DAYTON, Ohio (WKEF)– As many continue to face mental health challenges, the key to recovery is getting the help you need.
Senator Jon Husted visited Dayton Children’s Mathile Center for Mental Health & Wellness to discuss early intervention for kids and strides the center is making to help heal families.
“We can’t just take this away we need to also give the children in these schools people to speak to, coping skills,” said Charlie Pope, a former patient.
Pope, now a college student, said she went through Dayton Children’s inpatient and outpatient programs after experiencing a mental health crisis while in high school.
Originally from Greenville, she said there weren’t many resources to help, but is fortunate her family found Dayton Children’s in such a time of need.
“I credit them with saving her life, I credit them with her having the ability to speak the way she does today and to have the strength and character to be able to go through all of life’s trials,” said Tiffany Pope, Charlie’s mother.
The Mathile Center for Mental Health and Wellness specializes in taking immediate action when a child is having a crisis. Once the child is evaluated, it’ll then be determined what would help them best, whether that’s staying overnight for their safety or coming back every day for treatment.
Friday morning, the center discussed the importance early intervention and finding the root causes of these mental health crises, with Senator Jon Husted in on the conversation.
“Some of them come from difficult family situations, some of them face enormous pressures in their life, but one thing that is making it hard on them than any time ever are these things,” said Husted.
Husted said he’s aware of how phones and online platforms can contribute to a child’s mental health, from being exposed to inappropriate people and content, to some children even getting ahold of drugs online.
Although he’s grateful for the center for giving kids access to helpful services, he said he’s also working hard at the state level to protect them.
“The Kids’ Online Safety Act is something I’ve cosponsored to really help hold these tech companies responsible, making sure we’re giving parents the resources they need. “Also, Sammy’s Lawin honor of this young man who thought he was buying Percocet and ended up buying fentanyl and killed himself,” said Husted.
To get in contact with Dayton Children’s to set up appointments for your child, call 937-641-4780.