Seeds of Hope Spring 2023

Saving Lives through Collaboration, OhioGuidestone and EMS Offer a Path to Recovery

With her candy apple red hair, colorful clothes, and radiant smile, Erin Gillest is a sharp contrast to the uniformed police lieutenant and fire captain who meet with her weekly at the Strongsville Police Station. The trio meets before they head out to visit homes where in many cases someone is clearly there but won’t answer the door.

What the person behind the door might not realize is that Erin and her team are there to offer help, because 72 or so hours earlier EMS revived that person or a loved one after a drug overdose.

Erin is part of a Quick Response Team (QRT), a unit whose sole mission is to prevent another overdose by offering recovery through substance use disorder (SUD) services, and counseling resources for the family.

Erin is an OhioGuidestone behavioral health specialist and a substance use survivor. She has been substance-free for 8 years and manages the recovery component of QRT. She jokes that her bright red hair is her way of letting people know she is not there to judge or to get anyone in trouble.

“I’ve been the one in the back of a police car, I know what addiction feels like,” Erin said. “I also know the hell I put my family and friends through, and the understandable fear anyone would have when your loved one’s behavior brings the police to the door.”

Strongsville Police Lieutenant Michael Campbell also understands why someone would feel tense and suspicious seeing QRT at their door. “People see the uniform and think I’m here to arrest them. I’m not out to get anyone in trouble.” Campbell says. “I would rather they go into recovery instead of prison or worse—another overdose.”

Since Campbell created the QRT in Strongsville, overdose numbers are down steadily each year, from 48 in 2018 to 14 in 2022. Thirty-eight of those overdose survivors have found their way into recovery through QRT, and another 29 people sought recovery through the Safe Passages Program, where Campbell says any resident can come to the Strongsville Police Department and ask for help. He says,

“We have to remove the fear and stigma over addiction if we really want to address the issue.”

Gillest agrees and adds, “Nobody wakes up and chooses to have substance use disorder. There are other components to consider. Maybe there’s an underlying mental health issue.”

QRT isn’t limited to just drug overdoses, alcohol use can lead to similar problems. But drug overdoses have become more likely with the addition of synthetic drugs like Fentanyl.

Campbell says, “To bring someone back from a Fentanyl overdose requires more Narcan than an overdose of Heroin alone, and now everything is laced with Fentanyl, something first responders have had to consider when they administer Narcan.”

Worse is the presence of the drug Carfentanil, a synthetic opioid 100 times more potent than Fentanyl, where the tiniest bit is deadly and puts first responders at risk just by coming in contact with it.

“Consider the size of a dime, heads-up. A lethal dose of heroin will cover the dime, a lethal dose of Fentanyl is about the size of the ear on the figure on the dime, and more frightening the drug Carfentanil is so dangerous a lethal dose is as small as one of the numbers on the dime,” says Campbell. continued on page 2

Message from the CEO

In February, I celebrated my one-year anniversary as President and CEO of OhioGuidestone. I feel incredibly grateful to work with many talented professionals who help people across the lifespan navigate the most difficult times of their lives.

The strides we have made are many and we have clear goals as we move the organization to better person-centered care.

This past year, we were awarded grants for two Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics (CCBHC) and will soon launch these clinics and 24/7 services in Cuyahoga County and the Four-County Region of Williams, Fulton, Defiance and Henry Counties. Our therapists are in more Ohio schools than any other agency, making us a leader in providing crucial behavioral health services for students. We will soon be providing substance use disorder (SUD) care for clients at the new residential Starlight Center in Fairfield County. In Medina County this spring, we will be developing and providing unique and distinctive programming at the new one-of-a-kind Youth Resiliency and Counseling Center where you will see music, art, cooking, and afterschool programming to help children and families.

We have a strategic plan in place focusing on improved access, employee experience and improved efficiencies. We’ve added a new Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Belonging (DEIB) role to our senior leadership team dedicated to educating and making sure employees and clients feel like they belong.

We are heading to our next Birthday with a lot to be proud of.

Since 2017, 20 people in Strongsville have died from a drug overdose, and 30 people have overdosed more than once. Drug overdoses might seem unusual for an affluent suburb like Strongsville, but both Campbell and Gillest stress that addiction doesn’t consider anything like socioeconomics, age, or race.

“Someone with an addiction looks exactly like any of us,” Gillest says, “some people just hide it better until they can’t.”

In many cases surviving an overdose is the first step towards recovery thanks to the QRT. Gillest says the trio works well together because of their differences. “Lt.

perspective of someone who’s been there and knows the battle that lies ahead.”

