Mental Health & Addiction Advocacy Coalition - MHAC

Today is National Panic Day, a time to raise awareness about panic disorder and the people it impacts every day.

According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America - ADAA (ADAA), panic disorder involves unexpected, recurring panic attacks that can happen suddenly, even during sleep, along with a persistent fear of having another attack. ℹ️

It affects about 2–3% of Americans each year and is twice as common in women. Beyond the physical symptoms, it can disrupt daily life and lead many people to suffer in silence out of fear of being misunderstood.

The important truth: panic disorder is real, common, and highly treatable. You are not alone. 📣

Learn more and explore resources:
👉🏾 adaa.org/understanding-anxiety/panic-disorder

We’re shining a spotlight on Lighthouse Youth & Family Services , one of our Southwest Hub members! 💡
“The light is always on, and the door is always open.”

That simple message reflects their powerful commitment to create a space where every young person who walks through the door is met with compassion, dignity, and respect.

Lighthouse continues to play an important role in providing hope and healing for youth and families across our communities, reminding us what it looks like when care is rooted in humanity first. ✨

🔗 Learn more about this Southwest Hub member on their website: www.lys.org/.

A huge shoutout to Positive Education Program , a valued Northeast Hub MHAC member and 2025 Northeast Public Officials Breakfast Reception Sponsor, for spotlighting last month! 💙

Behavioral health nurses and other medical professionals play such a vital role in supporting the well-being of children, families, and communities every single day. From healthcare screenings and assessments to helping students better understand the connection between physical and mental health, their impact reaches far beyond the classroom.

We love seeing organizations like PEP recognize and celebrate the hard work, compassion, and dedication of these professionals who are helping strengthen the behavioral health field and support our communities in meaningful ways. ✨

Thank you to all nurses and behavioral health professionals for the care you provide every day! 🙌🏾

Shining a spotlight on one of our partners, the Benjamin Rose ✨

As a supporter of the 2025 Northeast Public Officials Breakfast Reception, they continue to show what it means to lead with impact, not just through programs, but through people.

We loved seeing their Volunteer Spotlight series, highlighting individuals like Rhonda who give their time, energy, and heart to serve others. These moments are a powerful reminder that behind every mission are people choosing to show up and make a difference. 🙌🏾

Whether during Volunteer Month or all year long, it’s so important to pause, reflect, and celebrate the contributions of those who give simply because they care.

Because real impact is built by people, and volunteers like these are at the heart of it. ❤️

June is National PTSD Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and remind people they are not alone. 📣

Did you know:
➡️ About 6.8% of U.S. adults will experience PTSD in their lifetime
➡️ Around 3.6% of adults experience PTSD in a given year
➡️ Nearly 1 in 2 adults will experience a traumatic event, but not everyone develops PTSD
➡️ PTSD can impact daily life

PTSD can affect anyone, regardless of age, background, or experience. And while trauma is common, support, treatment, and healing are possible.

If you or someone you know may be struggling, you don’t have to navigate it alone.

Learn more, explore resources, and find support here:
🔎 nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics/post-traumatic-stress-disorder-ptsd

National Institutes of Health (NIH)

The MHAC team and its members are working every day to break down barriers and expand access to care for individuals facing mental health and addiction challenges across Ohio.

Through education, research, and advocacy, we continue to engage policymakers, partner organizations, and the public to strengthen systems of support where they’re needed most.

But this work isn’t possible without community. 🏘️✨

Your donation helps fuel efforts that uplift individuals, strengthen services, and drive meaningful change for people and families navigating mental health and substance use disorders.

Support the mission and make an investment in access, equity, and hope today: https://mhaadvocacy.org/donate/

A powerful morning of connection, conversation, and community impact doesn’t happen by chance. It’s made possible by committed partners who continue to show up year after year. 🙌🏾

We’re proud to spotlight our Ambassador and Advocate sponsors from this past April’s Southwest Public Officials Breakfast Reception.

A special thank you to Greater Cincinnati Behavioral Health Services , who once again supported at the highest level as an Ambassador Sponsor, and Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, who continued their strong partnership as an Advocate Sponsor. 👏🏾👏🏽👏🏿

Your ongoing commitment is instrumental in making this gathering possible and ensuring that public officials, behavioral health providers, and community leaders have a space to come together for meaningful dialogue and collaboration.

We are grateful for partners who don’t just attend the work, but invest in it in meaningful, consistent ways.

Thank you for helping make this year’s event a success, and for continuing to stand with us in advancing behavioral health for all. ✅

Leadership Spotlight 💡

Meet Teri Nau, Vice President of Community and Donor Relations at Talbert House, and a dedicated member of the MHAC Southwest Hub Steering Committee.

Talbert House is an organization committed to empowering children, adults, and families to live healthy, safe, and productive lives.

We’re grateful for Teri’s leadership and partnership, which help strengthen access to behavioral health services and advance meaningful systems change across Ohio.

Thank you, Teri, for your commitment to this important work! 🙌🏽