DeWine announces plan for mobile mental health services for Ohio youth

The state will be investing $51 million into a program to provide mental health crisis services to all of Ohio’s youth, starting later this year, after the state announced an expansion to this program last year (Source: “State investing $51M for mental health crisis response teams for Ohio youth,” Dayton Daily News, April 21).
 
Previously only available in about half of the state, the mobile response and stabilization services are free help for youth 20 years old and under who are experiencing overwhelming mental, emotional, or behavioral distress or trauma that is impacting their ability to function within their family, school, or community, according to OhioMHAS.
 
“MRSS (mobile response and stabilization services) is one of the most important tools we have at our disposal to respond quickly and effectively when a child is experiencing a crisis,” said Gov. Mike DeWine.

People will be able to access those services through calling the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, which would then dispatch a provider to the child or young person in need within the hour.