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From 2017 to 2019, Ohio ranked 46th among 50 states for pollution exposure, including exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) pollution. (Halfpoint/Adobe Stock)

Wednesday, April 17, 2024

Researchers link air pollution with dementia risk

Recent data ranks Columbus as the most polluted major city in the U.S., highlighting concerns about common pollutants, like smog and vehicle …

Toxic stress increases the risks for obesity, diabetes, depression and other illnesses. (Adobe Stock)

Psychiatrist explains links between toxic stress, poor health

The alarming rise in rates of diabetes, obesity, depression, and other chronic health issues has put the spotlight on toxic stress. Lawson Wulsin…

Out-of-school suspensions contribute to Ohio's high chronic absenteeism rates, according to a new report from the Children's Defense Fund of Ohio. (Adobe Stock)

Suspensions, expulsions on rise in Ohio schools, report finds

Ohio's Black students are more likely to face excessively harsh discipline practices such as expulsion and suspension, according to a recently …

A new survey of parents in predominantly Appalachian Ohio counties find most had positive experiences with a new social work model called Ohio Sobriety Treatment and Reducing Trauma. (Adobe Stock) <br />

Peer-mentor centered program helps Ohio families struggling with substance use

An evidenced-based social work model to help parents struggling with substance use stay connected to their children is offering hope to Ohio counties …

Ohio has around 15,000 children currently in foster care, according to state data. (Adobe Stock/Generated with AI)<br />

New Ohio children’s services model aims to promote family healing

A first-of-its-kind social work model aims to provide struggling Ohio families with personalized attention and resources. Mike Kenney - director of …

Nationwide, Black adults had higher prevalence of high blood pressure and were less likely to have their blood pressure under control compared with white adults, according to data from United Health Foundation. (Adobe Stock)

Report: More Ohioans struggling with chronic diseases

The number of Ohioans living with kidney disease has jumped by 60%, and arthritis, diabetes and other chronic conditions are on the rise, according …

The stress of farming is compounded for racial and other minorities, a new study suggests. (Adobe Stock)<br />

For beginning nontraditional farmers, stress is a constant

Women, LGBTQ, and minority farmers in Ohio face compounding stressors, according to a study from Ohio State University. Researchers surveyed and …

In 2022, more than 2,593,000 children lived in Ohio, according to the Annie. E Casey Foundation. (Adobe Stock)<br />

New advisory board helps Ohio parents increase advocacy

Ohio parents say they're concerned about the childcare crisis, mental health and gun violence, among other issues that have prompted some to join a …

Ohio drug-related deaths rose between 2015 and 2021. In May 2020, there were 574 drug overdose deaths, the most of any month during that period. (Adobe Stock)

Advocates consider best uses for OH opioid funds

Ohio community advocates are evaluating how funds from the OneOhio plan should be used. The OneOhio plan uses the $2 billion awarded to the state …

Aimee Clemson-Rich was recently honored with the 2023 PCSAO Child Advocate of the Year award. (Adobe Stock)<br />

Ohio caseworkers strive to keep families together, reduce trauma for kids

The opioid crisis continues to plaque communities across Ohio, and according to the state Department of Job and Family Services, more than 3,000 Ohio …

According to Mental Health America, nearly 20% percent of adults, or 50 million Americans nationwide, are experiencing some form of mental illness. (Adobe Stock)

On World Mental Health Day, experts urge self-care

Today is World Mental Health Day, and according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, nearly 2 million Ohioans live in a community with a short …

About one in four women, and nearly one in 10 men, have experienced sexual violence, physical violence or stalking by an intimate partner, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (Adobe Stock)<br />

Support for OH domestic violence survivors for substance use, mental health

October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and in the last few years, Ohio has seen an increase in both the number and severity of …

Climate change board games emphasize teamwork and group success. Either all players win together, or no one survives. (dvande/Adobe Stock)

Board games help players understand climate change

By Debra J. Rosenthal for The Conversation.Broadcast version by Farah Siddiqi for Ohio News Connection for the Public News Service-Conversation …

The Student Assistance Program in some Ohio schools connects students with tools in order to remove obstacles to learning, and is now incorporating mental-health resources. (Rosalie Murphy/Kent State NewsLab).<br />

Ohio schools experiment with 'sensory rooms,' post-pandemic

By Nathalia Teixeira for Kent State News Lab.Broadcast version by Nadia Ramlagan reporting for the Kent State-Ohio News Connection Collaboration…

In 2023, nearly two-thirds of Medicare enrollees are in individual plans that are open for general enrollment, according to KFF. (Adobe Stock)<br />

Tips for Comparing Healthcare Plans This Enrollment Season

Ohio experts say understanding a health care plan's benefits and comparing plans are critical for ensuring people have the coverage they need and keep…

In 2021, in the wake of the COVID outbreak, the American Academy of Pediatrics issued a national state of emergency in children's mental health. (Adobe Stock)