Gillest adds that the QRT helps, but the heroics belong to the person who is willing to answer the door and accept their help.

She says, “the real heroes are the survivors and their loved ones who endure the emotional hurricane that can last for years, and the hardship of repairing the damage the hurricane leaves behind. All we can do is offer support, encouragement, and resources to help them understand addiction and enabling.”

Campbell is very resourceful with legalities, Fire Captain Haffner knows the physical health side, and I offer the

Saving Lives through Collaboration, OhioGuidestone and EMS Offer a Path to Recovery, continued from page 1

“…the heroics belong to the person who is willing to answer the door.”

— Erin Gillest

Brant Russell, President and CEO

Celebrating Our 159th!

OhioGuidestone is celebrating a big day! Our community behavioral health organization turns 159 years old this month! OhioGuidestone is Where New Paths Begin, and all New Paths must start somewhere. For us, that path started back in 1864. Our humble origins began as an orphanage in Berea, Ohio, to help children in need of a home following the aftermath of the American Civil War.

In some ways, we haven’t changed, our mission is still to help people across the lifespan navigate the most difficult times of their lives, focusing on the needs of the whole person and empowering them to take steps towards a healthier future. In other ways, things sure look different. Where we once were a small home taking care of children, our services have expanded to a full continuum of prevention and mental health and substance use disorder services, workforce development, foster care and research. And as our organization grew, access grew to schools, community centers, clients’ homes, and even on screens you carry in your pocket with telehealth services available and expanding every day. Imagine explaining that back in 1864.

Birthdays are a time for looking back at what you appreciate, taking stock of where you are now, and looking forward to the future. At 159, we’re a little too old to be checking our height against the door frame, but it’s no mystery we’ve grown. And we’ll continue to grow in the future. But we need your support to do it.

OhioGuidestone’s mission is only possible because of the generosity of others. It’s quite literally how we started. If you want to help us make this the best birthday yet, consider donating. We’re excited to show you all the wonderful things we have coming on the horizon.

OhioGuidestone

Among the First to Offer a Portal to Behavioral Health Care

OhioGuidestone is unveiling a new tool that gives Ohioans unprecedented access to behavioral health services.

MyHealthPointe ™ (myHP) is a user-friendly, client-driven portal into OhioGuidestone, allowing clients to actively participate in their treatment plan and their recovery. The technology is cutting edge for behavioral health care and OhioGuidestone is one of the first to have it.

Starting out with myHP:

• Clients can sign and submit forms and other treatment documents.

• Access on demand self-help and resources.

• Securely communicate via message with OhioGuidestone professionals.

• Bill Pay to allow online payment of client balances.

• More features to come...!

OhioGuidestone President and CEO Brant Russell says myHP will strengthen the relationship between an individual and their provider. “We are opening a communication superhighway where our clients can connect with their care team and quickly get the help they need.” He says better communication allows an individual to become more invested in their healthcare, which leads to better outcomes for everyone involved.

MyHealthPointe ™ is accessible through a computer, smartphone, or tablet using the device’s web browser or Android/iOS app (the app is free and available in both the Google Play and Apple app stores).

We Have a New DEIB Leader!

Introducing Ryan Clopton-Zymler, OhioGuidestone’s new AVP of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging (DEIB). Ryan came to OhioGuidestone in January and has already established himself as an innovator in highlighting and celebrating the diversity within our organization. Ryan is a leader in the DEIB field, and a recipient of the 2022 City of Cleveland LGBTQ Heritage Day Award. He is a graduate of Case Western Reserve University, with a Master of Science in Social Administration, and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Ohio University.

Ryan said, “as the state’s leader in community behavioral health, we have a responsibility to be the trusted source for creating an inclusive culture of belonging for all staff, community partnerships and for those we serve.”

Ryan Clopton-Zymler

Assistant Vice President of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging

Ryan began his career in community mental health, having worked as a residential care worker and an outpatient case manager. After discovering a passion for advocacy, Ryan transitioned from direct practice into education and activism. In his 10 years of professional DEIB work, he has collaborated with countless schools, non-profit organizations, and major corporations, advocating nationally and internationally as a speaker, panelist, and a facilitator.

Looking ahead, Ryan plans to build on the progress already made at OhioGuidestone. He is developing a comprehensive DEIB strategy which will provide more intentional initiatives to make the client and employee experience a more inclusive one.

Better Person-Centered Care Through Partnerships

Blue Technologies and Legal Works might not come to mind when talking about behavioral health, but it was through the generosity of both that OhioGuidestone was able to offer our better person-centered care for one of our clients who was facing obstacles beyond his control and outside of his workforce training or his mental health care.

