HHS Decertifies Organ Procurement Organization Serving Parts of Ohio

Gov. Mike DeWine has signed an executive order giving the Ohio Department of Behavioral Health authority to establish a statewide certification and oversight program for recovery housing operators. The move comes as the number of recovery houses in Ohio has grown from 356 in 2022 to more than 1,700 today, prompting concerns about inconsistent standards and unsafe living conditions at some facilities. Under the new emergency rules, DBH will administer certification, establish statewide standards, investigate complaints and enforce compliance. DBH will work with providers, local behavioral health organizations, county alcohol, drug addiction and mental health boards and other stakeholders during the…

Aultman Health System and Northeast Ohio Medical University have formalized a partnership aimed at expanding medical education and clinical training opportunities and strengthening Ohio’s health care workforce. Through the affiliation, NEOMED students will gain expanded clinical learning experiences, mentorship and exposure to patient-centered care across Aultman’s hospitals and outpatient facilities. The partnership is intended to help address physician shortages and encourage more medical students to remain in Ohio to practice after graduation. Aultman will provide students with opportunities to train across its broad network of health care services. Learn more here.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service has issued a public health alert for meat and poultry products containing jalapeños that were recalled by the Food and Drug Administration over possible Salmonella contamination. FSIS said additional products could be identified as the ingredient recall progresses and will update its list of affected products as more information becomes available. Consumers who purchased affected products should not eat them and should throw them away or return them to the place of purchase. Salmonella can cause diarrhea, abdominal cramps and fever, with older adults, infants and people with weakened immune…

Residents of Reily Township now have access to a free public health and safety supply box stocked with first-aid items, naloxone (Narcan), medication disposal bags, medication lock bags and other essential supplies. The initiative is a partnership among the Regional Harm Reduction Collaborative, the Coalition for a Healthy Community and the Butler County Mental Health and Addiction Recovery Services Board. The box is designed to improve access to basic health and safety resources while supporting overdose prevention and medication safety. Learn more here.