T-L Photo/GAGE VOTA
Belmont County commissioner Vince Gianangeli, from left, Belmont County Mental Health and Recovery Board executive director Lisa Ward, and commissioners Jerry Echemann and J.P. Dutton celebrates May being declared as Mental Health Awareness Month.
ST. CLAIRSVILLE – Belmont County commissioners have declared May as Mental Health Awareness Month.
Commissioner Jerry Echemann made a proclamation at the commission’s latest meeting, saying that mental health awareness plays a crucial role in enhancing public understanding and acceptance of mental health issues.
“Mental wellness is as important as physical health, advocating for the support and resources necessary to maintain it, and whereas mental health is an essential part of overall well-being impacting individuals, families, and communities across Belmont County,” Echemann said. “One in five American adults experiences a mental health condition each year, and everyone faces challenges in life that can impact their mental health, and whereas despite its prevalence, mental health remains shrouded in stigma, preventing many from seeking help.”
He added that May is recognized nationally as Mental Health Awareness Month which provides an opportunity to raise awareness, combat stigma, and promote mental health resources.
Echemann said that the board of commissioners encourage all residents of Belmont County to define what a good day looks like to themselves and care for their whole self, mind, and body, and work together for more good days, by checking with friends, colleagues, and loved ones.
“Find the right path for you, mental health is deeply personal, and what works for one person may not work for the other. Explore which practices, treatments, or other support best fit your unique needs and circumstances,” Echemann said.
Belmont County Mental Health and Recovery Board Executive Director Lisa Ward added that the board works with community partners to develop additional services. She said that, just last month, the behavioral health urgent care center opened its doors. The center will serve Belmont, Harrison and Monroe counties and is a joint venture with Coleman Health Services, the Mental Health and Recovery Board of Belmont, Harrison and Monroe Counties, and the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services.
“I am hoping in the next couple years there can be some financial sustainability for boards in Ohio, and that’s really coming from the state and federal allocations. Like many of us that work in those arenas, we have seen some shrinkage in our federal allocations,” Ward said. “I still don’t have my allocations for fiscal year (2027) from the state, which is highly unusual. There’s a good chance that we could see some state cuts this year if they decide to enforce the formula based on population that always hurts us in more rural, smaller counties. So, as my counterparts across the state, we’re just waiting to see if we’re going to get those numbers soon.”
She added that the board recently passed a draft budget based on what it was allocated last year, hoping that everything stays the same.
“We do have so many leaders and agencies that do recognize the importance of mental health, so I’m hoping over the next year or two we can also push back a little bit and work with our legislators and work with our partners in Columbus to make sure we get some funding,” Ward said. “We’ve been very lucky with Governor DeWine. He has done a significant amount of work, pushing for funding in developing youth services, families, and adults.
Ward said the board is waiting just like everybody else to see who the next governor of Ohio will be in November.
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