Hancock ADAMHS board getting $50K

COLUMBUS — Two grants funded by the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (OhioMHAS) will benefit organizations that strengthen the state's behavioral health workforce in Hancock and Hardin counties. Hancock County Board of Alcohol, Drug Addiction and Mental Health Services (ADAMHS) will receive $50,000 to expand the relationship with Raise the Bar, a local community-driven workforce development initiative. Funds will also pilot a work advance program targeting entry level positions and formalize a plan to recognize students who obtain a Mental Health Technician Certification to engage them in the field. In addition, Mental Health and Recovery Services of Allen, Auglaize and Hardin counties was awarded $125,425. The funds will be used to educate those with job opportunities on how to recruit and serve people interested in the behavioral health field and offer one-time scholarships to those employed by Community Behavioral Health Centers to enhance their skillsets. In all, more than $820,000 in grants will support 10 projects focused on increasing career awareness, supporting recruitment and retention, and enhancing contemporary practice for Ohio mental health and addiction professionals. "The health and success of Ohio's families and communities depend on a robust and knowledgeable behavioral healthcare workforce," said OhioMHAS Director LeeAnne Cornyn. "These grants are just another example of our commitment to supporting our community partners to strengthen and grow their workforce, amid increased demand for services." The selected projects demonstrate the department's dedication to improving the recruitment and retention of the "wellness workforce" and efforts to pursue partnerships with Ohio's community behavioral health care providers, local community leaders and educational institutions to create more pathways for Ohioans to pursue these careers.