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ODH Urges Vaccination Amid Rising Flu Hospitalizations

January 12, 2026

Ohio Department of Health Director Bruce Vanderhoff, MD, said this week at a press conference that influenza activity across the state continues to climb, urging Ohioans to get vaccinated as the best protection against severe illness.

Vanderhoff reported 1,911 flu-related hospitalizations statewide for the week ending Jan. 3, up sharply from the prior week and higher than the same period last year. He said increases are typical for this time of year but noted that a new influenza strain is contributing to the surge.

Vanderhoff emphasized vaccination is especially important for children and older adults, who are at higher risk of complications. Find more information here.

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January 12, 2026

Next Generation MyCare Program Live, Resources Available

The Ohio Department of Medicaid’s Next Generation MyCare program is now live with a statewide expansion planned for later this year. This enhanced program streamlines processes, improves collaboration with health plans and strengthens clinical coverage policies to help providers better serve Ohioans. In the program, providers must enroll with ODM and contract with the Next Generation MyCare plans to provide services to members. Eligible members are now receiving benefits through a Next Generation MyCare plan. Members who were in the Ohio Home Care, Assisted Living or PASSPORT Waiver when they were enrolled in the program are now enrolled in the MyCare…
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January 12, 2026

SAMHSA Updates Resources on 988 Suicide, Crisis Lifeline

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration has released updated resources to help the public better understand the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. The materials include a revised fact sheet outlining how the service works, what callers can expect and frequently asked questions, along with testimonials from individuals who have used the hotline. Additional resources explain the differences between 988 and 911 and when each service should be used. SAMHSA also made new digital assets available to support social media outreach and public awareness. Access the Ohio Department of Behavioral Health's 988 toolkit here.
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January 12, 2026

Free Suicide Prevention Training Available in 10 Ohio Counties

The Ohio Suicide Prevention Foundation, OSPF, has been awarded an adult male suicide prevention grant from the Ohio Department of Health. Part of the grant includes providing free training on how to recognize a crisis and the warning signs that someone may be contemplating suicide. Additional information can be found here. Training is available to health care providers and non-clinical staff located in 10 high-burden counties as identified by ODH. These 10 counties are: Clark Cuyahoga Hamilton Lorain Lucas Mahoning Marion Montgomery Richland Summit The training can be virtual or in-person, and the length can be 90, 120 or 120+ minutes, depending…
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January 12, 2026

OHA Welcomes New Committee Chairs, Recognizes Outgoing Leaders

OHA is welcoming a new slate of committee leaders who will help guide its work in the coming year. Matt Akers, director of Physical Environment, Safety and Emergency Management at OhioHealth, has been named chair of the OHA Safety Council. Rob Montagnese, president and CEO of Licking Memorial Hospital, will serve as chair of the Institute of Health Innovations Board. Christy Stansfield, director of hospital billing at ProMedica, will lead the Admitting, Billing & Collections Committee as chair for the 2026-27 term. Andrew Maigur, MD, hospitalist physician at Premier Health, has been appointed chair of the Physician Advisor Committee, with Ahmad…
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