Catch up quickly:
The Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (OhioMHAS) has awarded over $820,000 in mini-grants to support the behavioral health workforce across the state, according to a Ohio Mental Health Services report.
The big picture:
These funds aim to address staffing shortages, burnout, and training needs in the mental health and addiction services field. Grants will support recruitment, career pathways, and professional development.
Zoom in:
Funds are distributed to organizations in several counties — including Montgomery and Cuyahoga — home to some of Ohio’s most diverse communities.
Why it matters:
As demand for behavioral health services rises, especially in the wake of the pandemic, ensuring a well-trained and supported workforce is essential to delivering quality care.
By the numbers:
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17 organizations received funding
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$820,720 in total grants
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6-month project timelines
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Focus areas: diversity, clinical training, certification, and retention
What we’re watching:
Whether this funding will help close access gaps for underserved communities — particularly in Black and Brown neighborhoods where mental health stigma and provider shortages persist.
Go deeper:
Several recipients will use funding to recruit clinicians from diverse backgrounds and establish training programs for peer support specialists — a proven model for engaging vulnerable populations.
The Life Anew Angle:
This state investment is a call to action. For organizations like Life Anew, it’s an opportunity to collaborate, apply for future funding, and expand culturally competent services. We’re on the frontlines of supporting BIPOC and underrepresented families — and a strengthened workforce means more healing, access, and impact.
