Mahoning County Mental Health & Recovery Board

03/28/2026

To those who served — we’re here for you. 🇺🇸💙

You’ve carried the weight of protecting others. You’ve faced challenges many will never fully understand. And even after the uniform comes off, the weight doesn’t always go with it. If you’re struggling, please know this: you do not have to carry it alone.

The Veterans Crisis Line is here for you — with people who understand, who will listen, and who care.

📞 Call or text the Veterans Crisis Line 988 ext 1
💬 Support is available 24/7, confidential, and just a call away.

Reaching out isn’t weakness — it’s strength.

You showed up for us. Now let us show up for you. 💙

03/26/2026

Dealing with the loss of a loved one from su***de doesn't have to be done alone. Jewish Family & Community Services of Youngstown, OH Survivors of Su***de Support Group is open to anyone, helping survivors deal with complex emotions in a safe and supportive environment. Led by compassionate facilitators who understand the unique challenges of su***de loss, this group allows members to share their stories, express their feelings and find solace in connecting with others who have walked a similar path.

You're never alone after losing someone to su***de. ❤️‍🩹 If you or a loved one is struggling, you can always contact us Jewish Family & Community Services a...

03/21/2026

A powerful step forward for our community. 🏳️‍🌈🏠

Full Spectrum Community Outreach has officially opened the Rainbow House of the Mahoning Valley — the only LGBTQ+ homeless shelter in Ohio. Located in Youngstown, this new space provides emergency shelter for LGBTQ+ adults in crisis, offering not just a place to stay, but safety, dignity, and support.

This project has been eight years in the making, fueled by passion, volunteers, and community donations. While the shelter will begin by serving a smaller number of guests, the vision is bigger — expanding into transitional housing with access to resources like life skills training, financial literacy, and long-term support.

This work is especially critical, as LGBTQ+ adults are significantly more likely to experience homelessness. Creating safe, inclusive spaces like this can truly change lives.

💙 This is more than a shelter — it’s hope, community, and a step toward lasting solutions.

👉 Read the full story here:
https://www.wkbn.com/news/local-news/youngstown-news/full-spectrum-cuts-ribbon-on-ohios-only-lgbtq-homeless-shelter/

Or learn more at https://www.fullspectrumcommunityoutreach.org/housing-project

03/20/2026

When does gambling stop being fun — and start becoming a problem?

Gambling often begins as harmless entertainment, but for some, it can quietly develop into something much more serious. Meridian Healthcare’s latest blog breaks down the stages of gambling addiction — helping individuals and families recognize when behavior shifts from casual to concerning.

From the “winning stage” to feelings of desperation and hopelessness, gambling addiction can impact mental health, relationships, and financial stability. Because it develops gradually, the warning signs are often missed until the effects become overwhelming.

Understanding these stages can:
✔️ Help identify early warning signs
✔️ Reduce stigma and shame
✔️ Encourage early intervention
✔️ Remind us that recovery is possible at any stage

If you’re concerned about your own habits — or someone you love — learning more is an important first step.

👉 Read the full article here:
https://meridianhealthcare.net/understanding-the-stages-of-gambling-addiction-and-when-to-seek-help/?utm_content=20260227&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook,instagram

📞 You can also contact Meridian Healthcare at 330-797-0070 for support and treatment options.

You’re not alone — and help is available. 💙

03/12/2026

🎓 Meet Your Presenter for our 2026 Workforce Development Training on March 25th: Meghan Fawcett, LPCC-S, LICDC-S

We are honored to welcome Meghan Fawcett, licensed counselor, clinical supervisor, educator, and consultant, as the presenter for our training event.

With nearly two decades of experience in:
• Direct clinical care
• Program administration
• Compliance and supervision
• CARF consultation
• Higher education at Youngstown State University
• Leadership within the Ohio Counseling Association
Meghan brings both depth and practical insight to this year’s training.

