Monthly Archives: September 2020

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Paint Valley ADAMH 2020 BH Hero Awards

Presented by Hometown-Motors, Inc.

The Paint Valley Alcohol, Drug Addiction and Mental Health (ADAMH) Services Board canceled the Annual Recovery Celebration that is normally held in September because of social distancing restrictions and concern for the safety of our guests due to the COVID19 pandemic. As we continue our efforts to support recovery on every level, it is important to take a moment and thank those on the front lines. Last week, the Behavioral Health(BH) Hero Awards were delivered to the BH Heroes to honor them for going above and beyond to make sure that our residents continue to receive needed services during the pandemic.

Executive Director of the Paint Valley ADAMH Board, Penny Dehner, stated “So many good things are happening in our communities and there is a steadfast commitment to quality treatment and recovery. Treatment works, people recover and recovering people work and give back to our communities. September is Recovery Month and it is important to celebrate and honor individuals doing extraordinary work. The Paint Valley ADAMH Board is so pleased to honor those that are making a difference in our Recovery Oriented System of Care by making sure our communities have the services that they need.”

The Mental Health BH Hero of the Year is Matt Cox, Vocational Rehabilitation Specialist at the Chillicothe VA Medical Center. He was nominated by Jhan Corzine. Matt works with veterans who have been diagnosed with bipolar disorder, schizophrenia and PTSD. He is involved in all facets of his client’s lives from assisting them with clothing, housing, education, employment and transportation. Matt created a bike shop at the VA as a resource for the entire community to use and has received a national award for the program. Last year he launched the Ross County Tour of Heros and raised money for the adaptive sports program at the VA which provides specially designed bicycles for the mentally or physically affected veterans. Matt has also donated his time and efforts to assist the Ross County Suicide Prevention Coalition by providing timing services for their annual 5K fundraiser. He is a true advocate for those he serves.

The Crisis Intervention Team BH Hero is Officer Dave McIntyre of the Circleville Police Department. He was nominated by Sgt. Phil Roar. Officer McIntyre is a leader amongst the CIT officers in the Circleville Police Department. He often takes the initiative to respond to calls when he can assist. One example of Officer McIntyre using his CIT Skills was on August 17, 2020. He was on a domestic call where several adults were detained and arrested, which was very upsetting to a child. Using his CIT skill set he was able to deescalate the situation to a controllable level and provide comfort to the child. Officer McIntyre’s believes in the ADAMH mission and accredits his success to his CIT training.

The Prevention BH Hero is Amey Van Voorhis, Paint Valley PAX Partner. She was nominated by Leighanne Johnson. Amy has gone above and beyond to help Paint Valley Elementary School grow and extend our PAX program for our students. She extends her help and support to the teachers and staff whenever it is needed. She believes that each student is worthy and deserves the best care and support at school. She offers her own time and energy to create the best environment for the Paint Valley Students. Amey has mentored many new partners and she honors the PAX program by creating a welcoming and engaging learning environment for everyone she works with.

The Addiction BH Hero is Brandi Hawthorne, Case Management Coordinator in the Transitions Program in Pike County. She was nominated by Lisa Pfeifer. Brandi works with individuals and families in or impacted by recovery. During her time, she has built close relationships with the organizations providing recovery and mental health services, as well as the Pike County Court System. Brandi implemented the first adult work experience program for her employer and has developed innovative supportive service programs to assist our clients. Brandi has received recognition for her progressive thinking and was chosen as a panelist on a state-wide webinar featuring Pike County CAC’s Transitions Program on May 7, 2020. She is the president of the Pike County Drug Abuse Prevention Coalition, participates in March United, and the Gus Macker Tournament sponsored by the Recovery Council. Her contribution to the Transitions Program has made it the success it is today and she continues to help many overcome the impact of addiction.

The following individuals also received PAX Hero Awards for their dedication to the students of our Board region:

  1.   Heidi Gray, Ross County – Huntington Elementary School Principal
  2.   Leighanne Johnson, Ross County – Paint Valley Elementary School Guidance Counselor
  3.   Susan Prall, Pike County – Waverly Elementary School Guidance Counselor
  4.   Nicole Wills, Ross County – Southeastern Elementary School Principal Paint Valley ADAMH Board is a political subdivision of state government, created in 1967 by the Ohio legislature to ensure the availability of community-based addiction and mental health services for the residents of Fayette, Highland, Pickaway, Pike and Ross Counties.
Paint Valley ADAMH Executive Director Penny Dehner with Matt Cox. Submitted Photo
Dave McIntyre. Submitted Photo
Amy Van Voorhis. Submitted Photo
Brandi Hawthorne. Submitted Photo
PAX Hero Award recipients, left to right: Heidi Gray; Leighanne Johnson; Susan Prall; Nicole Wills. Submitted Photo
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VA offers Veterans drive-thru service for flu shots

Presented by Hometown-Motors, Inc.

