Ohio announces expansion of mental health services for kids, young adults
Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine on Monday announced the statewide expansion of Mobile Response and Stabilization Services (MRSS) during a press conference at Hopewell Elementary School in Dublin.
The initiative aims to provide immediate assistance to children and young adults experiencing severe mental, emotional, or behavioral distress.
MRSS offers a rapid response, with trained professionals arriving within 60 minutes to the location of the crisis, whether it be a home, school, or elsewhere.
Parents or guardians can call the 988 crisis hotline, where a call taker will assess the situation. If deemed appropriate, local behavioral health specialists will respond within an hour to de-escalate situations and provide follow-up support, all at no cost to families.
Previously limited to certain regions, the expansion is a collaborative effort between the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services and the Ohio Department of Medicaid, alongside regional partners. This marks the first time MRSS will be available throughout the entire state.
The assistance is available in 50 of Ohio’s 88 counties — including Franklin County — but DeWine aims for it to be accessible in every county by July 1.
“This is a response to what teachers have told us, administrators have told us, parents have told us … (that they) see mental health challenges among our children,” DeWine said during Monday’s news conference. “Significant challenges amongst our children. They are all our children, and we need to treat them that way.”
The program is aimed at people age 20 and younger.
LeeAnne Cornyn, Director of the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, highlighted the program’s role in preventing unnecessary emergency department visits and other disruptions. “MRSS is designed to avert unnecessary emergency department visits, inpatient admissions, out of home placements, placement, disruptions, and juvenile justice system involvement,” said Cornyn.
https://abc6onyourside.com/news/local/ohio-gov-governor-mike-dewine-announces-expansion-mental-health-services-mrss-distress-teens-youth-kids-children-help-young-adults
#mentalhealth #ohio #youthmentalhealth #teens
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