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February 2026 | Trainings, Events, & Updates
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A Strong Start to 2026
The opening weeks of 2026 have already reflected strong engagement, thoughtful participation, and clear feedback from the field about what professionals and community members need most right now. Across trainings, planning conversations, and registration trends, MACC is seeing a growing demand for practical tools, workforce support, and opportunities for meaningful dialogue.
These early signals have allowed our team to respond quickly, refine offerings, and begin expanding several programs earlier than anticipated.
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Training Spotlight
Recent & Expanding Trainings
Silent Suffering: Addressing Secondary Trauma and Burnout Among Emergency Mental Health Providers
Presented on February 4, 2026 by Dr. Jessie Tudor-Tangeman, this training drew a robust and highly engaged audience. The session sparked meaningful discussion around secondary trauma, burnout, emotional labor, and sustainability in high-intensity work environments.
Due to the strong response, MACC is developing this training into a repeat series.
Responding to Demand: Adult Mental Health First Aid
February’s Adult Mental Health First Aid (AMHFA) Part 1 and Part 2 trainings, presented by Rachael DuBose, filled quickly and exceeded anticipated registration capacity.
Due to the overwhelming response, MACC will begin offering Adult Mental Health First Aid on a regular basis moving forward. These sessions provide participants with practical, evidence-based tools to recognize signs of mental health challenges, respond effectively, and connect individuals to appropriate supports.
Important note:
Individuals currently on the Adult Mental Health First Aid waiting list will be contacted first and given priority registration for upcoming sessions.
Additional dates and registration details will be announced soon.
Upcoming Trainings You Won’t Want to Miss
Click on the linked titles to register, or you can register on our website!
Adult Mental Health First Aid – Part 1
February 18, 2026 • 9:00 am–12:00 pm
A nationally recognized, evidence-based training that builds early-intervention skills for supporting adults facing mental health or substance use challenges. 3 CEUs awarded.
Adult Mental Health First Aid – Part 2
February 25, 2026 • 9:00 am–12:00 pm
Continues MHFA training focusing on supportive responses, use of the ALGEE Action Plan, and connection to resources. 2.5 CEUs awarded.
Glow From Within: Redefining Beauty, Power, and Purpose – Women’s Workshop
March 5, 2026 • 10:00 am–12:00 pm
A trauma-informed workshop exploring the influence of cultural expectations, beauty standards, and social narratives on self-image and identity. 2 CEUs awarded.
Managing Stress and Avoiding Burnout for Social Workers and Counselors
March 17, 2026 • 1:00 pm–3:00 pm
Trauma-informed self-care training emphasizing early signs of burnout, practical strategies for resilience, and workforce well-being tools. 2 CEUs awarded.
Adolescents and Substance Use and Prevention
March 24, 2026 • 10:00 am–12:00 pm
Training exploring trends, neuroscience, and the impact of substances on youth — from gateway concerns to overdose risk. 2 CEUs awarded.
Effective Communication & Connection: The C.A.R.E. Method
April 1, 2026 • 9:30 am–12:30 pm
Skill-building workshop grounded in curiosity, accountability, respect, and empathy to strengthen communication and trust in professional settings. 3 CEUs awarded.
FASD 101: Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder, The Basics
April 28, 2026 • 10:00 am–12:00 pm
An introductory session on prevalence, neurodevelopmental impacts, and health equity considerations related to Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder. 2 CEUs awarded.
Before the Crisis: Prevention that Actually Works
May 12, 2026 • 1:00 pm–3:30 pm
A prevention-focused training emphasizing early relational support as a proactive approach to stress and behavior escalation. 2.5 CEUs awarded.
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Upcoming Events
Let’s Talk: Communities & Conversation
March 18, 2026 | 10:00–12:00 PM
Shine Bright Community Center – Whitehall
MACC is excited to share an update to our upcoming community conversation event. Formerly announced under a different title and date, this event has been retitled and rescheduled to better reflect its focus and intended audience.
Let’s Talk: Communities & Conversation is a community-centered gathering designed for behavioral health professionals and community members seeking resources, information, and support related to substance use, addiction, and mental health. The event will offer space for open dialogue, shared learning, and connection, while highlighting practical tools and local supports.
While the audience focus has been refined, the heart of the event remains the same — creating a welcoming environment for meaningful conversation and access to trusted resources.
Additional details and registration information are available on our website or by visiting the event page: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/lets-talk-communities-conversation-tickets-1976416384610
Watch our event video by clicking the thumbnail below:
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Amy Price, MSW, LISW-S
Chair of Program Committee
Amy Price joined the MACC Board of Directors in December 2024 and serves as the Program Committee Chair. Since the late 1990s Amy has participated in and learned from various trainings and conferences offered by MACC, drawing her to engage in a more dynamic way with the organization.
Amy values the uniqueness of each person she meets and believes that we are “only fully human through our relationships with others”. Amy understands the privilege her outward appearance carries. She believes it is part of her responsibility to remain mindful of who is missing from the table and intentionally invite them to share their voices in an environment where they are respected, valued, and contribute to change. Amy hopes that MACC once again will have a statewide presence, emerge as a statewide leader, and ignite statewide conversations encompassing the many intersections we experience during our lifetimes as human beings.
