A spotlight on mental health during May

Richland County Mental Health and Recovery Services Executive Director Sherry Branham-Fonner says mental health problems are treatable and that, with proper treatment, people can and do recover and manage their diagnosis.

Branham-Fonner told the county commissioners Tuesday as they declared May as Mental Health Month that activities scheduled during the month will highlight contract and affiliated agencies and this year’s national theme, “Where to Start: Mental Health  in a Changing World.”

Some of the major activities during include a collaboration between Richland County NAMI and the county Youth and Family Council for a resource fair Saturday at Richland Carrousel Park. The free event will include fun and games and information on socio-economic learning and health resources.

Starting Monday, NAMI also is offering a six-session educational program for parents, caregivers and other family members who provide for people ages 22 and younger who are experiencing mental health symptoms.

Community Action for Capable Youth is hosting a showing of "Screenagers: Under the Influence – Addressing Vaping, Drugs and Alcohol in the Digital Age” Tuesday at the Linden Road Presbyterian Church, while Catalyst Life Services will host its annual kids carnival May 14 at 270 Sterkel Blvd. Other major activities on May 18 include the third annual 33 Forever birthday walk fundraiser and a party in South Park on Brinkerhoff Avenue in Mansfield to celebrate recovery that will be hosted by the Healing Hearts Counseling Center and the Healing Hearts Foundation of Ohio.

Services available as the need grows

The commissioners’ proclamation points out that one in four people will experience a mental health condition in any given year with symptoms starting as early as age 14. It also notes the county’s behavioral health system has a variety of services for mental health and substance abuse disorders, including a 24-hour helpline and a 24-hour warm line for support services and a behavioral health urgent care unit for assessment and brief counseling.

Branham-Fonner said the urgent care program recently increased hours to meet the growing need.

“I recently received an email from someone who said they couldn’t get in that day so they were going to have to go back, so we will continue to assess that need,” she said.

Branham said she has been working to meet the day-to-day needs of the office since she was appointed in November to replace former Director Joe Trolian, who was terminated for neglect of duty and violation of Ohio ethics laws. She also said she has been working to enhance oversight for funded programs with provider agencies and be even more cognizant of the outcomes from the funds provided to the agencies.

“We’ve been reorganizing and, being down staff, the staff that are existing have stepped up and met the need of accomplishing the work that we’re responsible for,” she said.

Branham-Fonne introduced Scott Basilone, who started Monday as the agency’s manager of clinical programs and services, and noted that Carey Vogt has been promoted to associate director and chief financial officer. She also said four new board members have been or are in the process of being appointed.

“Geographically it represents the county and the population. Our county is very varied with the demographics,” she noted. “We are very appreciative of the experience, education and diversity that those individuals will bring to the board.”

Commissioners also met Tuesday with Job and Family Services Director Lori Bedson to allocate $262,108 in new state and federal funds to extend services in four existing programs. The allocations involve services at the Domestic Violence Shelter, workforce development, summer youth work experience and a youth foster care program.

Commissioners also voted on Tuesday to

• advertise for the 2024 road seal coat contract for the County Engineer's Office;

• set a June 24 hearing for an alley vacation in Bloominggrove Township;

• approve a $3,580 contract with Koorsen Fire and Security for fire alarm related communication equipment at four county owned buildings; and

• approved a $4,980 contract with Standard Plumbing and Heating to replace a hot water expansion tank at the county jail.

This article originally appeared on Mansfield News Journal: Richland County commissioners proclaim Mental Health Month in May