Ohio Prosecuting Attorneys Association

Welcome!

OPAA President Keller J. Blackburn On behalf of the Ohio Prosecuting Attorneys Association let me welcome you to our website. Here you will find information about the role of prosecuting attorneys and our Association.

The prosecutor’s role in the criminal justice system is often misunderstood. Ohio’s 88 elected county prosecutors are committed to justice. The prosecutors I know aren’t motivated by “winning” or trying to send everyone to prison for as long as possible. They are motivated by their responsibility to enforce the law, to make their communities safe and to fairly administer justice. And fairness and justice is what matters most of all. Prosecutors live this every day.

Part of our role is to have a voice in public policy debates affecting the criminal justice system. To that end, Ohio’s prosecutors serve an important function reviewing and advocating for legislation with one goal in mind – the safety and security of our communities.

Ohio’s prosecutors are active in community and civic affairs. From speaking to school children about the dangers of drugs to serving on numerous committees and commissions, Ohio’s elected prosecutors and their assistants serve in vital roles.

As legal counsel to a variety of County elected officials, offices and agencies your county prosecutor assists in ensuring efficient and responsible county government.

I’m proud to be a prosecutor and honored to serve as President of the Ohio Prosecuting Attorneys Association. Please take your time and look around. Hopefully you will find information here that is educational and informative about your county prosecutor.

Keller J. Blackburn
Athens County Prosecutor
2025 OPAA President

Career Opportunities

Amicus Committee Guidelines

The Ohio Prosecutor Podcast

OPAA Member Webinars

webinar piicture

Ohio's Judicial System: What you should know.

- OPAA Conviction Review Best Practices

- What do county prosecutors do?

Upcoming Events:

Legislative and Executive Committee
June 16th - 12:00 via Zoom

Summer Workshop - June 19-21, Breakers Cedar Point

Fall Training - September 18-19 – Crowne Plaza Cleveland at Playhouse Square.

Annual Meeting - December 4-5, Hilton Columbus at Easton

Mental Health Awareness Month

The Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (OhioMHAS), together with RecoveryOhio, is encouraging Ohioans to recognize May as Mental Health Awareness Month by having conversations about mental health and showcasing supports available to those struggling with their mental health.

Aligned with the national recognition, Governor Mike DeWine and Lt. Governor Jim Tressel issued a proclamation designating May as Mental Health Awareness Month in Ohio.

“While the recognition is observed in May, under Governor DeWine’s leadership, mental health is prioritized everyday in this state,” said OhioMHAS Director LeeAnne Cornyn. “At OhioMHAS we have worked hard to make services more visible, accessible, and effective, and in doing so, treating individuals and families with the dignity, respect, and understanding they deserve.”

As part of the annual observance, OhioMHAS and RecoveryOhio have partnered to develop a free digital toolkit for communities to use to help create conversations about mental health. The toolkit includes social media, newsletter and website messaging, and images, available to download here.

In Ohio, approximately one in five adults live with mental illness, and about 1.8 million adults live with substance use disorders.¹

“We know that mental illness and substance use disorders affect millions of Ohioans,” said Erin Reed, Director of RecoveryOhio. “The good news is that with effective prevention, treatment, and recovery supports, people can and do recover. Ohioans living with these conditions can go on to lead healthy, fulfilling lives.”

Anyone experiencing a crisis can call, text, or chat the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline to reach a trained specialist who can offer help and support. 988 provides 24/7, free and confidential support to anyone experiencing a behavioral health crisis, which includes both mental health and substance use. Since the nationwide launch in July 2022, Ohio call centers have responded to nearly 500,000 calls, chats and texts, and are currently averaging more than 18,000 contacts a month.

For a list of local Mental Health Awareness Month activities visit the RecoveryOhio Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/RecoveryOH/ or X page at https://x.com/recovery_ohio.

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