation, alleviating burdens on local law enforcement and hospital systems.

OhioMHAS has identified federal funding to support the implementation and year one of operations for 988. During this first year of operations OhioMHAS will carefully monitor call volumes and system needs and continue working with the General Assembly to identify funding for long-term sustainability of 988.

In recent years, Ohio has prioritized $69 million in state GRF dollars to strengthen and support crisis services in communities throughout the state. In March, Governor DeWine devoted a significant portion of his State of the State Address to his vision for the future of behavioral health in Ohio. In May, he announced his proposal to infuse $85 million in federal resources to strengthen and expand Ohio’s behavioral health care workforce to help meet rising demand for mental health and substance use disorder treatment and recovery support services. Governor DeWine also announced an $84 million Pediatric Behavioral Health Initiative. On July 1, Governor DeWine announced the launch of OhioRISE – a first-ever, highly-specialized behavioral health program for Ohio children with complex behavioral health needs.

 

# # #

 

A national 988 public awareness campaign is not expected until 2023. OhioMHAS and the federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration have provided many resources to help Ohio communities understand the transition to 988 and communicate the change to residents.

 

Additional Resources:

Ohio 988 Fact Sheet

Ohio 988 FAQ

When to Call 911/When to Call 988

Local Partner Toolkit (logos and more)

Ohio 988 Lifeline Providers Coverage Map

OhioMHAS 988 Resource Page

June 16, 2022 Media Briefing Slides

B-Roll Footage of Typical NSPL Call Center

Greetings, OCA Members!

I’m excited to share another opportunity to promote the OCA and potentially win a reduced registration rate for AOCC 2022 through engaging with creativity!

The OCA is hosting a digital t-shirt design contest. T-shirt designs should be centered around the counseling profession and be representative of the OCA. Submissions will be accepted via email, with pdf, jpeg, or png formats preferred. T-shirt designs must be original works.

Submissions will be accepted July 15th through August 12th by 5pm. Email submissions to stacistessmer@gmail.com 

Once all submissions are received, OCA members will have the opportunity to vote on their favorite from August 15th through August 19th. The winner will be announced on August 22nd and will be contacted via email with details on their reduced registration to AOCC 2022.

I hope you all will consider participating!

Take care,

Staci

The Ohio Counselors Association is calling for master’s and doctoral students to submit to the Graduate Student Poster Session being held at the 2022 All Ohio Counselors Conference Oct 17-19th! All graduate students are welcome to present on their research or areas of interest in the counseling profession. The Poster Session will be held at the Awards Reception the evening of Oct 18th. See the linked document titled, “2022 AOCC Call for Posters," for more information on how to submit a proposal, or follow the link below to submit your proposal! 

https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=4cbonsGL8E-b7IJ27QW3OPSAaUhV909Ov774LozWqzVUMDUzSFhIOEdWT09QOUUwNldWS1dCRDlUMC4u

Also, see the "Poster Presentation Guidelines" to help you design your poster. Proposals are due July 15, 2022, and in order to be accepted you must be a member of OCA and register for AOCC by August 30, 2022. Please feel free to email Sam (Gress) Weisman s.gress@vikes.csuohio.edu with any questions you may have. Thank you!

American Counseling Association Expresses Opposition to Overturn of Roe v. Wade

The Supreme Court decision striking down Roe v. Wade abolishes women’s constitutional right to choose to have an abortion without the undue influence of government. This decision will trigger some state regulations, which will make abortions outright illegal and/or limiting accessibility. Various jurisdictions have proposed laws and regulations that require clinicians report clients who have sought or are seeking an abortion, as it may be considered “aiding and abetting.” 

We recognize that the loss of access to safe, legal abortion may hinder the ability of women to participate within the workplace and society effectively and successfully. Unwanted pregnancies may affect women’s education, employment, earning prospects, and health. These effects would disproportionately fall on those who are already marginalized, those living in poverty, people of color, nonbinary, and transgender people, as well as those who live in medically underserved areas (e.g., few primary care providers, high infant mortality, high poverty). 

Overturning Roe v. Wade means we can expect an increase in economic hardship and insecurity that may lead to increased stress, lower life satisfaction, decreased work productivity, increased turnover, and decreased mental well-being. Professional counselors assist clients and students facing life’s challenges such as the deeply personal decision to have an abortion, and how to access such services.

The American Counseling Association (ACA) stands with every person, counselor, and client in pursuit of mental health care and wellness. Professional counselors are being placed in an unethical position. In counseling, clients are entitled to self-determination and to make decisions in the best interest of their health and well-being. Clients should have access to high-quality professional counseling without the fear of having their confidentiality unjustly waived. This requires safeguarding the integrity and trust built in the counselor-client relationship.

Professional counselors need to continue to practice ethically and obtain a legal consultation to determine their duty to confidentiality and privacy versus the conflict either in Roe v. Wade or the restrictions their state has put in place. Professional counselors may request an opinion from their State Attorney General who can give an official interpretation of the law.

 

The editorial staff of OCA’s newsletter present: 

The Counselor Connection (TCC), Volume 1, Issue 2

 

TCC editorial staff would like to thank everyone who contributed to our June 2022 issue.

 

We are accepting submissions via Google Form on a rolling basis for consideration for publication: https://linktr.ee/ohiocounseling/  

 

The deadline for consideration for publication in Vol. 1, Issue 3 (October 2022) is September 15, 2022. 

 

Submit your content to TCC via the link above TODAY!

 

How could we make TCC even better? Please send us an email (oca.mprm.cmte@gmail.com) with your feedback or let us know via OCA’s LinkTree!

 

Don't want to wait for the next issue of TCC to advertise your endeavors? We don't blame you!

 

Email the OCA MPRM Cmte. (oca.mprm.cmte@gmail.com), and we will advertise on your behalf on the OCA membership listserv and on OCA's social media platforms.

 

Follow OCA on social media: https://linktr.ee/ohiocounseling/ 

Dear OCA Members,  

I want to make you aware of these resources where you can get FREE OCSWMFT Board-Approved CEs.

I just conducted the following training that can be found here: 

Strategies for Preventing and Addressing Burnout, Compassion Fatigue, and Vicarious Trauma

It will soon be available here for self-paced study as well (until June 30th and possibly later): 

https://csw.osu.edu/continuing-education/2022-careline-training-series/

Last month I also conducted one on Nonsuicidal Self-Injury and crisis management and early intervention and it has been converted into a free self-paced course, which can be found here: https://osucosw.catalog.instructure.com/courses/careline-nonsuicidal-self-injury 

Note they have a number of interesting trainings coming up and other fabulous trainings recorded that you can listen to for CE

Hope this helps! It is such a great resource...I just had to share!     

~ Victoria Kress

The Ohio Counseling Association is calling for master’s and doctoral students to submit to the Graduate Student Poster Session being held at the 2022 All Ohio Counselors Conference Oct 17-19th! All graduate students are welcome to present on their research or areas of interest in the counseling profession. The Poster Session will be held at the Awards Reception the evening of Oct 18th. Click here for more information. 

Also, see the "Poster Presentation Guidelines" to help you design your poster. Proposals are due June 30 2022, and in order to be accepted you must be a member of OCA and register for AOCC by August 30, 2022. Please feel free to email Sam (Gress) Weisman s.gress@vikes.csuohio.edu with any questions you may have.