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Resources for Persons Served
and Their Families

This information is provided to help support persons served and their families by offering education, resources, and tools that promote health, safety, and recovery. Each section contains practical tips and trusted resources from federal agencies such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), and the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Additional information can always be found at the links provided throughout these materials.

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Our goal is to provide helpful, easy-to-understand education on important topics such as wellness, recovery, resiliency, physical health, mental health, and safety. These resources are designed to:

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  • Encourage informed choices,

  • Strengthen coping and life skills,

  • Support long-term health and recovery.

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Please note: This is general information and may not apply to every individual situation. For guidance specific to your needs, please contact us directly—we are here to answer your questions and provide resources tailored to you.​

Staying Safe Every Day: Reducing Physical Risks (CARF 1.H.3.)

Why it Matters: Staying safe means keeping our bodies and spaces healthy. We can lower risks of accidents, injuries, and sickness by learning simple steps to protect ourselves.

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1. Keep Spaces Clean

  • Wash hands often with soap and water for 20 seconds (CDC).

  • Clean counters, tables, and doorknobs regularly.

  • Use safe cleaning supplies and keep them out of reach of children.

Resource: CDC Handwashing Guide

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2. Reduce Clutter

  • Keep hallways and walkways clear—no shoes, cords, or bags on the floor.

  • Store belongings in bins, shelves, or closets.

  • Get rid of items you no longer use to prevent crowding.

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3. Prevent Falls & Injuries

  • Use handrails when going up or down stairs.

  • Make sure rugs don’t slip (use non-slip mats).

  • Ask for help if you need support with mobility.

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4. Fire & Emergency Safety

  • Test smoke alarms once a month.

  • Keep emergency numbers handy.

  • Do not block doors or windows with furniture.

  • Have an escape plan.

Resource: Ready.gov Fire Safety

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5. Medication & Poison Safety

  • Take medicines only as prescribed.

  • Store medications in their bottles and away from children.

  • Dispose of unused medicines safely.

Resource: CDC Medication Safety

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6. Transportation & Outdoor Safety

  • Buckle up in the car.

  • Use sidewalks and crosswalks.

  • Wear bright clothing when walking at night.

Resource: NHTSA Pedestrian Safety

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Remember: Small steps keep us safe. A clean, uncluttered space makes it easier to stay healthy and prevent accidents.

Staying Healthy Together: Preventing Infections (CARF 1.H.12.b.)

Why It Matters: Germs can make people sick and spread quickly. By following a few simple steps, we can keep ourselves and others safe.

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1. Wash Your Hands

  • Use soap and water for 20 seconds.

  • Wash before eating, after the bathroom, and after coughing or sneezing.

  • If soap and water are not available, use hand sanitizer.

Resource: CDC Handwashing Steps

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2. Cover Coughs & Sneezes

  • Use a tissue or your elbow.

  • Throw tissues away right after use.

  • Wash hands after coughing or sneezing.

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3. Stay Home if You’re Sick

  • Tell staff if you do not feel well.

  • Rest and follow medical advice.

  • Avoid close contact with others until you are better.

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4. Keep Shared Spaces Clean

  • Throw away trash.

  • Keep personal items in your own space.

  • Wipe down surfaces if you spill or make a mess.

Resource: EPA Cleaning and Disinfecting Guide (See PDF Below)

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5. Protect Yourself & Others

  • Follow safety rules (like mask use if required).

  • Respect personal space.

  • Use only your own cups, plates, and personal items.

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Remember: By working together, we can stop the spread of infections and keep everyone safe and healthy!

Information for a Healthy and Safe Life
(CARF 2.A.19.)

Why It Matters: Everyone deserves clear information that helps with health, safety, and daily life. Here are resources and tips to help you stay well and supported.

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1. Medical Issues

  • Learn about common health conditions and treatments.

  • Ask questions when you visit the doctor.
     

2. Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)

  • Use protection during sex.

  • Get tested regularly if you are sexually active.

  • Treatment is available and helps prevent spread.

Resource: CDC Info on STIs

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3. Infectious Diseases

  • Wash hands often.

