October 2025
- Mental Health & Recovery Services Board
- 5 days ago
- 2 min read
Substance Use Prevention and CISM Team Updates
Substance Use & Misuse Prevention Month
This month we join partners across the nation to tell the prevention story. Prevention works.
Prevention is more than stopping substance use before it starts. It means:
Stopping the start of substance use
Stopping the progression to substance use disorders
Stopping the harmful results of use
Research and community experience show that prevention makes a difference. It builds protective factors and lowers risks. It helps youth, families and communities stay strong.
The Prevention Story
Prevention builds resilience and promotes health, wellness, and well-being.
Prevention supports parents, strengthens families, and addresses trauma.
Prevention improves the safety and stability of communities.
Did You Know?
Over three-quarters of youth (ages 12–17) do not use substances.
79% have never had a drink of alcohol.
81% have never used tobacco or vaped nicotine.
76% have never used illicit drugs.
Sharing facts like these helps youth understand that most of their peers are making healthy choices.
Early Action Matters
The earlier a person starts using alcohol or other drugs, the more likely they are to develop a substance use disorder. That’s why early prevention and honest conversations are key.
Join Us in Prevention
This October we invite you to share your story. How has prevention shaped your life or community? Your story can inspire others.
Share your story at: SAMHSA Prevention Month Toolkit
Find help and resources: samhsa.gov/substance-use
Shout-out to Prevention Specialists and everyone saving lives in our communities. 💚
Western Ohio CISM Team
The Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) Team of Western Ohio serves Allen, Auglaize, Hardin, Hancock, Mercer, Paulding, Putnam, Van Wert, and Union Counties.
The team has 170 trained volunteer responders who provide support after public safety and school tragedies. They are also preparing to respond to natural disasters and acts of violence. There are 11 therapy dogs in the program. Each handler is completing both CISM training and therapy dog training.
The team meets quarterly to sharpen skills and stay ready. At the September meeting, members trained with new equipment purchased through the bipartisan Safer Communities Act grant. Items included an expandable tent, chairs, computers, safety vests, and translation services. These tools help the team respond quickly and serve people with different needs, including those who use sign language or have limited English.
ODOT & Vantage Donate to MHRSB
The Ohio Department of Transportation and Vantage Career Center students made a generous $1,200 donation to the Mental Health & Recovery Services Board of Allen, Auglaize and Hardin Counties. The funds were raised through ODOT’s annual Roadeo, where equipment operators compete on an obstacle course.
Before the main event, students from Vantage’s Construction and Equipment Technology lab take part to support a local cause. This year’s donation helped provide transportation for community members to get to their appointments.
We Care Conversations
New episodes of the MHRSB podcast are available! One you may have missed is “SOARing Toward Resilience,” featuring Dr. Scott Langenecker from The Ohio State University College of Medicine and outreach coordinator Bridget Henebry. They discuss the SOAR Brain Health Study at Mercy Health-St. Rita’s in Lima and how it’s uncovering what makes us resilient.
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