Help is available in Richland County for people who are struggling with their mental health.
Carey Vogt, who in March was appointed interim director at the Richland County Board of Mental Health & Recovery Services, addressed Mansfield City Council at its May 6 meeting.
May is Mental Health Awareness Month nationally. Mayor Jodie Perry also issued a proclamation recognizing the month in Mansfield.
The nationwide movement began in 1949. This year’s theme is “More Good Days Together.”
Vogt reviewed a number of resources available locally. The Richland Recovery Network One-Pager is a year-round resource. It’s a two-sided document.
“It’s a resource that we think everyone in Richland County should have available,” Vogt said. “If you ever are in a position where you or someone you know needs behavioral health services, this is your one-stop shop to tell all the agencies in Richland County we contract with or are affiliated with, where they’re located.”
Vogt also referenced the behavioral health crisis hotline, which is 419-522-4357.
In addition, people can access the mobile response stabilization services line by calling 988.
“It focuses on families with youth or young adults up to the age of 20 who might be experiencing difficulties or distress, if they’re in a crisis,” Vogt said. “They will respond in Richland County within 60 minutes.”
The largest provider for the mental health services and recovery board is Catalyst Life Services. Vogt said people can walk-in and be seen the same day.
Vogt also highlighted the partnership between area law enforcement and the local branch of the National Alliance on Mental Illness, which provides crisis intervention training to first responders.
People also can access help through the following websites: richlandmentalhealth.com and richlandrecoverynetwork.com.
Changes coming to Summer in the Parks program
In legislation, council approved accepting a $2,500 grant from the Richland County Foundation for the “Summer in the Parks” program.
Public Works Director Louis Andres talked about changes to the program, which formerly took place at North Lake Park.
Andres said the program is expanding to different parks and will feature a different theme in each of the eight weeks.
“It gives an opportunity for different neighborhoods to join,” he said.
Council members spoke in favor of the changes.
“I love the structure of it,” Councilman Aurelio Diaz said. “There’s a lot more buzz on it. I think this new format is really good.”
Councilman Crystal Davis-Weese predicted the summer program would grow as a result. She called it a chance for kids to learn, be engaged and make new friends.
Perry said one part that won’t change is the city’s partnership with the Cleveland Food Bank.
In other business, council approved two grants to benefit the city police department. A $175,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Justice will be used for the fiscal year 2025 DNA Backlog Reduction Program.
Assistant Chief Mike Napier told council the funding will cover the DNA analyst’s salary, as well as equipment, supplies and training.
A state grant for $39,140.47 will be used to replace 18 body cameras. Napier explained the cameras have a shelf life of about five years, and city police began using them in 2021.
Responding to a question from Councilman David Falquette, Napier said the department has 90 such cameras.
Council also approved a $100,000 grant from the Richland County Foundation for the restoration and renovation of the Liberty Park bath house.
The grant will help restore the entire building instead of dividing it into two phases.
In other business, council:
Reach Mark Caudill at 419-521-7219 or via X at @MarkCau32059251.
This article originally appeared on Mansfield News Journal: Mental health services available to those in need in Richland County
Reporting by Mark Caudill, Mansfield News Journal / Mansfield News Journal
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