06/26/2024 | Ohio's First 'Inside' Recovery Celebration

OhioMHAS Director LeeAnne Cornyn joined Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction Director Annette Chambers-Smith and Ohio Association of County Behavioral Health Authorities CEO Cheri L. Walter in welcoming guests to the state's first "inside" recovery celebration at Chillicothe Correctional Institution (CCI) on Wednesday, June 26, 2024. Sharing a message that Recovery Is For Me Too! and reaffirming Governor Mike DeWine's commitment to the mental health and well-being of all Ohioans and the power of second chances and human resiliency.

The first-of-its-kind event is geared toward increasing awareness for mental health, addiction recovery, and suicide prevention as well as celebrating all those in recovery. Guests enjoyed live music from CCI's day treatment program (DTP) band, comprised of members of the Day Treatment Mental Health Unit. The music program meets within the unit each week offering music therapy and training as part of the Mental Health Caseload. Under the supervision of Social Worker, Leslie Fultz, the band began as a program within the unit as well as performing at CCI events.

Guest speakers provided empowering and encouraging messages about navigating mental health and addiction recovery. Speakers at Wednesday's event included:

• Nathan Harmon of Your Life Speaks
• Certified Peer Recovery Supporter, Stanley Frankart
• Kemp Boyd of Love Akron

Guests also enjoyed an art contest and learned more about and could sign up for programming opportunities at CCI.

Thanks to our partners at the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction and the Ohio Association of County Behavioral Health Authorities for their help making Ohio's first "inside" recovery celebration a huge success! We're working hard to make services more visible, accessible, and effective for all - including the thousands of men and women in our prisons. Recovery and the promise of a brighter tomorrow apply to all Ohioans, no matter their circumstance in life.