Clear Pathways was engaged by the Ohio Association of Behavioral Health Authorities (OACBHA) to develop, coordinate, and convene a virtual Learning Collaborative for Alcohol, Drug, and Mental Health (ADAMH) Boards across Ohio.

The Learning Collaborative is intended to serve as a venue for ADAMH Boards to collaborate and gain insight into best practices, challenges, and innovative approaches in behavioral health emergency system development and implementation. It is also intended to support alignment with SAMHSA’s National Guidelines for Behavioral Health Crisis Care and Ohio’s approach to crisis care.

As part of the approach to develop the structure of the Learning Collaborative, Clear Pathways facilitated an initial needs-assessment. Participants engaged in a live discussion and post-event survey to articulate current challenges, topics of interest, and goals for the Learning Collaborative. Clear Pathways continually refers to the results of the needs assessment to inform development of Learning Collaborative content and solicits input from ADAMH Boards, service providers, and state policymakers to inform ongoing planning.

Each Learning Collaborative meeting has a local focus, with 1-2 ADAMH Board leaders spotlighting specific examples related to developing crisis infrastructure and services in their communities, including innovations, challenges, and approaches to overcoming barriers. Also available at each meeting is a subject matter expert who provides insight from the national perspective.

The Learning Collaborative will conclude in June 2024.