CHILLICOTHE, OHIO – With the COVID-19 still present, getting your flu vaccine is extremely important this year.  Help protect yourself and others by getting your flu vaccination.

Symptoms associated with seasonal flu include:

  1. fever
  2. chills
  3. body or muscle aches
  4. headache
  5. feeling tired and weak
  6. cough
  7. sneezing
  8. runny or stuffy nose
  9. sore throat
  10. chest discomfort.  

If you have these symptoms, it is important to stay away from others and rest.  Make sure you drink plenty of fluids and take a fever reducer as advised by your healthcare provider.  Make sure to notify your healthcare provider within 48 hours of onset of symptoms.  Antivirals can be prescribed within the first 48 hours to help lessen your symptoms.  You can reduce your risk of contracting the flu by doing these simple things:

  1. Don’t smoke.
  2. Eat a diet high in fruits and vegetables.
  3. Exercise regularly.
  4. Maintain a healthy weight.
  5. Get adequate sleep.
  6. WASH YOUR HANDS frequently!

To minimize unnecessary exposure to the seasonal flu or to COVID-19, the Chillicothe VA and VA Community Clinics are administering vaccinations while Veterans remain in their vehicle.  Veterans can also request a flu shot during a regularly scheduled appointment.

When utilizing one of the following drive-thru flu clinics, Veterans need to wear a mask and have clothing that will allow upper arm to be bare for the injection.  

Chillicothe VA Drive-Thru Flu Clinic (Building 9)

Tuesdays and Thursdays; 10a – 6p through November 19

Athens VA Clinic Walk-Up Flu Clinic

Tuesdays 8a – Noon; Thursdays 1p – 4p 

Cambridge VA Clinic Drive-Thru Flu Clinic

October 6, 10a – 6p; Walk Up Flu Clinic, Thursdays 4:30p – 6p by appointment, call 740-432-1963

Lancaster VA Clinic Walk-Up Flu Clinic

Thursdays 8a – 4p through October 29

Saturday Flu Clinic, October 3, 10a – 2p

Evening Flu Clinic, October 8, 4p – 8p

Outreach Flu Clinic at Amvets, 700 S. Maple Street, October 6, 10a – 2p

Marietta VA Clinic Walk-Up Flu Clinic

VA Mobile Unit, October 29, 10a – 6p

Outreach Flu Clinic at American Legion Post 64, 9 Wooster Street, September 19, 10a – 6p; October 9, 10a – 6p

Outreach Flu Clinic at Marietta Times Parking Lot, 700 Channel Lane

VA Mobile Unit, September 26, 8:30a – 3:30p

Portsmouth VA Clinic Walk-Up Flu Clinic

Thursdays 8a – 4p, through October 29

Saturday Flu Clinic, October 3, 10a – 2p

Evening Flu Clinic, October 8, 4p – 8p

Outreach Flu Clinic at American Legion, 705 S. Court Street, October 6, 10a – 2p

Wilmington VA Clinic Drive-Up/Walk-Up Flu Clinic

Monday/Wednesday/Fridays 12:30p – 4:30p, through October 30

Saturday Flu Clinic, October 17, 10a – 2p

Evening Flu Clinic, September 23, 4p – 8p, October 14, 4p – 8p

With questions regarding the flu clinics, Veterans can call 773-1141, ext. 5575, or your local VA Clinic.  

Athens VA Clinic: 740-592-7220

Cambridge VA Clinic: 740-432-1963

Lancaster VA Clinic: 740-653-6145

Marietta VA Clinic: 740-568-0412

Portsmouth VA Clinic: 740-353-3236

Wilmington VA Clinic: 937-382-3949

If you are not enrolled in the VA healthcare system, visit chillicothe.va.gov/enrollment.asp to register or call 740-772-7170 with questions.

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Governor DeWine’s Tuesday COVID-19 Update

Presented by Hometown-Motors, Inc.

Nursing Homes and Assisted Living Facilities Testing Update, Ohio Veterans Hall of Fame Inductees Announced, and Ohio To Work Initiative Begins

(COLUMBUS, Ohio)—Ohio Governor Mike DeWine today gave the following updates on Ohio’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

TESTING IN NURSING HOMES AND ASSISTED LIVING FACILITIES

Governor DeWine and Director Ursel McElroy of the Ohio Department of Aging provided an update on testing in nursing facilities, assisted living facilities, adult day centers, and adult day cares. Directory McElroy explained that frequent testing in congregate settings is important to control the spread of the virus. 