  • Cover coughs and sneezes.

  • Stay home when you are sick.

Resource: CDC Infectious Diseases

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4. Mental Health

  • It is okay to ask for help when feeling down, anxious, or overwhelmed.

  • Talking to someone you trust makes a difference.

Resource: SAMHSA Mental Health Resources

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5. Housing

  • Safe and stable housing is important for health.

  • Help is available for finding housing or avoiding homelessness.

Resource: HUD Housing Help

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6. Alcohol & Substance Use

  • Know the risks of alcohol and drugs.

  • Recovery and support programs are available.

  • You do not have to face it alone.

Resource: SAMHSA Substance Use Help

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7. Relationships

  • Healthy relationships are built on respect and trust.

  • You have the right to say “no.”

  • Get support if you feel unsafe.

Resource: Love is Respect (supported by U.S. Department of Health and Human Services)

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8. Life Skills

  • Learn how to budget, cook simple meals, and keep your space clean.

  • Ask for help building new skills for independence.

Resource: MyMoney.gov – Financial Basics

Understanding Advanced Directives
(CARF 2.B.8.d.(3))

1. What is an Advance Directive?

An advance directive is a legal document that lets you share your wishes about your healthcare before you might be too sick to speak for yourself. It helps doctors, family, and caregivers know what you want. Generally, you must be 18 years or older and able to make your own healthcare decisions to complete an advance directive, such as a living will or healthcare power of attorney. In some cases, emancipated minors may also qualify.

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2. Types of Advance Directives

  • Living Will – Tells doctors what medical treatments you do or do not want (for example, life support).

  • Healthcare Power of Attorney (POA) – Lets you choose a trusted person (“healthcare proxy”) to make medical decisions for you if you cannot.

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3. Why They Are Important

  • Makes sure your choices are respected.

  • Helps family and caregivers know what to do.

  • Reduces stress for loved ones during emergencies.

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4. Your Rights

  • You have the right to make an advance directive.

  • You do not have to make one if you do not want to.

  • Care will not be denied if you choose not to have one.

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5. How to Create One

  1. Talk with your doctor about your health and future care.

  2. Think about what medical treatments you would or would not want.

  3. Choose a trusted person who could make decisions for you.

  4. Fill out the advance directive forms for your state.

Resource: MedlinePlus: Advance Directives

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6. Talk About It

  • Share your choices with family, caregivers, and your doctor.

  • Keep a copy of your advance directive in a safe but easy-to-find place.

Understanding the Risks of Nicotine
(CARF 2.C.5.a.)

1. What is Nicotine?

Nicotine is a drug found in cigarettes, e-cigarettes (vapes), cigars, and chewing tobacco. It is addictive and affects both your body and brain.

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2. Health Risks of Nicotine

  • Increases risk of lung cancer, heart disease, and stroke

  • Damages lungs and makes breathing harder (COPD, asthma)

  • Raises blood pressure and harms circulation

  • Can harm brain development in youth and young adults

Resource: CDC Smoking and Tobacco Use

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3. Impact on Recovery

  • Nicotine addiction can make recovery from other substances harder

  • Smoking and substance use often trigger each other

  • Quitting nicotine may support long-term sobriety and mental health recovery

Resource: SAMHSA: Tobacco, E-Cigarettes, and Vaping

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4. Long-Term Health

If you keep using nicotine:

  • Higher risk of many cancers (lung, throat, mouth, bladder)

  • Increased risk of heart attack or stroke

  • Shorter life expectancy

If you quit:

  • Within 20 minutes: heart rate and blood pressure drop

  • Within weeks: lungs work better, circulation improves

  • Within 1 year: risk of heart disease drops by 50%

  • Long term: risk of cancer and stroke greatly decreases

Resource: CDC: Benefits of Quitting Smoking

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5. Harm Reduction & Support

  • If you are not ready to quit, reduce the number of cigarettes or switch to lower-risk options with support

  • Use nicotine replacement therapy (patch, gum, lozenges) with guidance

  • Free quit help is available

Resources:

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Remember: You are not alone. Education and support can help you make the best choices for your health and recovery.