25-year-old Isaiah Campbell has had more than his share of hard knocks. Born into poverty, and too many times on the receiving end of crime, the single parent of an 8-year-old is determined to raise his daughter without the struggles he has had to face.

Isaiah came to an OhioGuidestone Workforce 360° class to learn about construction and work toward a high school diploma. But he was also hoping to find someone who could give him some direction with a legal problem that had loomed over him his entire life.

He told Jennifer Cholley, an outreach specialist with OhioGuidestone, how someone had used his identity to commit a crime, and despite a letter from the Cuyahoga County Prosecutor stating his innocence, Isaiah was still facing criminal charges.

The Bureau of Motor Vehicles denied him a driver’s license because the State of Ohio showed he had outstanding warrants involving three open court cases. He also showed up as a defendant in 15 other court cases including housing and traffic violations that occurred before Isaiah was even six years old.

As a former paralegal Jennifer knew Isaiah would need a lawyer to sort out such a frustratingly tangled case. Isaiah’s identity had been used for years by more than one person, and despite many calls and emails Jennifer could not find a lawyer who would help. “One attorney wanted a $2,000 retainer. Clearly, we were unable to fund that,” she said.

That’s when the Legal Works organization and Attorney James Levin stepped in and partnered with OhioGuidestone to take Isaiah’s case. In just two months James was able to clear Isaiah’s name, allowing Isaiah to pursue meaningful employment.

Then, just as Isaiah was on a productive track, crime hit him again. As he was riding his bike an attacker grabbed Isaiah, beat him, and stole the bike, which is his means of transportation.

When Isaiah’s story reached the staff of Blue Technologies, the longtime OhioGuidestone partner responded with their usual kindness and generosity. Blue Technologies added Isaiah to their yearly holiday gift list.

When Isaiah came to the OhioGuidestone campus to receive his high school diploma, Jennifer Cholley and her team presented him with his diploma and a new bike, courtesy of Blue Technologies.

Isaiah said he is beyond grateful to OhioGuidestone, Legal Works, and Blue Technologies for getting him the help he needed. He said “I don’t know where I would be without them. I am so glad I asked for legal advice, even though it was a class on construction. James is an amazing lawyer, and I am incredibly grateful for his expertise. I also owe a big thank you to Blue Technologies for replacing my bike.”

Isaiah says he is teaching his daughter that it is ok to ask for help, even when you aren’t sure who to ask. “Just ask SOMEONE,” he said.

“Isaiah is doing phenomenally well,” Jennifer said. “We are all so proud of him at OhioGuidestone, and we appreciate the incredible organizations that allow us to help people like Isaiah navigate the most difficult times in life.”

OhioGuidestone to Provide Peer Recovery Support Services at Southwest General

When an individual who has overdosed presents at Southwest General’s Emergency Room, they are medically stabilized, then immediately offered a second life-saving measure—a meeting with a Peer Recovery Support Specialist from OhioGuidestone.

Starting in March 2023, Southwest General, along with OhioGuidestone, are providing community members with the new Peer Recovery Support Program as a recovery resource for both the insured and uninsured patient populations. The collaboration comes in response to rising numbers of fatal drug overdoses as well as a generous grant from a longtime Southwest General donor.

Michael Waggoner, RN, MSN, director, Oakview Behavioral Health Services, Southwest General, said, “We are grateful to bring this exceptional collaboration with Ohio Guidestone to our patients. The Peer Recovery Support Specialists are a critical link between the treatment system and the larger communities where those struggling with addiction live.”

A certified Peer Recovery Support Specialist is someone who has direct experience with substance and behavioral health challenges and is trained to use their own experiences to help others impacted by substance use disorders. They help people engage in the recovery process, which, in return, reduces the likelihood of a relapse and the overall cost of services.

OhioGuidestone’s, Rebecca Emery, who will serve as the Peer Recovery Support Specialist at Southwest General, said, “We’ve had remarkable success with peer recovery at OhioGuidestone. Together we’ll be able to help more people take steps towards a healthier future.”

In addition to providing support to patients in Southwest General’s ER after an overdose, OhioGuidestone will provide support in the following hospital areas:

• BreakThru (medically assisted drug/alcohol withdrawal inpatient treatment program)

• Oakview Behavioral Health Services Inpatient Unit

• Oakview Behavioral Health Services Outpatient Program (IOP/PHP – Intensive Outpatient and Partial Hospitalization Programs)

OhioGuidestone President and CEO, Brant Russell, who also is an RN, said, “I am especially excited about this partnership. Much of my professional life has been in a hospital setting. I know how behavioral health is interwoven with physical health, and Southwest General offering OhioGuidestone services fits in perfectly with our better person-centered care approach. I look forward to more collaboration in the future.”

