Keeping Ashland Healthy

On today’s episode, Stacy Merryweather and liaisons Tammy Hoverstock, Ted Lilley, and Robin Hawkins discuss their role in helping youth and families throughout Ashland County. Stacy reviews the program's history, and the liaisons discuss what a “typical day” looks like in a liaison's life. For additional information about the program, visit the Appleseed website or call 419.281.3716. The Board can...

On today’s episode, return guest and art therapist Candace Ressler joins me for an inspiring conversation about an upcoming art show on November 3rd. We explore how art therapy helps people express their emotions, find healing, and start meaningful conversations about life’s challenges. Whether you’re an artist, a helper, or just curious about creative ways to support mental health, this episode i...

On today’s episode, David discusses the Board’s upcoming luncheon and keynote speaker Steve Paramore. Steve is the superintendent of Ashland City Schools. Steve will discuss the impact of the School-Community Liaison program from his perspective. Register today for the Board’s Annual Luncheon by calling the Board at 419.281.3139 or online at  www.ashlandmhrb.org . The price is $25. The program sta...

On today’s episode, the Boss is joined by Ashland University Wellness Team Members Sarah Watson and Sammy Young to discuss this year’s suicide prevention & awareness walk on Sept. 28, 2025. Sarah & Sammy also talk about efforts on campus to encourage young people to participate and be more aware of the issues of wellness and suicide prevention. Sarah and David break down Sarah’s time at AU...

On today’s episode, Counselor and Co-Occurring Program Coordinator Jeremy Smith joins me to discuss the upcoming  Rally for Recovery at Brookside Park . If you or someone you love is affected by substance use, we invite you to join Appleseed Community Mental Health Center for the Light the Way Recovery Rally—a day of hope, healing, and connection.  Tuesday, September 23rd, from 3:30 to 7:00 PM  at...

The Mental Health & Recovery Board will give away five unique animal-themed stress relievers at this year’s fair. Each day of the fair, the Board will provide information about local mental health and substance use resources. Come by and see us in the Gold Merchants building anytime. For more information and a listing of all the Board’s upcoming events, visit us at  www.ashlandmhrb.org/  or ca...

The Levy Campaign is on! Join us September 10th at 8:30 a.m. at the Upper Convo for a complimentary breakfast and your chance to grab a levy yard sign. This replacement levy helps keep Ashland strong by funding school-community liaisons, crisis response, prevention in schools, and services for seniors. Want to learn more or get involved? Visit  ContinueTheCaring.com  or call 419-281-3139. You can...

On today’s episode of Keeping Ashland Healthy, David welcomes back the Prevention Gals from ACCADA. The Board funds prevention/education services in every school district. The prevention/educators talk about what surprised them last year, the dramatic increase in vaping and vape stores, and their goals for the upcoming school year. Learn more about ACCADA’s prevention programming by visiting their...

In today’s Keeping Ashland Healthy episode, David discussed Overdose Awareness Day on August 31, 2025. He reviews national, state, and local overdose data but focuses on Ashland resources, programs, and initiatives designed to eliminate overdoses in the county. Learn more about the Board’s efforts at  www.ashlandmhrb.org  or by calling us at 419.281.3139 (Record Date: August 7, 2025)

On today's episode of Keeping Ashland Healthy, Sunny McCarty and Ashley Williams discuss the Ashland Church Community Emergency Shelter Services (ACCESS) program with David. The ACCESS program is unique in the county and continues to grow, impacting more lives by reducing homelessness, teaching skills, and ensuring people are seen and heard. Learn more by visiting their website at  www.ashlandacce...

On today’s episode of Keeping Ashland Healthy, David summarizes a recent document from the Ohio Suicide Prevention Foundation focusing on the impact of stigma on suicide. Stigma is defined, why it is a problem is explored, and finally, what we can all do to reduce stigma is outlined. Learn more at the  www.ohiospf.org/resources/   or by calling the Board at 419.281.3139. (Record Date: July 16, 202...

On today’s episode of Keeping Ashland Healthy, Dr. Ashley and the Boss recap Ohio’s 2025  Mental Health Conference , discuss two new Mobile Crisis Services in Ashland County ( MRSS  & Adult Mobile Crisis) and explore the latest in Psychiatric Drug Withdrawal ( Maudsley Deprescribing , Laura Delano’s  Book , Anders Sorensen’s  Work  &  Book , and  Brooke Siem’s Efforts ) Click on the hyperl...