🗓 Training Agenda Highlights:

Morning: Emotional Intelligence
• EQ Core Components
• Applied Strategies & Techniques
• Workplace Dynamics & Conflict Management
• Reflection & Skill Development

Afternoon: Critical Incident Response
• Ethical & Clinical Responsibilities
• Systems-Based Organizational Response
• Supervisory & Leadership Considerations
• Recovery Planning & Policy Review

💻 This is a LIVE virtual training.
To receive CEUs, participants must:
• Keep video on throughout
• Complete post-program evaluation

TO REGISTER:
⏳ Register by tomorrow, 03/13!
📧 Email Marla Golec: mgoleo@mahoningcountyoh.gov
💸 Send payment to MCMHRB: 222 W. Federal St Suite 201 Youngstown, OH 44503

03/11/2026

Join us tomorrow morning, March 12th, from 10:30 am to 2:00 pm for a live virtual meeting sponsored by Stepping Up Ohio and Peg's Foundation.

The Stepping Up Initiative was designed to reduce the number of people with mental health issues in jail. This session will highlight local programs, state and national resources, and collaborative strategies that help individuals receive the support they need within our communities.

If you work in the mental health field or justice system, you are encouraged to attend this free virtual meeting and learn more about the resources available to support the people you serve.

Zoom Meeting: https://zoom.us/j/7500326781?pwd=1wGcW49homW1iYeJE39aGFtbuEaaXV.1&omn=97125985215

Join by Phone: (312) 626-6799
Meeting ID: 750 032 6781
Passcode: 1234

Download the Agenda and Presentation:
https://we.tl/t-xaKbkhLMWD

03/10/2026

Celebrating National Social Work Month 💙 We proudly recognize and thank the incredible social workers who serve our community every day. From providing compassionate care and advocacy to helping individuals and families navigate life’s most difficult moments, social workers play a vital role in strengthening the health and well-being of Mahoning County.

Your dedication, empathy, and commitment to helping others do not go unnoticed. Whether supporting mental health recovery, connecting individuals to critical resources, or advocating for those who need it most, your work makes a lasting impact in our community.

To all the social workers serving Mahoning County — thank you for the difference you make every single day. 💙

03/06/2026

On March 12, everyone is invited to attend a virtual meeting hosted by Stepping Up Ohio. Sponsored by the Ohio Stepping Up Initiative and Peg’s Foundation, this session will bring together leaders and elected officials from the criminal justice and mental health systems to discuss how we can better support individuals with mental health challenges and prevent them from repeatedly cycling through correctional facilities.

This session will highlight local programs, state and national resources, and collaborative strategies that help individuals receive the support they need within our communities.

If you work in the mental health field or justice system, you are encouraged to attend and learn more about the resources available to support the people you serve.

03/03/2026

Two Powerful Sessions. One Transformational Day. 📅 March 25, 2026

At this year’s Workforce Development Training, participants will dive deep into:

🧠 SESSION 1: Emotional Intelligence for Behavioral Health Providers (8:30–11:45 AM)

Learn how Emotional Intelligence (EQ) strengthens:
• Clinical decision-making
• Communication in high-stress situations
• Professional boundaries
• Team collaboration
• Therapeutic engagement
• Long-term professional resilience

Participants will walk away with practical strategies to build trust, navigate emotionally complex interactions, and create more responsive clinical environments.

🧠 SESSION 2: Critical Incident Response in Behavioral Health Settings
(12:00–4:15 PM)

When crises occur — such as client su***de, overdose, staff death, or workplace violence — agencies must respond ethically and strategically.

This session focuses on:
• Clinical and ethical responsibilities after an incident
• Supervisory leadership roles
• Documentation and communication best practices
• Systems-based stabilization approaches
• Continuity of care for clients
• Organizational recovery and quality improvement

This is not just about prevention — it’s about responsible response.

TO REGISTER:
⏳ Register by March 13
📧 Email Marla Golec: mgoleo@mahoningcountyoh.gov
💸 Send payment to MCMHRB: 222 W. Federal St Suite 201 Youngstown, OH 44503

02/26/2026

Celebrating Dr. Howard Stevenson, a leader in addressing racial stress and trauma and empowering communities with tools for healing.

Honored with support from Officer Richard Warren, YPD this Black History Month.

02/24/2026

This Black History Month, we honor Dr. Howard Stevenson, whose work centers healing from racial stress and trauma across every stage of life.

Dr. Stevenson equips youth, educators, caregivers, and communities with tools to recognize, navigate, and counteract the emotional toll of racism — transforming pain into resilience and empowerment.

Thank you to Officer Richard Warren of the Youngstown Police Department for helping us honor this vital work in mental health and racial healing.