Programs

Through funding made available from state and private grants, NAMI Ohio provides an array of programs and technical assistance to communities which are designed to improve the lives of individuals with mental illness and help eliminate stigma.  Read on to learn more about the programs that NAMI Ohio offers. 

Crisis Intervention Team (CIT)

CIT is a police-based pre-arrest jail diversion program.  CIT officers receive approximately 40 hours of training in psychiatric disorders, substance abuse issues and de-escalation techniques, and in legal issues related to mental health and substance abuse.  They receive empathy training from individuals with mental illness and are exposed to the views of family members.  They also receive information on community resources for people in a mental health crisis.  The program is designed to create a seamless link between law enforcement and emergency mental health services.

NAMI Ohio’s role is critical in the establishment of CIT training programs around the state.  Through grants from the Office of Criminal Justice Services and the CIT Coordinating Center of Excellence, NAMI works with communities in every phase of planning, implementing and expanding CIT programs.  Specifically, we work with our network of NAMI affiliates, local mental health boards and providers, and local law enforcement agencies to encourage the establishment of CIT training programs around the state.  NAMI offers intensive technical assistance that begins with the planning process and then maintain close and regular contact with the key stakeholders in each community to ensure that the program comes to fruition. 

Once established, NAMI provides ongoing support to the community CIT coordinators.  Currently in Ohio, there are over 70 CIT coordinators who NAMI supports through twice yearly meetings in Columbus.  The CIT coordinators also meet via an e-mail discussion group to address issues of program fidelity and questions posed by CIT planning committees.  Since the program was implemented in May 2000, 1868 CIT officers have been trained in 156 Ohio Police Departments and 38 County Sheriffs Departments.

Click here for more information about CIT.

For more information, contact Betsy Johnson at betsy@amiohio.org.

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Housing Leadership Institute

The Ohio Mental Health Housing Leadership Institute (MHHLI) is sponsored by the Ohio Department of Mental Health and directed by NAMI Ohio.  Members of the MHHLI include nonprofit corporations that develop and manage supportive housing as their sole mission, as well as community mental health centers that own and manage supportive housing as part of their mission.  The common thread of all members in the MHHLI is the commitment to provide a continuum of supportive housing options for people living with a serious mental illness.

The mission of MHHLI is to increase the availability and quality of supportive housing options for persons living with a serious mental illness throughout the State of Ohio.  The Institute accomplishes its mission through education, technical assistance, resource development, advocacy, and system collaboration. 

Click here for a copy of the NAMI Housing Toolkit. 

For more information, contact Ron Rett at ronrett@amiohio.org.

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Jail and Court Personnel Training

NAMI Ohio provides a one-day training for jail and court personnel who regularly encounter individuals with mental illness.  Participants include: parole, probation, corrections officers, program coordinators, and school personnel who work with court involved youth.  Attendees will learn: to identify major mental illnesses and their typical characteristics; techniques to manage individuals with mental illness; to better prevent crisis situations, and better handle them when they do occur; empathize with persons with psychiatric disabilities; and identify risk factors for suicide in correctional settings. 

Attendees will also learn about additional opportunities to expand court based jail diversion programs for individuals with mental illness.

For more information, contact Betsy Johnson at betsy@amiohio.org.

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Parent Advocacy Connection (PAC)

NAMI is the state’s coordinator of the PAC program which is funded by a grant from the Ohio Department of Mental Health. PAC is a statewide advocacy program developed in concert with three other advocacy organizations.  The purpose of the program is to provide individual advocacy to families served by the public mental health system.  PAC Advocates help families in crisis feel less isolated by accompanying them to meetings regarding the mental health needs of their children including those held at schools, mental health agencies, courts, children’s services, etc.

PAC is a critical component of the Access to Better Care Initiative which is designed to meet the behavioral health needs of children in Ohio who are at risk for out of home placement or whose parents might otherwise have to relinquish custody of their child in order to qualify for intensive treatment services

As the Project Coordinator, NAMI’s responsibilities include recruiting and screening applications of potential advocates, providing extensive training opportunities to parent advocates, and overseeing all fiscal responsibilities such as paying for training, travel, supplies, and stipends for the parent advocates and regional coordinators.  Currently NAMI oversees 10 regional advocates and 197 parent advocates.  In FY 2006, 555 families and 850 children were served by PAC.

For more information, contact Suzanne Robinson at suzanner@amiohio.org.

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Tova’s Nest

Tova’s NEST is inspired by a mother’s unconditional love for her daughter who lives with mental illness.  This African American mother’s experiences have led her to this initiative to education families, particularly in minority communities about mental illness by reaching out to the faith community.  The strong connection between the church, family and community makes this an excellent training opportunity.  Following the 2-4 hour workshop participants will be able to: demonstrate a greater awareness and knowledge of mental illness and its impact on African Americans; identify the role the faith-based community must play in combating mental illness and stigma; understand the process of recovery and resiliency; and identify local resources avail to provide support and intervention.

For more information, contact Tracee Black at tovasnest@aol.com.

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To link to other housing resources on line, click here.