Wellness, Recovery, and Resiliency: Building a Healthy Life (CARF 3.N.2.)

1. What is Wellness?

  • Wellness means caring for your mind, body, and spirit so you can live your best life.

  • Wellness includes:

    • Nutrition & Exercise: Eating balanced meals and moving your body supports mental and physical health.

    • Sleep Hygiene: Aim for 7–9 hours of rest; turn off electronics before bed.

    • Self-Care Practices: Take time for hobbies, relaxation, and things that bring joy.

Resource: SAMHSA Promoting Wellness Guide (See PDF Below)

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2. What is Recovery?

Recovery means living a meaningful life while working toward healing from mental health or substance use challenges.

  • Diagnosis Education: Learn about your condition—what it is and what it is not.

  • Etiology (Causes): Understand that conditions may result from biology, environment, or life experiences.

  • Prognosis & Course: Many conditions can improve with support, treatment, and healthy habits. Recovery is not always linear, but progress is possible.

  • Support Systems: Recovery is strengthened through connection with peers, family, and providers.

Resource: SAMHSA: Recovery & Recovery Support

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3. What is Resiliency?

Resiliency is your ability to bounce back after stress, trauma, or challenges. Ways to build resiliency:

  • Mindfulness Practices: Stay present with breathing, meditation, or gratitude journaling.

  • Relaxation Exercises: Try deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, or calming music.

  • Positive Coping: Remember past successes and build on your strengths.

  • Community: Connect with supportive people and groups.

Resource: SAMHSA: Resiliency & Stress Management

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4. Putting It All Together

  • Take small steps—every change matters.

  • Practice daily self-care: healthy eating, movement, sleep, and stress relief.

  • Ask questions about your diagnosis and treatment so you feel empowered.

  • Use mindfulness and relaxation to manage stress.

  • Believe in your ability to recover and thrive.

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Remember: Wellness, recovery, and resiliency are lifelong journeys. With the right information, healthy habits, and support, you can build a strong foundation for healing and growth.

Suicide Prevention & Support for Ohio Youth

Why This Matters

Suicide is now the second leading cause of death among Ohio youth ages 10–14 and young adults ages 20–34. In 2023, more than 1,700 Ohioans died by suicide. Families, schools, and communities all play a vital role in preventing suicide and supporting mental health.

 

What Parents & Caregivers Should Know

Warning signs to look for in youth:

  • Talking about wanting to die, feeling hopeless, or being a burden

  • Withdrawing from family, friends, or activities they once enjoyed

  • Sudden changes in mood, sleep, or appetite

  • Use of alcohol or drugs as a way to cope

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What you can do:

  • Talk openly with your child — asking about suicide does not make it worse.

  • Listen without judgment — let them know you’re there to help.

  • Connect to support quickly — professional care saves lives.

 

Crisis & Support Resources

  • 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline — Call, text, or chat 24/7 for free, confidential support.

  • Community Teaching Homes (CTH) — Local, trusted support for youth and families. Contact us at (419) 868-1178 or visit www.cthohio.org.

 

How to Access the Ohio Suicide Prevention Toolkit

The Ohio Suicide Prevention Toolkit is free and available online. Families can use it to learn more about prevention, coping strategies, and support services.

  • Visit the official toolkit webpage here: Ohio Suicide Prevention Toolkit

  • The toolkit includes:

    • Downloadable fact sheets and videos

    • Age-appropriate guidance for parents and youth

    • Links to mental health resources

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We encourage parents and caregivers to review these materials and use them alongside the support offered by CTH.

 

How Community Teaching Homes Can Help

At Community Teaching Homes (CTH), we provide:

  • Counseling and therapeutic home services for youth struggling with emotional and behavioral challenges.

  • Family-centered approaches that involve parents and caregivers in the healing process.

  • Education and prevention resources drawn from Ohio’s new Suicide Prevention Toolkit.

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We understand that access matters — CTH accepts Medicaid, so families can receive the support they need without financial barriers.

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