Ohio's Foster Care Crisis Forcing Hundreds of Kids to Sleep in Offices

By Cathy Candisky for the Public Children Services Association of Ohio.Broadcast version by Nadia Ramlagan reporting for the Public Children Services …

Sexual assault in the home is a leading cause of homelessness among women and girls, according to the National Alliance to End Sexual Violence. (Adobe Stock)

OH Program Provides Housing for Sexual Violence Survivors

Sexual assault survivors in Ohio can now access short-term emergency housing through a new program run by the Ohio Alliance to End Sexual Violence…

Nationwide, around 1.7 million current Medicaid enrollees would not meet work or reporting requirements and could lose coverage if work requirements were implemented, according to a new Kaiser Family Foundation analysis. (Adobe Stock)<br /><br />

Medicaid Work Requirements May End Up Costing Taxpayers

House Republicans continue to push Medicaid work requirements in negotiations over the federal debt ceiling. In Ohio, one group said work …

In 2022, more than 1 in 10 middle and high school students nationwide had used a tobacco product during the past 30 days, according to data from the Food and Drug Administration's Annual National Youth Tobacco Survey. (Adobe Stock)

In Ohio, Tobacco Use Remains a Public Health Challenge

Smoking, mostly in the form of e-cigarettes or vapes, continues to pose serious public-health threats to Ohio communities, according to the latest …

More than 34 million Americans have provided unpaid care to an adult age 50 or older in the last 12 months, according to the National Alliance for Caregiving and AARP. (Adobe Stock)

November Events Highlight Resources for Ohio Family Caregivers

The spotlight is on family caregivers during November, National Family Caregivers Month. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said in Ohio…

Ohio's anti-bullying laws and regulations do not include protections for specific groups. (Adobe Stock)

Bullying: A Scary Situation for One-in-Five Students

It's the last day of National Bullying Prevention Awareness Month, and experts are reminding Ohioans to be aware of the patterns within bullying…

Ohio hospitals had more than 14,000 encounters for opioid overdoses in 2021. (Adobe Stock)

Nurse to Candidates: Opioid Crisis Should be "Front and Center" in Ohio

Overdose deaths in Ohio are on track to fall below the record pace of last year, but the opioid crisis is far from over. The group Harm Reduction …

After a positive anxiety screening, an assessment from a mental-health professional can determine if a patient should be diagnosed with a specific anxiety disorder. (Adobe Stock)

Anxiety: Experts Say Don't Suffer in Silence

Expanded anxiety screenings could have a long-term positive impact on the health of Ohioans, according to mental-health experts. The U.S. Preventive …

Research suggests that with intensive support, parents can overcome addiction and be reunited with their children as part of their recovery. (Adobe Stock)

Recovery Month: Ohio START Shows Success in Reuniting Families

September is National Recovery Month, and a program in Ohio is showing success in healing families who have struggled with addiction. Ohio START (…

Quality housing, safe neighborhoods and access to quality education are among the factors that affect residents' health outcomes within a community. (Adobe Stock)

New Grants Fuel Projects to Improve Ohio Health Outcomes

A new program in Ohio is focused on raising the voices of people in communities consistently experiencing health disparities. The Ohio Department of …

Some educators say kids continue to struggle with social skills and mental health challenges in the aftermath of the pandemic. (Adobe Stock)

Ohio Schools Seek to Adapt to Mental Health Crisis

By Andrew Kuder / Broadcast version by Mary Schuermann reporting for the Kent State-Ohio News Connection Collaboration. Over the past few years…

A new report finds Ohio school districts in metropolitan or urban areas have experienced a 27.7% increase in chronic absenteeism in recent school years. (Adobe Stock)

Chronic Absenteeism, Depression, Anxiety Plague Ohio Kids

Children's advocacy groups are sounding the alarm about the well-being of Ohio's kids. The 2022 Kids Count Data Book released today highlights some …

In a new report, 8.7% of adults age 65+ in Ohio reported frequent mental distress. (Adobe Stock)

Older Adults Report Troubling Struggles with Mental Health

Among the needs highlighted during Mental Health Awareness Month are those for older adults. It's become a serious challenge, says a new America's …

Ohio teens are 4% less likely to have used drugs in the past month than the average teen in the United States. (Prevention Action Alliance)">

Ohio Youth Council: Drug, Alcohol Use is Not the Norm

Hundreds of Ohio teens join together today to bust myths about teenage substance use. The "We Are The Majority" rally promotes the fact that most …

Around 34% of Ohioans recently polled reported symptoms of anxiety or depression. (Adobe Stock)

Pandemic Got You Down? Boost Mental Health With Time Outdoors

By Trista Bowser at Kent State UniversityBroadcast version by Mary Schuermann reporting for the Kent State-Ohio News Connection Collaboration…

Around 1.5 million Ohioans have some college, but no degree or credential. (Adobe Stock)

Despite Stresses, Study Shows Students Value Higher Education

In the wake of stresses, disruptions and losses due to COVID-19, research shows the majority of college and university students who stopped out over …

