Ohio's mental healthcare needs are as acute as they've ever been, but Ohioans' struggle with mental health has also achieved a new and higher level of visibility, thanks to the persistent dedication of mental health advocates. Mental health struggles are touching every part of Ohio's population: children, adults, employers, and employees, and those of any age wrestling with addiction or thoughts of suicide.

Ohio's leaders in the field have also made clear that mental health issues aren't merely healthcare issues, they're workforce development issues: the state's economy can't thrive if the mental health needs of its workers and their families aren't addressed and supported. Tellingly, a state official reported hearing most often from Ohio's mothers and sheriffs: two groups both dealing daily with the effects of fellow Ohioans struggling with mental health needs.

There is clearly hope: national studies show that 3 of 4 people who experience addiction eventually recover, and up to 33% of people living with serious mental illness and 67% of adults with mild to moderate mental illness experience partial to full recovery over time. And Ohio is talking more about mental health than ever before, with the stigma of mental illness slowly evaporating, thanks to a changing public willingness to talk openly about mental illness. Some 70% of companies have also introduced or enhanced their well-being benefits for their employees.

Since 1949, May has been observed as Mental Health Awareness Month, so with an expert panel of passionate leaders, we unpack the state of mental health in Ohio with leaders working to create healthier adults, employees, and families.

Featuring:

Erika Clark Jones, CEO, Alcohol, Drug and Mental Health Board of Franklin County (ADAMH)

LeeAnne Cornyn, Director, Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services

And Andriel Ugbomeh, CEO, Healing Without Limits Counseling & Consulting

The host is Charleta B. Tavares, Chief Executive Officer, PrimaryOne Health

The presenting sponsors of CMC's Optimal Health Series are OhioHealth, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, and Nationwide Children's Hospital.

This forum was sponsored by Cardinal Health.

The livestream presenting sponsor was The Center for Human Kindness at The Columbus Foundation. The livestream partner was The Columbus Dispatch.

It was supported by The Ellis.

This forum was recorded before a live audience at The Ellis in Columbus, Ohio's historic Italian Village on May 15, 2024.

Please note this CMC forum contains a conversation about suicide. If you or someone you love is struggling with mental health or addiction, please contact the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by calling 988.