The Division of Mental Health and Substance Use, within the College of Public Health’s Center for Public Policy and Health, was awarded $25,000 in funding from the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services as part of their Community Education & Outreach Initiative. The funding will run from November 3, 2020 through December 30, 2020. The purpose of the initiative is to increase mental health literacy, promote mental health resources, and encourage self-care to those in Portage County.
Dr. Kim Laurene, Principal Investigator, will lead the initiative and will collaborate with agencies and organizations throughout the county to distribute educational materials and promotional items pertaining to mental health and resources. The Ohio Care Line (1-800-720-9616) and Crisis Text Line (741741) will be promoted throughout the county, and a social media campaign will be initiated to spread awareness.
“We are very honored to receive this funding. The COVID-19 pandemic has brought on or exacerbated mental health conditions for some of those in our communities, and we want to make sure everyone knows that mental health help is available,” Laurene said.
A variety of outreach methods will be used to successfully reach people throughout Portage County.
“We will be working to expand our social media presence to spread awareness and engage the community. The funding will allow us to develop mental health messaging and promote mental health and substance abuse resources,” Dr. Deric Kenne, Associate Director of the Division of Mental Health and Substance Use, said. “We hope to develop mental health materials that can be used now and into the future.”
For additional information or questions, please reach out to Dr. Kim Laurene klaurene@kent.edu.