She also mentioned that adult day care and senior centers will open on September 21st. The facilities will test staff every other week and participants if they present symptoms. Outdoor visitation started at Ohio nursing homes on July 20th. If visitors have questions about protocols or concerns about a facility in their area, they can contact the Ohio Department of Aging. The Department of Aging is working on a dashboard to increase transparency about the status of visitation at facilities across the state.

OHIO VETERANS HALL OF FAME

Governor DeWine announced that 20 women and men, representing four branches of the military will be inducted into the Ohio Veterans Hall of Fame at a virtual ceremony on November 5th. These Ohioans, from 16 counties, have continued to serve the United States as well as Ohio, as business owners, community volunteers, scientists, advocates, engineers, and much more.

The Ohio Veterans Hall of Fame was established by Governor George Voinovich in 1992. Governor Voinovich established the Hall of Fame to recognize Ohio veterans’ military service, as well as their service to Ohio and their communities after leaving the military. A total of 895 of Ohio’s Veterans have been inducted into the Hall of Fame.  

The virtual ceremony can be viewed on November 5th at OhioVets.gov.

Ohio Veterans Hall of Fame 2020

OHIO TO WORK

Governor DeWine, along with JP Nauseef, president and CEO of JobsOhio, announced that JobsOhio and the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services, the Governor’s Office of Workforce Transformation and the Ohio Development Services Agency will launch a pilot initiative called Ohio To Work. The Initiative will help connect Ohioans looking for a job to a new job opportunity. Ohio To Work brings together employers, nonprofits, educators, and training providers to help Ohioans reskill and restart their careers. Individuals participating in Ohio To Work will be provided a career coach, be invited to virtual career fairs, and be connected to employers ready to hire. The first Ohio To Work initiative will be launched in Cleveland- Cuyahoga County. Ohioans can learn more at OhioToWork.com.

CURRENT COVID-19 DATA

There are 139,485 confirmed and probable cases of COVID-19 in Ohio and 4,506 confirmed and probable COVID-19 deaths. A total of 14,481 people have been hospitalized, including 3,111 admissions to intensive care units. In-depth data can be accessed by visiting coronavirus.ohio.gov. 

Rankings of Ohio’s 88 counties by highest occurrence can be found below. 

Ohio's 88 counties ranked by occurrence

Video of today’s full update, including versions with foreign language translation, can be viewed on the Ohio Channel’s YouTube page. 

For more information on Ohio’s response to COVID-19, visit coronavirus.ohio.gov or call 1-833-4-ASK-ODH.

Sports

Waverly Takes Valley 56-10 in Litter Media Game of the Week

Presented by Hometown-Motors, Inc.

Waverly’s Haydn’ Shanks and Will Futhey proved to be an unstoppable combination Friday in the Tigers’ 56-10 victory at Lucasville Valley.

Shanks completed 28-of-38 passes for 366 yards and 5 TDs, each to Futhey who wracked up 167 yards on 9 catches. Shanks also ran for a 1-yard touchdown to get the game started.

Valley answered with George Arnett returning the ensuing kickoff inside the Waverly five yard line. Chase Ruby hit a 22 yard field goal to get the Indians on the board at 6-3.

Just a second into the 2nd Quarter, Shanks hit Futhey for the first of their five scoring plays. Zeke Brown caught the two-point conversion and Waverly pushed ahead 14-3. Three minutes later Shanks connected with Futhey from 34 yards out for a 21-3 Tigers’ lead.

Arnett scored on a 5-yard run to complete a 9-play drive to pull the Indians within 21-10.

On the next possession, Shanks found Futhey a third time tacking on another TD just before halftime for a 28-10 score at the intermission.

Peyton Harris scored on a 5 yard run with 2:29 remaining in the 3rd Quarter to put the game out of each at 35-10.

In the 4th, Shanks and Futhey combined for TDs of 18 and 38 yards each and with less than 4 minute to play, Tanner Nichols intercepted a Valley pass, returning it inside the 10. Jaxon Poe plunged in the end zone on a 6-yard run for the game’s final score, 56-10.

Poe had 112-yards on 14 carries for Waverly’s ground attack which tallied 215 yards.

The Tigers had 581 total yards while holding Valley to 106 total yards offense.

Valley (1-2) heads to Portsmouth West September 18th while Waverly (3-0) returns home to host Wheelersburg (3-0) in a battle for the SOC lead.

