Funding Opportunity Available
CCMHRB Offering Mini Grants in 2025
Date: March 21, 2025
In an effort to foster activities that promote improved mental health and prevent addiction, or the harm associated with addiction, the Clermont County Mental Health and Recovery Board is pleased to announce an opportunity for funding.
We are looking for innovative projects that will positively affect mental health and/or prevent addiction, or harm associated with addiction, for any age group. A total of up to $30,000 is available for programs serving Clermont County residents; the maximum funding per project is $3,000. The grant period is July 1, 2025 to June 30, 2026.
Any organized group in Clermont County, with the exception of the contract agencies of the Mental Health and Recovery Board, can apply for funding. Previously funded applicants are eligible to reapply. Applicants must have some type of fiscal structure in place to account for the awarded funds, which may not be used to cover ongoing operating expenses.
To apply for a mini grant, please submit a brief proposal that includes the following:
• Name and type of organization seeking funding.
• Name and phone number of contact person.
• Address and phone number of organization.
• Description of the activity/purpose for which the grant will be used.
• Explanation of how the activity will promote positive mental health and/or prevent addiction.
• Description of what part of the activity the mini grant will fund if used with other monies.
• Date of activity, if this is appropriate.
• A completed budget form.
Proposals must be received or postmarked no later than Friday, May 16, 2025 to:
Clermont County Mental Health and Recovery Board
c/o Cindy Knoblauch-Mini Grant Project
2337 Clermont Center Drive
Batavia, OH 45103
Or emailed to Cindy Knoblauch at cknoblauch@ccmhrb.org.
Prevention activities must be evidence-based in order to be eligible for funding. Funding cannot be used to purchase equipment such as iPads, iPods, tablets, or other electronic items. Any group receiving funding will be required to submit a brief report to the Clermont County Mental Health and Recovery Board on its efforts and results following completion of the activity. In addition, a final accounting of funds and receipts showing all expenditures must be submitted within 60 days after the end of the activity. All unused funds must be returned to the Mental Health and Recovery Board. Please reach out to the mini grant contact for information on criteria our review board will be using to rate the proposals.
Finally, mini-grant recipients are encouraged to allow the Mental Health and Recovery Board to publicize their organizations and programs. It should be noted that mini-grants may not be available in future years, so mini-grants should be viewed as one-time only funding.
If you have any questions, please contact Cindy Knoblauch at the Board’s office at 513-732-5400 or cknoblauch@ccmhrb.org
Coroner Issues Warning in Clermont
Clermont County Ohio
The Clermont County Coroner has issued a public warning regarding an increase in drug overdoses that he is calling "significant" and "concerning."
In a press release, Dr. Brian Treon says the rise in overdoses has been a consistent trend throughout the broader Southwest Ohio Region and signals a "pressing need for community vigilance and action."
Treon says his office has "observed a sharp uptick in drug-related overdoses," which includes a rise in fatalities, and aligns with data in neighboring counties.
Officials say the exact substances involved are still being analyzed, early indications are that fentanyl—along with other illicit drugs—are contributing factors.
"Unfortunately, we're seeing a disturbing rise in overdose-related events," Dr. Treon said in a statement. "The presence of fentanyl and other potent substances is putting lives at risk, and we need to collectively come together to address this public health crisis.
"If you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse, please reach out for help," his statement continues. "There are resources available, and no one should feel alone in this fight."
Dr. Treon urges residents to take steps to help keep themselves and their loved ones safe:
- Stay informed: Educate you and your loved ones about the dangers of illicit drug use, particularly opioids and substances like fentanyl.
- Know the signs of an overdose: Symptoms can include slow or irregular breathing, unresponsiveness, and blue or purple lips.
- Carry Narcan: The lifesaving medication can reverse the effects of opioid overdoses and is available at pharmacies and through community programs.
- Reach out for help: If you or a loved one is struggling with addition, confidential resources are available, including the Clermont County Mental Health & Recovery Services Board.
- Call 911: Stay with the victim until first responders arrive.
"We must act as a community to raise awareness, prevent further loss, and provide support for those in need," Dr. Treon said in a statement. "Every life is precious, and by coming together, we can make a difference."
CCMHRB Launches Suicide Prevention Campaign
First of its Kind in the State!
The Clermont County Mental Health and Recovery Board and Clermont County Suicide Prevention Coalition have joined forces with the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) and the United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) to launch a new initiative aimed at suicide prevention. This initiative will see mental health crisis support information prominently displayed in state parks throughout Clermont County.
Community Partnership
As part of this effort, signs featuring the Clermont and Brown County Crisis Line (513-528-7283), National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (988), and the National Veterans Crisis Line (988, press 1), all available 24/7, were installed at East Fork Lake State Park and Stonelick State Park. This initiative is designed to spread the message “You Are Not Alone” and make resources more accessible across the County.
Commissioners Attended Launch Event
Commissioners Attended Launch Event
From left: CCMHRB Executive Director, Lee Ann Watson, Commissioner Claire Corcoran, CCMHRB Community Engagement Manager, Marcie Keith, Commissioner Bonnie Batchler, and CCMHRB Associate Director, Denny Moell.
CIT Training April 1-5, 2024
CIT Coordinators
CCMHRB Associate Director and Officer Chad Lutson coordinated the Crisis Intervention Team training April 1-5, 2024.
2024 Graduating Class
Eighteen Law Enforcement Officers, two Probation Officers, and two Corrections Officers graduated from the five-day training and learned skills on how to handle mental health crisis events.
Graduates with Coordinators
Graduates with Coordinators
This marks the 16th completed CIT training for Clermont County. Clermont County CIT has been in existence since 2011 and has trained over 90% of law enforcement in the County.
Free Support Group
Healing Hearts
A free support group for connection and healing with others who have lost loved ones to death by suicide. The group is based on the work of Dr. Alan Wolfelt who uses the metaphor of a wilderness to assist survivors on navigating through grief and mourning. Starts August 7, 2023.
Support Group Content
Participants will receive grief education and compassionate support from the facilitators and one another. The process will honor each individual and their unique grief experience. This is a No-Cost and Drop-In Group. There is no need to register.
Location and Contact Information
This open group will meet at 4633 Aicholtz Rd. on the 1st and 3rd Mondays of each month from 5:30-7:30pm. For more information, please call (513) 752-1555 ext. 5288 or visit child-focus.org. Sponsored by the Clermont Mental Health & Recovery Board.
What's New
We Have Deterra Drug Deactivation Bags Available!
Call (513)732-5400