On today’s episode of Keeping Ashland Healthy, Dr. Ashley and the Boss explore ways families can enjoy the summer months and stay connected in Ashland County. Maintaining connections is vital for mental, physical, and social health, and Ashland offers many opportunities for the whole family. Learn more about staying connected at  https://www.ashlandmhrb.org/blog/11-creative-ways-to-keep-kids-engag...

On today’s episode of Keeping Ashland Healthy, Dr. Ashley and the Boss explore the origins and history of Peer Support in Community Behavioral Health. They spend time discussing a local Peer Recovery Program (Pathways) funded by the Board through Catholic Charities. Peer Supporters offer a unique view and strengthen the Behavioral Health Continuum of Care. Learn more about Pathways by visiting the...

On today’s episode of Keeping Ashland Healthy, The Boss highlights June as Elder Empowerment Month in Ashland County. A month of events and activities has been planned and is available for viewing and download  here . David also spends time discussing signs of elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation, and the importance of calling Ashland’s 24/7 anonymous Adult Protective Services at (419) 282–5000....

In this episode of Keeping Ashland Healthy, Dr. Ashley returns from a well-deserved vacation and shares a quick update with "the Boss" before diving into a meaningful discussion about clinical services in Ashland County. Together, they explore the full range of services offered by the Mental Health and Recovery Board's contract partners—including assessments, counseling, case management, and more....

 On today’s episode of Keeping Ashland Healthy, Dr. Ashley chooses death metal over her professional podcasting responsibilities. Luckily, Super Sandy Hoffman joins the Boss as they walk through the Board’s May Newsletter. Practical and easy-to-access strategies for wellness are highlighted. Super Sandy and the Boss discuss a video in the newsletter with a twist that challenges us all to “check in...

On today’s episode, Dr. Ashley and the Boss prepare for May which is  Mental Health Awareness Month , by reviewing programs/events available to county residents during the month of May. They also explore three more great programs in Ashland County that address  mental health  and  substance use  crisis. Finally, Dr. Ashley and the Boss discuss ‘ The Landing Zone ’ a unique veteran-to-veteran peer...

In today’s episode, Dr. Ashley and the Boss discuss  a recent article  by Joy Pullman at The Federalist. Her shocking first line, “For decades, the U.S. medical system has delivered amphetamines to skyrocketing numbers of Americans without clear evidence a defined disorder exists or of any long-term effects.” Additionally, Dr. Ashley and the Boss highlight the  ADHD Alternative Program  at Applese...

In today’s episode, Dr. Ashley and the Boss discuss three programs that are making a difference in the Ashland community. Whether you or a loved one is experiencing a crisis, needing housing assistance during recovery, or doesn’t know where to turn, today’s episode is for you! Follow the hyperlinks for additional information about  Recovery Housing , the  Hospital Liaison Program , and  Informatio...

On today’s episode, Dr. Ashley and the Boss recap this year’s Pat Risser RSVP Conference. For those who couldn’t attend in person or via Zoom, visit our  YouTube Channel  soon for the recording. Additional information about  Brooke Siem ,  Dee Barbash ,  Ron Bassman , and  Stanley Frankart  can be found by following the hyperlinks, visiting our website ( www.ashlandmhrb.org/  ), or calling the Boa...

On today’s episode of Keeping Ashland Health, Dr. Ashley and the Boss discuss the dangers of Adderall as outlined by  Rick Fee . Additionally, David shows off his nerdiness by reviewing a conversation with  Courtney Harding & Bob Whitaker . Also discussed is a new Book about Activism and Changing the culture of Mental Health entitled “ Drop the Disorder + Do Something ”. Finally, Dr. Ashley an...

On today's special episode of Keeping Ashland Healthy, Dr. Ashley and the Boss speak with author, advocate, and chef Brook Siem about her book, 'May Cause Side Effects.' Brook will keynote this year's 16th Annual R.S.V.P. Conference in Ashland, Ohio. Brooke's award-winning book on coming off psychiatric medications is a must-read for prescribers, family members, and persons going through or consid...

On today’s episode of Keeping Ashland Healthy, Dr. Ashley and the Boss highlight one of the many great RSVP speakers this year –  Ron Bassman . Ron is the author of the book, ‘A Fight to Be.’ He’s a clinical psychologist who was involuntarily hospitalized twice as a young man and went on to be a leading advocate for more humane treatments for both individuals and the affected families. Register to...

On today’s episode of Keeping Ashland Healthy, Dr. Ashley and the Boss dig into the  power of our beliefs  and how they can  impact stigma  and decision-making. They review an article about  disturbing trends at the FDA  in approving psychiatric drugs and spotlight a resource for youth, parents, and schools that  de-mystifies vaping and electronic cigarettes . Questions? Visit the Board’s website...