Elevating Prevention within the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services

WHEREAS, individuals struggling with substance use disorder often leave behind children who have experienced unspeakable trauma. Many other children are living in the midst of their parents’ substance use. Children who witness substance use are more likely to abuse substances as adults, which can prevent them from achieving their full potential; and

WHEREAS, prevention education helps children develop the knowledge and skills to live healthfully. Effective prevention not only helps students stay drug-free and make healthy choices for a lifetime, but it also can help students succeed academically; and

WHEREAS, the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services has the Prevention Services Bureau embedded within its current structure;

NOW THEREFORE, I, Mike DeWine, Governor of the State of Ohio, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and laws of this State do hereby order and direct that the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services Director create a senior level position to lead the Prevention Services Bureau who will focus each day to make sure proven age and environmentally appropriate prevention education is provided in kindergarten through 12th grade.

I signed this Executive Order on January 14, 2019 in Cedarville, Ohio and it will not expire unless it is rescinded.

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Mike DeWine, Governor

ATTEST:

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Frank LaRose, Secretary of State