Roughly one in five minors reports drinking alcohol, although research shows underage consumption can disrupt normal growth and development. (Adobe Stock)

Underage Drinking Prevention Gets Boost from Congress

Programs designed to help curb a prevalent problem among Ohio teens are poised to get a financial boost. The $1.5 trillion spending bill passed by …

According to a new report, Ohio foster children must sometimes be transported out-of-state to find a placement that can meet their needs. (Adobe Stock)

Nowhere to Go: Ohio Children Services Placement Crisis

Ohio's Children Services agencies say they are becoming the destination for young people with all kinds of intensive or "high-acuity" needs. A new …

Will legalized sports betting make Super Bowl squares become a thing of the past? (AdobeStock)

Betting on the Big Game Not Always Fun and Games

With the excitement building over this weekend's American Football Conference and National Football Conference championship games, sports betting is …

Social-emotional skills help kids learn, since they improve attendance and also decrease the need for disciplinary referrals. (Adobe Stock)

Schools Work to Give Ohio Kids a Safe Space to Learn

COLUMBUS, Ohio - Ohio schools continue to adjust to the evolving impacts of COVID-19, which means addressing both the academic and mental-stress …

Approximately 3% of the 1,500 students in Montgomery County who were screened for behavioral health indicators were found to be at risk of substance use. (Adobe Stock)

OH County Working to Treat Stressors that Lead to Youth Marijuana Use

DAYTON, Ohio -- An Ohio county is taking a trauma-informed approach to its work on preventing marijuana use in teens. As marijuana policy changes …

Allowing teens to voice their opinions and have make decisions builds trust, experts say.. (AdobeStock)

Talking, Trusting Key to Easing Back-to-School Stress

COLUMBUS, Ohio - With new teachers, classmates and expectations, back to school is full of uncertainties and anxieties. Stressful transitions …

Social isolation, financial challenges and emotional fatigue are among the stressors faced by people just starting out in agriculture. (Adobe Stock)

Ohio Researchers Bring Social-Work Lens to Farming

COLUMBUS, Ohio - Researchers in Ohio are bringing a social work lens to agriculture by examining the challenges that affect farmers' mental health - …

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, about one-in-six teens who start using marijuana become addicted to the drug. (fontonize/AdobeStock)

Marijuana, Mood Disorder and Self-Harm: A Troubling Connection

COLUMBUS, Ohio - Substance misuse prevention experts in Ohio are raising the alarm about the dangers associated with marijuana use among teens with …

Nearly one in four Ohio adults recently said they live in households that experienced difficulty paying expenses. (Adobe Stock)

Report Suggests Ohio Child Well-Being Gains Could Decline

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- An annual report on child well-being in Ohio underscores the need for specific action to repair the damage caused by the pandemic…

Experts say time spent outdoors, away from social media, is a good way to combat anxiety and depression. (Pixabay)

Ohio Doctor: Mental-Health Help is Out There

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Nearly 20,000 Ohioans have died and more than one million have been infected by COVID-19, but the health impacts of the pandemic go …

Survivors of sexual violence are often reluctant to seek help. (Adobe Stock)

Rape-Crisis Agencies, Already Burdened by Cuts, Brace for More

Correction: MacMath directs COMPASS (Sexual Assault Education, Prevention & Support), an affiliate of Goodwill Industries. An earlier version of this …

More than 190,000 Ohioans in their 20s have had a confirmed case of COVID-19. (Adobe Stock)

In Younger Ohioans, Post-COVID Stress Lingers

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- As Ohioans welcome spring temperatures, many hope to put the coronavirus pandemic in the rear-view mirror. At the same time…

Researchers say people who feel lonely want intimacy, not just interaction. (AdobeStock)

Survey: Pandemic Intensifies Loneliness Among Older Women

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- A new survey of women age 50 and older finds lockdowns and social distancing during the coronavirus pandemic have amplified …

A unique program in Ohio is helping families in the children services system who are challenged by substance use disorder. (AdobeStock)

Pandemic Compounds Holiday Stress for Parents Working on Sobriety

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- The pandemic is compounding the regular stresses of the holiday season, and it's an especially challenging time for Ohioans living …

As attitudes towards marijuana use change, one group is voicing concerns that Ohioans don't have all the facts. (Adobe Stock)

Marijuana and Health Risks: Do You Know All the Facts?

COLUMBUS, Ohio - With recreational or medical use of marijuana now legal in most states, one group wants to ensure that Ohioans fully understand its …

COVID-19 created physical barriers between nursing home residents and their loved ones. (Adobe Stock)

Ohio Opens Door for Indoor Nursing Home Visits

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Spending time with a loved one has been out of reach since March for some of the most vulnerable Ohioans. And starting today…

Emergency food assistance programs are vital for seniors who are socially isolating during the COVID-19 pandemic. (AdobeStock)

Grants Awarded to Tackle Social Impacts of COVID in Ohio

COLUMBUS, Ohio - Some new funding is coming into Ohio to help address some of the social determinants of health impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic…

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OH: Mental Health