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A Preview of the Chillicothe VAMC 9-11 Remembrance Ceremony

Presented by Hometown-Motors, Inc.

The Aladdin Pipes and Drums perform during the 2018 Remembrance Ceremony at the Chillicothe VAMC.

The Chillicothe VA will also hold it’s annual 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony this Friday at 9am at Building 259, the Chillicothe VA Fire Department.

The event will be streamed live via the Chillicothe VA Facebook Page.

Retired Firefighter Alan Wallace talks at the Chillicothe VAMC about his experience with the 9/11 attack on the Pentagon in 2001.
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COVID-19 Update: Flu Shots, DeWine Names New Health Director and the Updated OPHAS

Presented by Hometown-Motors, Inc.

(COLUMBUS, Ohio)—Ohio Governor Mike DeWine and Lt. Governor Jon Husted today provided the following updates on Ohio’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

UPDATED COUNTY RISK LEVELS

Governor DeWine today released Ohio’s updated Public Health Advisory System map. New health data compiled by the Ohio Department of Health found that six counties currently have a very high risk of exposure and spread: Butler, Mercer, Montgomery, Preble, Putnam, and Summit. 

Public Health Advisory Alert Map

A total of 68 counties stayed at the same level as last week, and two counties, Lucas and Wayne, dropped from Level 3 to Level 2.

In addition to the six Level 3 counties listed above, four additional counties meet the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s definition of high incidence: Clark, Hamilton, Miami, and Wood. Although these counties do not meet enough indicators to trigger a Red Level 3 Public Emergency, these counties have had more than 100 cases per 100,000 residents over the last two weeks which could lead to rapid virus transmission if steps are not taken to slow the spread. 

Data calculations conducted by the Ohio Department of Health also show the continued increase in cases among younger adults in the age groups of 0-19 and 20-29. 

A county-by-county breakdown outlining the presence of COVID-19 in all of Ohio’s 88 counties can be found on the Ohio Public Health Advisory System’s website.

FLU SHOTS

With flu season approaching, Governor DeWine today reminded Ohioans of the importance of getting a flu shot this year. The Governor, along with First Lady Fran DeWine and Lt. Governor Jon Husted, all received their flu shots this afternoon. 

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend that everyone 6 months of age and older receive an annual flu shot, with rare exception.The recommendation includes flu shots for pregnant women, whose vaccinations can protect their babies after birth.  

“While the flu can be deadly on its own, we also are concerned that Ohioans who get both the flu and COVID-19 at the same time could become severely, if not fatally, ill,” said Governor DeWine. “Our youngest and oldest Ohioans, those who are pregnant, those in long-term care facilities, and those with chronic health conditions may be especially susceptible to severe illness or complications from the flu.”

Those who are elderly and need help getting to their physician’s office can contact their local Area Agency on Aging at 866-243-5678 to access transportation resources and other services.

Anyone without a primary healthcare provider can visit vaccinefinder.org to find nearby pharmacies and other healthcare locations offering the flu vaccine.

NEW OHIO DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH DIRECTOR

Governor DeWine today named Joan Duwve, M.D., MPH, the director of the Ohio Department of Health.

“This unprecedented time calls for true leadership to limit the spread of COVID-19 and to save lives,” said Governor DeWine.  “We welcome Dr. Duwve to our team. Her clinical experience and leadership to strengthen public health infrastructure will help guide Ohio as we navigate through this pandemic and modernize Ohio’s public health system.”

“I am thrilled to return to Ohio, where I grew up,” said Dr. Duwve. “Through forging strong partnerships across the state, I firmly believe that together, we can build healthier communities that in turn create greater opportunities for all Ohioans to thrive.” 

A graduate of North Olmsted High School, Dr. Duwve attended undergraduate school at The Ohio State University. She received a Master of Public Health from the University of Michigan and her Medical Doctor Degree from Johns Hopkins University. 

Most recently, Dr. Duwve served as the Director of Public Health at the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control under South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster (R).  Prior to her time in South Carolina, she served as an Associate Dean of Practice for the Indiana University Richard M. Fairbanks School of Public Health and developed and directed the ECHO Center to train providers in rural communities to treat patients with complex conditions. Dr. Duwve also served Indiana Governors Mitch Daniels, Mike Pence, and Eric Holcomb, as the Chief Medical Officer with the Indiana State Department of Health and the Medical Director for the Department’s Division of Public Health and Preparedness. Before transitioning into her role improving public health, Dr. Duwve practiced family medicine.

