Skip to main content
State Seal State Seal State Seal
Home Button Home Button Home Button
 
 
 

Pavliga Highlights ACCEPT Program at KSU to Address Opioid Crisis

The representative met with KSU to discuss advancement of the ACCEPT Program
September 1, 2021
Gail K. Pavliga News

Today, State Rep. Gail Pavliga (R-Portage County) visited Kent State University to kick-off the first day of classes for the Addictions Counseling Certificate Experiential Paraprofessional Training (ACCEPT) Program, which provides for a paid internship and partial tuition coverage for students to obtain a license pertaining to chemical dependency. Pavliga is hoping for expansion of the program.

“I’m very pleased to see the advancement of the ACCEPT program here at KSU,” said Pavliga. “I do believe that we can expand this program through outreach to our communities to get more students enrolled, which will lead to filling a workforce that assists with the continuing opioid epidemic.”

Pavliga notes that by expanding the program and bringing awareness to it will help address the opioid crisis occurring within the state. Additionally, the representative intends to invite KSU faculty down to the Statehouse to speak to the House Behavioral Health and Recovery Supports Committee – Pavliga is vice-chair of the committee.

“I’m so proud of Kent State for addressing this and I look forward to them visiting to discuss the importance of this program and how it can be utilized on a more statewide level,” Pavliga added.

KSU faculty who also attended the kick-off meeting acknowledged the advancement of the ACCEPT program and its contribution to the region. 

"I am excited that this training grant will provide support directly to our students, as well as the opportunity to enhance the Addictions Counseling Certificate Program. We will be able to increase the experiential training in ways that better prepare the students for their practicum placement with one of our community partners," said Joel Hughes, Ph.D., Professor, Department of Psychological Sciences, Kent State University.

“This workforce expansion grant comes at a critical time in Ohio. It will supply the northeast region with well-prepared behavioral health paraprofessionals to provide addiction care services to individuals and their families affected by the opioid epidemic. It also will allow participating community clinical sites to expand their repertoire of direct care services, including outreach and crisis response,“ said Cynthia Osborn, Ph.D., Professor, Counselor Education and Supervision, Kent State University.

The ACCEPT Program trains students while obtaining their bachelor’s degree for a license for chemical dependency. While this year’s program is full, Pavliga urges students interested to inquire to KSU about the program for next year’s class.