CareSource Provides $250,000 to Improve Health Equity in Ohio Behavioral Health

Grant to support Ohio’s county Alcohol, Drug Addiction and Mental Health (ADAMH) Boards

(DAYTON, OH – September 23, 2021) – CareSource, a nationally recognized nonprofit health plan, announced a $250,000 grant to the Ohio Association of County Behavioral Health Authorities (OACBHA), the statewide organization that represents the interest of Ohio’s county Alcohol, Drug Addiction and Mental Health (ADAMH) Boards. The grant will support health equity education, training, and programming through 2024.

“CareSource recognizes that communities of color, marginalized communities, people of low social-economic status, and individuals who have disabilities are more likely to experience poor health outcomes,” said Tia Marcel Moretti, AVP of Behavioral Health Integration at CareSource. “Our partnership with OACBHA will improve health equity for individuals needing mental health and/or substance abuse prevention, treatment and recovery support services throughout Ohio.”

In addition to providing health equity education and training statewide, OACBHA will collect and assess demographic data regarding the makeup of ADAMH boards, providers, staff, and those receiving services. This work will aid OACBHA in better understanding populations served in Ohio, and illustrate how cultural competency, diversity, and inclusion can improve health outcomes.

“OACBHA is very excited to partner with CareSource to promote critical efforts to improve health equity and reduce health disparities in communities throughout the state,” said Cheri L. Walter, CEO of the Ohio Association of County Behavioral Health Authorities. “Through this effort, we will endeavor to ensure health equity and cultural competence within all mental health and substance use disorder prevention, treatment, and support services. We look forward to working with state and community leaders to advance a more equitable future for all Ohioans.”

The grant to OACBHA is an example of CareSource’s enduring commitment to bettering the health and well-being of Ohioans. CareSource is dedicated to improving health equity, reducing health disparities, and addressing social determinants of health through innovative programs, financial investments, and collaboration throughout communities.

About Ohio Association of County Behavioral Health Authorities (OACBHA)

The Ohio Association of County Behavioral Health Authorities (OACBHA) is the statewide organization that represents the interests of Ohio’s county Alcohol, Drug Addiction and Mental Health (ADAMH) Boards at the state level. The Association works with a variety of governmental bodies along with public and private organizations to seek support for initiatives that will help expand and enhance mental health and substance abuse prevention, treatment and support services. Most importantly, however, OACBHA gives the Boards a forum to address statewide issues and provides Boards with the means to communicate their positions and concerns with a single voice.

For more, visit www.oacbha.org, follow @oacbha on Twitter, or like OACBHA on Facebook.