WORLD SUICIDE PREVENTION DAY

On World Suicide Prevention Day, Governor DeWine reminded citizens that resources are available for anyone who needs support due to stress, anxiety, sadness, or anger caused by the COVID-19 pandemic or other concerns. 

Ohioans can reach the Ohio Careline by calling 1-800-720-9616. Residents can also be connected to a trained crisis counselor via the Crisis Text Line by texting the keyword “4hope” to 741 741. 

Ohio Careline 1-800-720-9616

MENTAL HEALTH & SUBSTANCE USE DISORDER PSA CAMPAIGN

In an effort to promote mental health, Governor DeWine’s RecoveryOhio team partnered with the Ohio Department of Insurance to launch a series of television, radio, and digital ads to help Ohioans who have questions about their health insurance coverage when seeking treatment. The PSAs will begin airing next week in Columbus, Cincinnati, and Cleveland.

Ohioans with questions about mental health and substance use disorder benefits can contact the Ohio Department of Insurance at 1-800-686-1526.

Ohio Department of Insurance PSA

CENSUS

Lt. Governor Husted reminded Ohioans that the deadline to complete the 2020 Census is quickly approaching. As of this morning, Ohio’s self response rate was 69.5 percent, which is above the national rate of 65.5 percent but one percentage point behind Michigan. The census, which only takes about 10 minutes to complete, impacts the state for the next 10 years, including how federal, state and local funding is distributed and determines congressional representation.

Ohioans can complete their census by either going to 2020Census.gov or calling 1-844-330-2020.

CURRENT COVID-19 DATA

There are 134,086 confirmed and probable cases of COVID-19 in Ohio and 4,354 confirmed and probable COVID-19 deaths. A total of 14,164 people have been hospitalized, including 3,070 admissions to intensive care units. In-depth data can be accessed by visiting coronavirus.ohio.gov. 

Video of today’s full update, including versions with foreign language translation, can be viewed on the Ohio Channel’s YouTube page. 

For more information on Ohio’s response to COVID-19, visit coronavirus.ohio.gov or call 1-833-4-ASK-ODH.

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Local Veteran Receives 2020 Mental Health BH Hero Award

Presented by Hometown-Motors, Inc.

Matt Cox from the Litter Media video “VA Tour of Heroes: Riding with a Purpose”

Last fall, we introduced you to Matt Cox, a vocational rehabilitation specialist at the Chillicothe VA Medical Center when he and fellow veteran Joe Lawhorn were promoting The Ross County Tour of Heroes.

In a small ceremony Tuesday, the Paint Valley ADAMH Board presented Cox with the 2020 Mental Health BH Hero Award.

Cox, an army veteran, has worked with fellow veterans who have been diagnosed with bipolar disorder, schizophrenia and PTSD. He’s also volunteered with the Ross County Suicide Prevention Coalition and has been instrumental in creating a Bike Shop at the VA and organized a cycling group for veterans.

Cox and Lawhorn gave a presentation to the VA in Washington in 2019 which netted aid to purchase specialty bikes for veterans with disabilities.

Congratulations Matt and thank you for your continued service! 

Additional photos courtesy of Joe Lawhorn

Cox poses with local professional cyclist and US Army/Marine Corps veteran Joe Lawhorn
Cox gives a tour of the Bike Shop inside the Chillicothe VA Medical Center
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Majestic’s Dollar for Dollar Match Challenge a Success

Presented by Hometown-Motors, Inc.

CHILLICOTHE, OH – The Majestic Theatre would like to announce the successful completion of its “Dollar for Dollar Match Challenge” that began in June. A donor approached the Majestic Theatre with the challenge of matching each dollar raised, up to $7,500, to help the theatre recover from the COVID-19 shutdown.

Board member Gene Betts tells Litter Media the challenge raised just over $15,000 for the Majestic, which hasn’t had a production since March due to the pandemic and restrictions on theaters.

The proceeds generated through this donation challenge provides the Majestic Theatre the necessary funds to continue the basic operations of the facility as it continues to work towards reopening for performances. When the shutdown occurred, the Majestic Theatre’s revenue stream came to halt. As a non-profit organization, it heavily relies on ticket sales, along with the rental of the theatre, courtyard, and parking lot to sustain basic operations. While grant funding helps achieve renovation and restoration goals to the historic landmark.

Upon the completion of this donation challenge, the Majestic Theatre Board of Directors would like to thank the donor, who has requested to remain anonymous, along with the many individuals that contributed to help achieve this goal. The support, generosity, and understanding from the community during these challenging times have been profound and greatly appreciated by the entire board.