Position Papers | The Institute

IFCI's Behavioral Health Position Papers

At the Institute, it is our purpose to spread OhioGuidestone’s impact on whole person health by leveraging innovation, research and advocacy to empower families and communities, and equip professionals. Our Position Papers communicate research, theories, and our position on topics connected to our motivation, vision, and purpose with the intent to educate, inform, and influence policy.

Racism and poverty are two major drivers of toxic stress, which harms families and communities across the United States. This stress can lead to many adverse health effects and outcomes, particularly in children causing long-term health issues and even reducing life expectancy.

Prevent Harm: Toxic Stress, Racism & Poverty 03/2021 Position Paper

Black man experiencing shame with his face buried in his hands.

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Diverse crowd of people walking close together.

Federal Level Community Behavioral Health Needs & Strong Solutions- 01/2023 Position Paper

About the Federal Level Community Behavioral Health Needs & Strong Solutions Position Paper: Navigating through the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic calls for a nimble, creative and robust redesign of […]

Diverse professionals expressing cultural humility by putting their hands together

Cultural Humility Promotion through Multicultural Learning- 04/2021 Position Paper

04/2021 Cultural Humility Position Paper Summary: Cultural humility — whether seen as the foundation of cultural competence or the garden in which cross-cultural relationships grow — is necessary for all […]

Telehealth provider completing paperwork at desk.

Urgent Need: Increase in Accessible SUD Telehealth Treatment- 06/2021 Position Paper

06/2021 SUD Telehealth Treatment Position Paper Summary: Substance use disorder (SUD) and mental health telehealth treatment have become essential methods of providing healthcare during the COVID-19 pandemic. Meanwhile, substance use […]

Diverse mental health support group meeting at a school.

Danger of Misusing Prevention Data- 06/2021 Position Paper

06/2021 Misusing Prevention Data Position Paper Summary: Behavioral health screenings, such as for adverse childhood experiences, are important data for identifying individuals and communities at risk of long-term ill health […]

DNA molecules and chromosomes floating on abstract background.

Introducing Epigenetics & It’s Notable Impact in Behavioral Healthcare-04/2021 Position Paper

04/2021 Epigenetics Position Paper Summary: In this Position Paper, we take a look at epigenetics and how it may affect our understanding of behavioral health. First, we briefly discuss and […]

Close-up image of a Black man experiencing homelessness with teary tired eyes.

Prevent Harm: Toxic Stress, Racism & Poverty 03/2021 Position Paper

About the Preventing Harm: Toxic Stress, Racism & Poverty Position Paper Racism and poverty are two major drivers of toxic stress, which harms families and communities across the United States. […]

White dad with his young daughter on his back, both doing the superhero pose with their arms.

Reducing ACEs through Powerful Innovations & Partnerships- 07/2020 Position Paper

07/2020 Reducing ACEs Position Paper Summary: This Position Paper offers a brief glimpse of OhioGuidestone’s commitment to addressing ACEs through innovation and community partnerships. Namely, OhioGuidestone’s partnership with local primary […]

Childhood Lead Poisoning: Defying Long-Term Consequences with Behavioral Health Referrals- 06/2020 Position Paper

Childhood Lead Poisoning Position Paper Summary: Childhood lead poisoning has remained a longstanding issue in specific Ohio neighborhoods for decades. This problem predominantly affects socially designated “at-risk” groups such as […]

Hispanic man wearing headphones and smiling while listening to his counselor on a video call on his phone.

Telehealth in Mental Healthcare: How Effective is it?- 06/2020 Position Paper

Telehealth Position Paper Summary: In March 2020, health agencies coordinated with government officials throughout the U.S. to offer telehealth services during the COVID-19 pandemic. For mental health providers such as […]

A line of Ohio state flags in front of a government building.

We can Impact Ohio’s Health Value & Why It’s Important – 06/2020 Position Paper

OhioGuidestone’s Impact on Ohio’s Health Value Position Paper Summary Recently, the Health Policy Institute of Ohio (HPIO), released its 2019 Health Value Dashboard, which placed Ohio at 46th out of […]

Young white woman client discussing her therapy journey with white counselor.

Patient-Reported Outcomes: A Responsive Mental Health Care Necessity- 06/2020 Position Paper

06/2020 Patient-Reported Outcomes Position Paper Summary: Patient-Reported Outcome Measures (PROMs) are useful tools for clinicians and researchers working in behavioral health fields, as well as for the clients they serve. […]

Tarps being used as tents for unhoused people.

Effectively Addressing Unique Therapeutic Needs in Community-Based Services – 06/2020 Position Paper

Therapeutic Needs in Community-Based Services 06-2020 Position Paper Summary: In community mental health treatment, clients often encounter social, and structural barriers and stressors that impact the effectiveness of therapy. These […]

Young Black boy wearing headphones outside with a smile on his face.

PLAY Project: Impressive Tool for ASD Services- 04/2020 Position Paper

PLAY Project Position Paper Summary: In this Position Paper, we explore expanding insurance coverage of the PLAY Project to support developmental and relationship-based treatment of young Ohioans living with Autism […]

Black parents smiling with their son and daughter outdoors.

Joyful Together®: Preventing Childhood Toxic Stress – 03/2019 Position Paper

Joyful Together®: Preventing Childhood Toxic Stress Position Paper Summary: Toxic stress occurs as a response to prolonged, adverse experiences without adequate adult support that impairs brain development and functioning. The […]