Ohio Developmental Disabilities Council
8 E. Long St., Suite 1200, Columbus, OH 43215

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:
David Zwyer
(614) 466-5205 v/tty
(800) 766-7426

Wright State Receives $225,000 Grant

The Ohio Developmental Disabilities Council (ODDC) awarded Wright State University in Dayton $225,000 to improve treatment and support for individuals with mental retardation and/or other developmental disabilities and co-occurring mental illness. This three-year statewide project will provide training and technical assistance, coordinate service systems, and implement best practices in local communities.

People with mental retardation and/or other developmental disabilities experience psychiatric disorders at a higher than the general population. There are about 100,000 people with mental retardation in Ohio that at some point in their lives will experience mental illness. These individuals have complex needs that require coordinated treatment and support. However, in Ohio the mental retardation and mental health systems are separated, and it is difficult to find professionals trained in both areas. These cracks in the system can lead to limited residential, educational, and vocational opportunities and can ultimately result in psychiatric hospitalizations and in victimization.

Dr. Julie Gentile of the Wright State University Department of Psychiatry will oversee the project. Last fall, the department successfully recruited Gentile to fill the Professorship of Dual Diagnosis: MI/MRDD (mental illness/mental retardation and developmental disabilities). Currently, she works with the Montgomery County board of MR/DD Mental Health Supports and Services Program where she provides psychiatric services to persons with dual diagnosis and trains psychiatric residents.

The ODDC is one of a national network of state councils committed to self-determination and community inclusion for people with developmental disabilities. ODDC receives federal funding to help carry out its mission of developing new and better ways of advocating, increasing capacities to assist people, and making needed changes to systems.

ODDC consists of members appointed by the Governor. Members are people with developmental disabilities, parents and guardians of people with developmental disabilities, representatives from concerned state agencies, and nonprofit organizations and agencies that provide services to people with developmental disabilities.

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