Hear Experts Discuss Early Childhood Mental Health in Ohio
YOU'RE INVITED: Join Groundwork Ohio's Center for Maternal and Young Child Health on Wednesday, October 27 at 10:00 AM ET for a virtual discussion on integrating policies that support early childhood mental health to strengthen the foundation of Ohio families and communities.
We're thrilled to announce our amazing lineup of speakers and panelists:
State Representative Gail Pavliga
Lynanne Gutierrez, Assistant Director & Legal Counsel at Groundwork Ohio
Kelsey Hopkins, Policy Associate at Groundwork Ohio
Kiana R. Trabue, MPH, Vice President of Strategic Partnerships at Bethesda, Inc./bi3
Holli Ritzenthaler, MSSA, LISW-S, Assistant Vice President of Community Counseling at OhioGuidestone
Meghan Schmelzer, Senior Policy Analyst, Infant Early Childhood Mental Health Policy Team at ZERO TO THREE
Dr. Judy Romano, MD, FAAP, Past President of the American Academy of Pediatrics - Ohio Chapter
Groundwork Ohio Testifies Before Ohio House Committee on ACEs
On Thursday, Groundwork Ohio testified before the Behavioral Health and Recovery Supports Committee in the Ohio House of Representatives on House Bill 428, which would create a study commission on Adverse Childhood Experiences, commonly referred to as ACEs.
During the earliest and most critical years of development, children are highly vulnerable to adversity and trauma. ACEs are traumatic events that have the potential to cause long-lasting negative effects on mental health, physical health, and health behaviors. Ohio ranks 39th in the nation for children having two or more ACEs, putting Ohio children at higher risk for long-lasting negative effects.
As state legislators deliberate House Bill 428, Groundwork Ohio looks forward to being a partner to the ACEs Study Commission to bring the best evidence-based solutions to action to improve the lives of young children in Ohio.
We're Hiring! Apply to Join Our Team.
Are you or is someone you know passionate about early childhood policy and improving the lives of Ohio's youngest children and their families? Are you a resourceful problem solver with a can-do attitude who has experience in performing administrative duties? Groundwork Ohio is seeking applicants for an Office Manager to join our highly effective team! Click here to learn more about the position.
Groundwork Ohio is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Prospective applicants ready to collaborate with an awesome team of professionals are encouraged to send a resume and cover letter to Lynanne Gutierrez at lgutierrez@groundworkohio.org by Friday, October 29, 2021.
Apply to Groundwork Ohio's Early Childhood Leadership Fellowship
Groundwork Ohio recently announced our third annual Early Childhood Leadership Fellowship cohort. The Fellowship provides emerging early childhood professionals with essential training and support needed to enhance their leadership skills and talents. Upon completion of the program, Fellows have a better understanding on how to be a successful advocate for themselves, infants and toddlers, families, and their community!
We are currently accepting fellowship applications from passionate early childhood professionals, including home-based and center-based child care providers, home visitors, child development specialists, child welfare professionals, early childhood mental health providers, preschool educators, maternal, infant and early childhood health professionals, higher education professionals, and more.
Applications must be submitted by 5:00 PM EST on Friday, November 5, 2021.
National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week
Mark your calendars: Next week is National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week (Sunday, October 24-Saturday, October 30)!
Each year, National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week brings together individuals, organizations, industry, and state, tribal, and local governments to raise awareness about the serious health effects of lead exposure, urge action to eliminate sources of lead exposure, and highlight efforts to prevent childhood lead exposure. The theme of this year's National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week: Get the Facts, Get Your Home Tested, Get Your Child Tested.
A recent study found that Ohio children have elevated blood levels at more than twice the national rate. This alarming statistic means Ohio ranks second in the nation for highest rates of children with elevated levels of lead in their blood.
During National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week, help us spread awareness about reducing childhood lead exposure and promoting #LeadFreeKids! Download this information kit for helpful resources, customizable materials, and social media content.
Want to increase your impact? Share this message with family, friends, and colleagues now!