After serving over 25 years in nonprofit management, leadership and advocacy, Amy joined Disability Rights Ohio in 2019. In her position at Disability Rights Ohio Amy serves as the Associate Advocacy Director, the Abuse and Neglect Team Leader, and the PAIMI (Protection & Advocacy for Individuals with Mental Illness) Grant Coordinator. Disability Rights Ohio is a nonprofit corporation with a mission of empowering people with disabilities to advance rights, access, and equity.
Amy’s 35-year career has demonstrated her unwavering commitment to individuals receiving an array of behavioral healthcare services in variety of settings, including years of street-based outreach work she provided to unhoused individuals in shelters and “living on the land”.
Amy has held leadership positions at the Ohio Department of Behavioral Health and at several local nonprofit and behavioral health agencies in Columbus, Ohio. Amy is an alumna of the United Way of Central Ohio’s Pride Leadership Program and the Mental Health Executive Leadership Program at Case Western Reserve University’s Weatherhead School of Management. Amy is a licensed independent social worker with supervisory endorsement in the State of Ohio. Amy values the mission of NASW, Ohio Chapter and has enjoyed her membership for 33 years.
Amy identifies as a lifelong learner and advocate. Amy believes the intentionality of elevating the voices of underserved communities, honoring intersectional identities, and strengthening systems of care help to move conversations forward and shift the paradigm towards a more equitable, inclusive, and just community where all people may come to feel a sense of belonging.
Amy enjoys exploring nature, flower gardening, watching birds, collecting sea glass and stones, and being quiet with a hot cup of tea. Amy describes herself as connector, learner, mentor, advocate, leader, spouse, family member, and friend living in the present moment. Amy and her spouse live in Columbus with their two yorkies.
**Find out more about our Board and Staff on our website!
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Winter Reset: Preventing Mid-Season Burnout
February can feel long. The energy of a new year has settled, workloads remain steady, and the winter months can quietly impact mood, motivation, and focus. For behavioral health providers, advocates, and community leaders, this is often when emotional fatigue begins to show up.
A short “winter reset” can help restore clarity and protect your energy.
Try This 4-Step Reset This Month:
1. Audit Your Capacity (10 minutes)
Take a quick look at your calendar. Where are you overextended? Is there one meeting, task, or commitment you can delegate, shorten, or reschedule?
2. Reclaim One Hour Weekly
Block one hour on your calendar labeled “Strategic Focus” or “Personal Reset.” Protect it like an appointment. Use it for reflection, planning, or simply uninterrupted work time.
3. Light + Movement Breaks
Winter reduces natural light exposure, which impacts mood and energy. Step outside for 5–10 minutes midday when possible. Even brief movement supports focus and emotional regulation.
4. Peer Check-In
Reach out to one colleague and ask, “How are you really doing this month?” Supporting each other reduces isolation and strengthens collective resilience.
Sustainable work is not about pushing harder—it’s about pacing wisely. Small, consistent adjustments can make a meaningful difference over time.
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DATES TO KNOW – February
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American Heart Month
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Black History Month
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February 1: National Freedom Day
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February 4: Rosa Parks Day/ World Cancer Day
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February 20: World Day of Social Justice
DATES TO KNOW – March
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Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month
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National Women’s History Month
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National Sleep Awareness Week (March 8-14)
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Brain Awareness Week (March 16-22)
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March 5: National Freedom Day
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March 7: Rosa Parks Day
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March 8: World Day of Social Justice
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March 13: World Day of Social Justice
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March 17: World Social Work Day
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A monthly space for reflections, updates, and important news from MACC Executive Director, Erica C. Crawley. Stay connected with her latest insights and the work happening across our organization.
February calls us to move forward with both courage and care.
As we honor Black History Month, we recognize the strength, brilliance, and perseverance of Black leaders and communities who have shaped systems, challenged inequities, and expanded opportunity for generations. Their legacy reminds us that lasting change is built through persistence, collaboration, and a willingness to have meaningful conversations — even when they are difficult.
At the same time, I want to speak directly to those doing this work every day. Many of you are navigating heavy caseloads, complex systems, and the emotional weight that can come with serving others. Secondary trauma and burnout are not signs of weakness — they are signals that your work matters and that you are deeply engaged. Sustaining your impact requires intention.
As we prepare for Let’s Talk: Communities & Conversation on March 18, I’m reminded that real progress begins with dialogue — with listening, learning, and standing alongside one another. When we care for ourselves and strengthen our connections, we build communities that are not only responsive, but resilient.
This month, I encourage you to pause and assess your own capacity. Where can you create space? Where can you ask for support? Where can you extend yourself the same compassion you offer others?
Thank you for continuing to lead with purpose and heart. The work we are doing together is meaningful, and it is making a difference across Ohio.
With appreciation,
Erica C. Crawley, JD, MPA
Executive Director, MACC
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