Mental Health & Addiction Advocacy Coalition - MHAC

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! 🙌🏽

Yesterday was World Schizophrenia Day, a reminder to raise awareness, challenge stigma, and center compassion for those impacted by this serious mental health condition. 🧠

Here are a few important facts to know:
👉🏾 Schizophrenia affects how a person thinks, feels, and behaves
👉🏾 It is typically diagnosed between the ages of 16 and 30
👉🏾 In the United States, an estimated 0.25% to 0.64% of people live with schizophrenia or related psychotic disorders
👉🏾 The condition can significantly impact daily life, but treatment, support, and coordinated care can help individuals manage symptoms and work toward recovery

Behind every statistic is a person, a family, and a story, and awareness is one step toward reducing stigma and increasing access to care.

If you want to learn more about symptoms, treatment, and ongoing research, visit: nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics/schizophrenia

National Institutes of Health (NIH)

A great example of what it looks like when impact continues beyond a single moment. 🙌🏾

We’re highlighting Cincinnati Children's, a valued southwest MHAC Member, for showing how collaboration and resource sharing can extend learning and strengthen the field well beyond a conference setting.

Their recent work from the Pediatric Academic Societies Meeting (PAS) reflects something powerful: when knowledge is shared openly, through research, tools, and learning platforms, it creates more opportunities for connection, innovation, and improved care.

We’re grateful for partners like Cincinnati Children’s who continue to lead with collaboration and a commitment to advancing outcomes for children and families.

Explore their shared resources here ➡️ physicianseries.com/conferences/booth-813/resources/

Leadership Spotlight 💡

Meet Lisa Smith, Vice President of Youth Resiliency Services at Lutheran Metropolitan Ministry and a member of the MHAC State Board.

Through her work in youth resiliency, Lisa helps ensure that young people and families have access to the prevention, treatment, aftercare, and recovery supports they need to thrive. ✅

Leaders like Lisa help keep advocacy at the center of behavioral health, strengthening awareness, expanding access, and ensuring individuals and families are supported at every stage of their journey.

We’re grateful for her leadership, insight, and commitment to advancing MHAC’s mission to build healthier, more informed, and more connected communities across Ohio.

Thank you, Lisa, for your dedication to this important work! 🙌🏽

We’re shining a spotlight on Community Assessment & Treatment Services, Inc. (CATS), one of our 2025 Northeast Public Officials Breakfast Reception sponsors! 💡

CATS provides comprehensive, community-based behavioral health and substance use treatment services designed to support individuals on their path to recovery. Their work focuses on assessment, treatment, and ongoing support that helps people stabilize, rebuild, and move forward with dignity and care.

Through a strong commitment to accessible, evidence-based services, CATS plays an important role in strengthening recovery outcomes and supporting healthier communities across the region.

🔗 Learn more about this organization and its work here: https://communityassessment.org/