The Ohio Department of Aging issued the following news release:
The Older Ohioans Behavioral Health Network yesterday unveiled Ohio's Network of Care (www.ohio.networkofcare.org), a free, innovative, statewide Web resource that connects individuals, families and agencies concerned with mental and emotional wellness to critical information, communication and advocacy tools.
'Our Area Agencies on Aging and county ADAMH/CMH boards have already formed partnerships to address the unique behavioral health needs of older Ohioans,' said Barbara E. Riley, Director of the Department of Aging. 'This Web resource extends those partnerships statewide and greatly increases access to vital information for our seniors and their families.'
Currently, 77 counties are participating in Network of Care. The site provides a comprehensive directory of service providers in each participating county and helps visitors connect with the right services at the right time. The tool also includes the Wellness Recovery Action Plan, a self-management and recovery system that helps users monitor emotional and psychiatric symptoms and avoid unhealthy habits or behavior patterns. The site also includes resources for service members and veterans.
The Network of Care statewide and regional launches being held this week were coordinated by the Older Ohioans Behavioral Health Network, the statewide coordinating hub for older adults' mental health and substance abuse issues and informational needs. Partners in the network include the Ohio Association of County Behavioral Health Authorities and its member boards, as well as the Ohio Departments of Aging, Mental Health and Alcohol and Drug Addiction Services and other organizations. The site is funded by Ohio's Mental Health Transformation State Incentive Grant and was built and will be maintained by Trilogy Integrated Resources, LLC.
More information:
Schedule of regional launch events: http://aging.ohio.gov/_pdf/noclaunches.pdf. Background sheet on Network of Care: http://aging.ohio.gov/_pdf/nocbackground.pdf.
