cblack@newsandsentinel.com
PARKERSBURG Those impacted by substance use disorder will now have better access to sustainable jobs thanks to $500,000 in funding from the Appalachian Regional Commission’s INSPIRE initiative.
For the next three years, the funds will be used to aid workforce development by putting those affected by substance abuse in contact with people who can help them re-enter the workplace.
“The impact of substance use disorders on the economy in the Mid-Ohio Valley region over the last decade has been huge. These funds can reverse that trend and get people back into the workforce,” said Carol Jackson, executive director of the Mid-Ohio Valley Regional Council, in a press release.
jpierson@newsandsentinel.com
Mental and behavioral health disorders present real and palpable issues for children as they grow and develop.
In the time of the coronavirus, some of these struggles have become more pronounced.
The Mental Health & Addiction Advocacy Coalition and the Children’s Defense Fund-Ohio recently released a first-of-its-kind comprehensive report that looked into the demographics, resources and rates of behavioral health issues for youth in all 88 counties in Ohio, while also highlighting key progress and unmet needs.
According to 2020 data from Mental Health America, 48.6 percent of youth in the state of Ohio who have a major depressive episode do not receive any mental health services.
Shaeleigh Sprigg, Leah Gregory
The Washington County Behavioral Health Board (WCBHB) passed a motion at the April 22 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.
Public health week is celebrated April 5 through April 11.
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 10 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.
Commissioner Jamie Booth taking notes during Thursday s meeting.
(Photo by Michele Newbanks)
A request from the county engineer was tabled during Thursday’s meeting of the Washington County Board of Commissioners.
Roger Wright sent a letter to the board this week asking for a one-time exception for Wesley and Newport townships to receive the 1 percent permissive sales tax in one installment instead of the usual three.
“This would allow the townships to have funds available to supplement the (Ohio Emergency Management Agency/Federal Emergency Management Agency) contribution in order to pay for the slip repairs and allow the township to maintain their limited budget,” the letter states.