The Latest Updates: November 2023
A Letter from Executive Director Alisha Nelson
The Foundation’s new executive director, Alisha Nelson, recently sent a letter to stakeholders and partners in the behavioral health community, sharing her excitement for her new role and the positive impact the Foundation’s work will have in saving lives and addressing the opioid epidemic. You can read the full letter here.
Gov. Mike DeWine Attends September Board Meeting
Our Board of Directors was honored to have Governor Mike DeWine attend our September meeting. In addition to helping us welcome Alisha Nelson as our new executive director, whom the governor appointed in August, he discussed the important role the Foundation will play in Ohio’s ongoing fight against the opioid epidemic.
“We all collectively as people in Ohio, through you, have a unique opportunity to take a significant amount of money – one-time money that we’re never going to get back again – to take some of that money and to really do some things that are, in fact, transformative,” said DeWine. Read more here.
Thanksgiving at the Geodde
Over the past several weeks, OneOhio Executive Director Alisha Nelson and Regional Liaison Sarah Anstine have been traveling the state to meet with the 19 OneOhio Regions and other organizations committed to building healthier Ohio communities.
Most recently, Executive Director Nelson was in Van Wert for a very special Thanksgiving meal and tour at The Goedde. Part of the Van Wert City School District, and in partnership with other area school districts, the Goedde embeds prevention education for alcohol, drug, mental health, and juvenile delinquency into the daily academic curriculums for its 6th through 12th graders. To prepare students for life beyond the classroom, the Goedde utilizes rigorous academic labs that are designed to teach independent living skills in a variety of settings and subjects. Additionally, the school has critical care teams who provide crucial wrap around services to support students in crisis. You can read more here.
You can also read the Times Bulletin's story about the event (here).
Visiting the Tri-County ADAMHS Board
OneOhio Executive Director Alisha Nelson recently met with leaders of Tri-County ADAMHS, the Alcohol, Drug Addiction and Mental Health Services Board serving Mercer, Paulding and Van Wert counties. Thanks to Director Sandy Goodwin, Alicia Bruce and Anne Dunn for taking time to meet with us!
OneOhio In the News
Executive Director Alisha Nelson and Region 17 Director Mircea Handru recently stopped by the Tiffin Advertiser-Tribune for an interview with the newspaper's editors and reporters. Read more here.
Sandusky Register Editorial: "DeWine's selection of Alisha Nelson to head up OneOhio strikes us as the right pick." Read more here.
Ohioans Impacted
At the September board meeting, we celebrated National Recovery Month and heard a presentation by Foundation Board member Keith Hochadel (Region 6), who has been in recovery for more than 26 years. Hochadel shared his personal story about the impact of the opioid epidemic on his life. He currently serves as executive director of Men’s Challenge, a faith-based organization in Alliance, Canton, and Massillon that helps men recover from a variety of life’s challenges that can keep them from finding good jobs.
At the October board meeting, we honored an Ohio couple impacted by the opioid epidemic, Michael and Emily Werner. Their inspiring story was shared with the Board by Director Wierzbicki. Read more here.
Board Changes
During the September board meeting, the Foundation welcomed State Representative Phil Plummer, Dawn Tyler Lee, and Deborah Matz as the newest members of the Board of Directors. Plummer was recently appointed by Speaker of the House Jason Stephens to replace Kevin Stanek, Tyler Lee was recently appointed by Region 1 to replace Josh Cox, and Matz was recently appointed by Region 5 to replace Ilene Shapiro.
As part of the October meeting, the Board approved a motion to appoint additional members to its Executive Committee, with the total members serving increasing from five to seven.
Executive Committee:
Chair: Larry Kidd, Statewide Appointee
Vice Chair: Don Mason, Non-Metro Appointee
Secretary: Keith Hochadel, Metro Appointee
Treasurer: Michael Roizen, Statewide Appointee
At-Large: Greta Mayer, Non-Metro Appointee
At-Large: Rachel Baker, Legislative Appointee (New Member)
At-Large: Julie Ehemann, Non-Metro Appointee (New Member)
Stay Informed & Share Your Thoughts
Join us as we host stakeholder meetings and listening sessions across Ohio– more information coming soon! In the meantime, please don’t hesitate to send us your ideas and thoughts using our online contact form.
Encourage your friends and colleagues to sign up for updates from OneOhio so they’re receiving information regarding the upcoming grant process and other important news.
Follow OneOhio on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram and YouTube, and help us share the latest Foundation news with others across the state.
Tune into the Foundation’s Board of Directors and committee meetings, which are always open to the public and posted on our website.
If you plan to apply for OneOhio grant funds in the future, start the process now by familiarizing yourself with the Ohio Abatement Strategies that guide how Ohio’s settlement dollars must be spent, both through the Foundation and by our state and local governments.
Upcoming Board Meeting:
December 13, 2023 at 10:30AM at the Ohio Chamber of Commerce - 34 S. 3rd Street, Columbus, OH 43215
