DeWine announces expansion of mental health services for kids, young adults

Summary

Ohio has launched a new mental health initiative aimed at providing immediate support to children facing mental health crises. Through the Mobile Response and Stabilization Services, families can call the 988 crisis hotline for free assistance, with a local team of behavioral health specialists arriving within an hour. Currently available in 50 counties, the service is set to expand statewide by July 1st. This program addresses the rising mental health challenges among youth, ensuring a rapid, localized response and ongoing support for children aged 20 and under.

Takeaways

• 😀 The announcement was made at Hopewell Elementary School in Dublin, Ohio, to highlight available mental health assistance for children.
• 😀 The service is part of a state-wide program called Mobile Response and Stabilization Services, aiming to support children facing mental health crises.
• 😀 Governor Mike DeWine announced that the service will be available in all Ohio counties, with 50 counties already covered.
• 😀 The program is specifically designed to help children aged 20 or younger who are experiencing mental health crises.
• 😀 The service is accessible through the 988 Crisis Hotline, where trained call takers assess the situation and determine the need for intervention.
• 😀 If the service is deemed appropriate, a team of local behavioral health specialists will arrive at the child's location within an hour to provide support.
• 😀 The response team is trained to de-escalate crises and offer follow-up support as needed, ensuring ongoing care for the child.
• 😀 The program is completely free for families in need of mental health assistance.
• 😀 The service is already available in counties like Franklin, Fairfield, and Union, with plans to expand to all Ohio counties by July 1st.
• 😀 The state plans to divide Ohio into regions to improve response times and ensure local availability of the service across the entire state.

Q & A

What is the goal of the announcement made at Hopewell Elementary School?

The goal of the announcement was to publicize the availability of mental health assistance for children facing a crisis, through the Mobile Response and Stabilization Services program.

What is the Mobile Response and Stabilization Services program?

The Mobile Response and Stabilization Services program is a state initiative in Ohio that provides mental health services to children aged 20 or younger, particularly during a mental health crisis. It includes a response team of behavioral health specialists who offer immediate assistance at homes, schools, or anywhere the crisis occurs.

How does the Mobile Response and Stabilization Services program work?

If a child is facing a mental health crisis, parents or others can call the 988 Crisis Hotline. The call taker will assess the situation and, if necessary, a team of local behavioral health specialists will arrive at the location within an hour to de-escalate the situation and provide follow-up support.

Is the Mobile Response and Stabilization Services program available statewide in Ohio?

Currently, the service is available in 50 Ohio counties, including counties like Franklin, Fairfield, and Union. The plan is to expand the service to all counties by July 1st.

What is the target age group for the Mobile Response and Stabilization Services program?

The program is designed to provide mental health assistance to children and young adults aged 20 or younger.

How does the program support families in need of mental health assistance?

The service is free for families, and behavioral health specialists provide both immediate intervention to de-escalate crises and ongoing follow-up support as needed.

What role does Governor Mike DeWine play in the Mobile Response and Stabilization Services program?

Governor Mike DeWine announced the expansion of the Mobile Response and Stabilization Services program and is overseeing the effort to ensure its availability in all Ohio counties by July 1st.

Which counties currently have access to the Mobile Response and Stabilization Services program?

At the moment, 50 counties in Ohio have access to the service, and these counties are highlighted in blue on a map shown during the announcement. Some of the counties include Franklin, Fairfield, and Union.

What are some of the challenges the Mobile Response and Stabilization Services program aims to address?

The program aims to address significant mental health challenges faced by children, as reported by teachers, school administrators, and parents. It is designed to help treat children facing crises and provide necessary support to their families.

How quickly can families expect assistance if they call the 988 Crisis Hotline?

Once a call is made to the 988 Crisis Hotline, a trained call taker will assess the situation. If the Mobile Response and Stabilization Services are deemed appropriate, a team of behavioral health specialists will arrive at the location within an hour.