William A. Young Jr., president and CEO, Southwest General, said, “We are proud to partner with OhioGuidestone, a long-standing community partner, to provide this greatly needed service to our patients and community members.”

CCBHCs Ready to Launch

When OhioGuidestone was awarded nearly $8,000,000 in federal grants last year to develop Certified Community Behavioral Health Centers (CCBHC) in Cuyahoga County and the Four County region of Defiance, Henry, Fulton and Williams Counties, a dedicated team led by Larraine Stehlik hit the ground running. As we approach spring, this model of better person-centered care and improved access is ready to launch.

“Our new Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics are uniquely positioned to serve as the cornerstone of Ohio’s push to integrate mental and physical health into a person-centered approach and to remove the stigma

Core services of the centers include:

• Targeted case management and care coordination

• Screening, assessment, diagnosis, and risk assessment

• Patient-centered treatment planning

• Outpatient mental health and substance use disorder services

• Outpatient primary care screening and monitoring

• Psychiatric rehabilitation services

• Peer and family supports

• Crisis mental health services

• Community based mental health care for veterans

and increase the availability surrounding mental health services,” says Stehlik, Director of Adult, Recovery, and Information Services.

Care coordination is an important piece as OhioGuidestone’s CCBHCs will help clients mitigate the negative impacts of identified social determinants of health and wellness. Our clinics will offer crisis services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and are required to serve anyone who requests care for behavioral health or substance use, regardless of their ability to pay, place of residence, or ageincluding developmentally appropriate care for children and youth.

Simply put, our new clinics will enhance access and quality of better person-centered care.

“These services provide OhioGuidestone an opportunity to be an agent of change, decreasing the burden on first responders and emergency medical services while cultivating a sense of vitality and stability in our clients and in the communities with service,” says Stehlik.

As the state’s leader in community behavioral health, OhioGuidestone is dedicated to making CCBHCs a foundational step for permanent change.

Remembering Reverend Caddey

OhioGuidestone has lost one of our pioneers. Reverend Dr. John W. Caddey, former President and CEO, began his service to our organization in 1963, known then as The United Methodist Children’s Home. At the beginning of his tenure, our organization was a residential treatment center, with no other services in place. During his tenure, foster care was added, followed by many of the community-based behavioral health services we continue to provide to this day.

Through his leadership and vision, the organization grew from serving 100 children and families to over 9,000 each year, and he increased the annual organizational budget and staff to meet the increased community needs. A budget of $5,000,000 and a staff of 50 grew to more than $21,000,000 and more than 700 employees when he retired in 2004.

Dr. Caddey shepherded the agency into the 21st century with strength and ease and set the foundation and endowment that allowed us to grow as Ohio’s leader in behavioral health care.

Memorial contributions may be made to the John and Rochelle Caddey Endowment Fund at OhioGuidestone or to the Berea Arts Festival. To view a full obituary and express condolences to the family at www.bakerfuneralberea.com.

OhioGuidestone

343 W Bagley Rd

Berea, Ohio 44017-1370

844-6CALLOG (844.622.5564)

OhioGuidestone.org

Seeds of Hope is a publication of OhioGuidestone

OUR VISION

Future generations are educated, self reliant and contributing members of strong communities.

OUR MISSION

To provide pathways for growth, achievement and lifelong success.

Events & Fundraising

Coming soon: These are just a few of the exciting events we have planned for the months ahead. Our events fill up fast so mark your calendars. We hope to see you there!

Stepstone Academy 10th Birthday | June 10, 2023

This June, Stepstone Academy, OhioGuidestone’s charter school, is celebrating its 10th birthday with a celebration at the beautiful Calfee Building in downtown Cleveland. Mark your calendars for June 10th from 5pm – 8pm. Tickets will soon be available at stepstoneacademy.org. For sponsorship opportunities, contact Suzanne Carle at Suzanne.Carle@stepstoneacademy.org.

Evolution Gala | September 23, 2023

Our bi-yearly galas are epic at OhioGuidestone and 2023’s Evolution Gala will not disappoint. Slated for September 23, 2023, the Roaring 20’s is the theme for the fundraising event which will take place at the historic Public Auditorium in downtown Cleveland. Blue Technologies is our presenting sponsor, and we have many great sponsorship opportunities still available. Contact Erica Matisz at Erica.Matisz@ohioguidestone.org.

Licenses and Certifications

Ohio Department of Job and Family Services | Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services