NASW Ohio Chapter

Join NASW trainers Sydney Renner and Kristin Bruce for our Navigating New Laws training in Toledo on Friday August 7th! This is our last scheduled training for the NW Ohio area, so don't miss you chance for 6 free ethics CEUs! CEUs available for social work, counseling, marriage and family therapy, and chemical dependency licensees. We ask for a $20 deposit to hold your seat that is refunded upon attendance. Learn more and register at naswoh.org/event/NNLToledo87

Unequal Heat: Climate, Injustice, and the Role of Social Work- Join NASW-OH SWEAT leader, social worker, and climate activist Aimee Reilly, MSW, LISW-S, LICDC, LCSW, CCM for a timely discussion on unequal heat. Climate change is often described as an environmental issue but social workers know it is also a housing issue, a physical health issue, a mental health issue, and ultimately, a social justice issue. This 30-minute presentation explores how climate change amplifies existing inequities, why marginalized communities bear the greatest burden of environmental change, and what social workers can do to build more climate-responsive, justice-centered practice. Participants will leave with practical strategies they can apply in their own professional roles. Join us after for a short meeting and learn more about SWEAT, a newly launched space for connection, learning, and action at the intersection of social and environmental justice. Mark your calendars for the first Tuesday of every month and register for upcoming meetings: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/Almzar8_RxCZsS1MIa2JbQ

Join us for the Neurodivergent Young Adults Social Gathering, a relaxed and welcoming evening designed specifically for neurodivergent young adults ages 18–39. This in-person event offers an opportunity to connect with others, enjoy conversation, and participate in low-pressure activities like crafts and LEGO building in a space intentionally centered on comfort, inclusion, and belonging.

Saturday, August 1, 4:00–6:30 p.m.
Amy H. Levin Learning & Conference Center, 1165 North Ridge Rd., Lorain, OH

Registration is open now at naswoh.org/calendar

Can music help address loneliness, trauma, stress, and disconnection? The research says yes!

Join us for the 14th Annual Music & Medicine Conference on October 2 to discover evidence-based strategies that promote mental health, resilience, and well-being. Approved for 6 CEUs by NASW Ohio Chapter!

You'll learn from nationally recognized experts, including:
🎶Dr. Barry Bittman on rhythm-based interventions that build connection and reduce stress
🎵Dr. Rahul Sharma on music, belonging, and psychological wellness
🎶Shonda Malik, MS, LPC, MT-BC on the evidence behind music therapy and its clinical applications
🎵Interactive sessions featuring HealthRHYTHMS and inclusive music-making you can adapt to your own practice

Whether you work in counseling, social work, behavioral health, schools, healthcare, or community services, you'll leave with practical, evidence-informed ideas to help individuals and communities thrive.

October 2, 2026
Attend in person or via live stream
Early Bird registration ends August 21. We hope you'll join us for a day of learning, connection, and inspiration! Register at https://www.musicandwellness.net/ (link in bio)

💜🎉 READY... SET... HEAL TOGETHER! 🎉💜🏃🏽‍♂️
The countdown is ON! 🚨 Join NASW Ohio Region 1 at the Heal Together Race for Sickle Cell 5K, where every step brings hope, raises awareness, and supports individuals and families impacted by sickle cell disease. ❤️🩸

📅 Saturday, September 19, 2026
🕗 8:00 AM
📍 Ottawa Park | Toledo, Ohio

🌟 Race Day Highlights:
🏃🏽‍♂️ Timed 5K Run & Community Walk
🎨 Face Painting
🏰 Bounce House
🎶 Live DJ & Entertainment
🛍️ Local Vendors & Community Resource Fair
🎟️ Amazing Raffles & Giveaways
🍔 Delicious Food & Refreshments
🍌 Healthy Snacks & Hydration Stations
💜 Sickle Cell Education & Health Resources
👨🏾‍👩🏽‍👧🏾‍👦 Family-Friendly Activities for ALL ages...and so much more!

Whether you're a runner, walker, supporter, survivor, caregiver, or simply someone who believes in making a difference, this event is for YOU! Together, we can raise awareness, inspire hope, and create lasting change for warriors living with sickle cell disease. 💪🏽💜

👟 Grab your family, friends, coworkers, church members, and teammates—let's fill Ottawa Park with love, purpose, and community!

🎯 REGISTER TODAY!
👉 https://runsignup.com/Race/OH/Toledo/HealTogetherRaceForSickleCell5KRunWalk2026
💜 Every step matters. Every warrior matters. Together, we Heal Together! ❤️🩸

Free CEU opportunity for social workers, counselors, hospice volunteers, and hospice nurses. The Billow Funeral Homes is hosting two grief education events with Dr. William Hoy, with CEUs generously underwritten by Billow's, at no cost to attendees. Both events will be held at the Fairlawn Chapel location at 85 N Miller Road in Akron and a free meal is included with attendance.

Wednesday, July 29th: "Contemporary Understandings of Grief: An Update on the Latest Thinking about Grief" (2.0 CEU hours)

Friday, July 31st: "How Trauma Complicates the Loss Experience: Providing Support after an Unexpected Death" (2.0 CEU hours)

Don't miss this chance to earn free CEUs while deepening your understanding of grief and loss support. Space is limited, so RSVP today: https://www.billowfuneralhomes.com/resources/grief-support-events

Communities have diverse health needs, and mobile health units help meet them. The Mobile Health Locator provides social workers with an easy way to identify nearby mobile services like checkups, urgent care and vaccines, and expand care options for clients. Explore the tool at mobilehealthlocator.com.

Here's what's happening at NASW Ohio this week!

Join us for advocacy, professional development, peer connection, and chapter updates throughout the week.

Monday, July 20
• Legislative Advocacy Committee | 1:00–2:00 p.m.

Wednesday, July 22
• Free CEU: The Gaps in Perinatal Mental Health Care: What Social Workers Need to Know | 10:00–11:00 a.m.
• Supervisor Consultation Circles | 12:00–1:00 p.m.

Friday, July 24
• Monthly Member Meeting | 10:00–11:00 a.m.

Whether you're looking to earn a CEU, strengthen your supervision practice, stay informed on advocacy, or connect with fellow members, there's something for everyone this week.

Register today through the NASW Ohio events calendar. We look forward to seeing you there!

Planning to come to the NASW Ohio 2026 Annual Conference? Register now for the early bird rate! www.naswoh.org/annualconference

Today, the newly elected NASW Ohio Chapter Board of Directors came together for our 2026 Leadership Retreat! It was a full day of planning, collaboration, leadership development, and setting priorities for the year ahead. We're excited about the passion, experience, and fresh ideas this group brings as we work to strengthen the social work profession and advocate for Ohio's social workers and the communities they serve. Keep an eye out for new programming, advocacy initiatives, networking opportunities, and professional development opportunities from this incredible leadership team. The future of NASW Ohio is bright, and we can't wait to share what's ahead!