We kicked off September with our levy kick-off event with our providers, board members, and partners! It's an important and busy time for the Board, as we are working to get the word out about our Mental Health and Recovery Levy Renewal that is on the ballot for Warren and Clinton counties.

Every 5 years, the board requests a continuation of levy funding, which provides nearly 60% of our annual budget. We are requesting a renewal of current funding - this will not increase tax rates.

The levy funds critical services such as:

• Crisis response
• Prevention
• Support treatment and recovery
• Community safety

By law, every levy dollar stays in Warren and Clinton counties and can only be used for mental health and addiction recovery services.

Help us spread the word! Here are some ways you can help:

• Make sure you are registered to vote, and encourage others to register - deadline is Oct. 5!
• Put a yard sign in your yard (and tell your neighbors!)
• Write neighbor-to-neighbor postcards
• Hand out info cards
• Tell your story

You can request materials or stop by our office to pick them up. Visit our website to learn more.

We recently welcomed two board members, who swore oaths at our September meeting: Tiffany Mattingly and Tammy Pacheco. They join 10 other members who meet monthly and provide important and essential guidance in designing an effective and efficient mental health and addiction system of care. We are grateful for their commitment and leadership.

Staff have been out and about, attending the National Night Out event in Clearcreek Township and South Lebanon. We stopped by the Clinton County Corn Festival, Harveysburg Historic Fest, Recovery Docket's Recovery Awareness Event, Franklin's Overdose Awareness Event, and Warren County's Recovery Court Graduation. Staff also participated in the Ohio Department of Children and Youth's 2026 Kids Summit.

We celebrated 988 Day (on 9/8) by wearing teal and purple and spreading the word about the 988 crisis hotline.

October has lots of events to participate in - below are some highlights, but be sure to check out our events page for more details!

• Mental Illness Awareness Week is October 4 -10. More information and resources can be found at NAMI's website
• National Depression Screening Day is October 8
• World Mental Health Day is October 10
• MHRB Board of Directors meeting is on Oct. 14 at 5:30 pm
• Warren County Community Harvest Festival is on Oct. 15 at 4:30 pm
• Warren County Suicide Prevention Coalition is on Oct. 20 at 10:30 am



What the Board Does, Part 4:

Focus on Evaluating

We are the local board responsible for planning and funding public mental health and addiction services in Warren and Clinton counties. Established in 1969, the Mental Health Recovery Board Serving Warren & Clinton Counties (MHRBWCC) is part of Ohio's network of Alcohol, Drug Addiction, and Mental Health Services (ADAMHS) boards. Our role is to ensure residents have access to high-quality behavioral health services and supports when they need them.

How We Evaluate

MHRBWCC works closely with the organizations we fund to monitor outcomes, identify community needs, and ensure services remain effective and responsive. We regularly review performance measures, service data, and community trends to help guide funding decisions and improve care.

Some of the information we track includes:

• The number of people receiving services and their demographics
• Calls for help and crisis support contacts
• Types of services provided
• Housing and recovery outcomes
• Client self-assessments and satisfaction measures
• Clinical progress and treatment outcomes

In addition to provider data, we monitor local, state, and national trends related to mental health, substance use, and recovery. This information helps us identify emerging needs, strengthen prevention efforts, and connect our communities with the right resources at the right time.

Why It Matters

Data helps us understand what's working, where gaps exist, and how we can best invest community resources to improve behavioral health outcomes for residents of Warren and Clinton counties.

National Alliance for Mental Illness (NAMI) Family-to-Family Course

This no-cost, 9-week course is designed for family, caregivers, and friends of individuals living with mental illness.

Wednesday, Oct. 7 - Dec. 2 | 6:30pm - 9pm

Virtual

NAMI Peer-to-Peer Course

This no-cost, 8-week course is designed for adults living with mental health conditions who are looking to better understand themselves and their recovery.

Tuesday, Oct. 6 - Dec. 1 | 6pm - 8pm

Virtual

MHRB Provider Agencies

These agencies contract with MHRB to offer behavioral health services and programs to Warren and Clinton County residents. Contact them here.

Warren County Suicide Prevention Coalition

The WCSPC provides resources and promotes hope for the community, led by community members and organizations. Monthly meetings are open to anyone who lives or works in Warren County. To get involved, email WarrenCountySPC@gmail.com. Events are listed on MHRB's Events Page.

988 Coloring Pages - The Warren County Suicide Prevention Coalition created these pages to help spread awareness. Download them here.

Back to School Resources

NAMI has released free tools for students, parents, and caregivers to help navigate this busy time of year. Access them here.

The Suicide Prevention Resource Center has developed a K-12 Suicide Intervention Guide to help identify at-risk students and respond to crises. Get it here.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shared an action guide for school and district leaders to promote mental health and well-being in schools. Access it here.

Confidential Alcohol and Drug Use Assessment

If you or a loved one is struggling with drug or alcohol use, or you are seeking resources that can help you stay informed, visit the e-Prevention tool page our website.

988 Toolkit for Parents, Caregivers, Community Partners

The toolkit includes ready-to-use resources to help you introduce 988, start conversations about mental wellness, and make 988 more familiar to the young people you serve. Access the toolkit.

United Way 211

211 is a free, confidential hotline and website that connects residents to local community, health, and human services, and is available 24/7. Explore resources here.

Our levy renewal has been mentioned in a few local publications:

• The Journal News
• Warren County Post

In state news, the Ohio Department of Behavioral Health (DBH) launched the Ohio Registry for Prevention and Early Intervention Programs to help communities and providers identify programs and strategies to meet local needs and improve community outcomes. Explore the registry here.

In Crisis? Call 988 or (877) 695-6333 any time 24/7

The 988 Lifeline is for everyone. Through the 988 Lifeline, you have access to free, quality, one-on-one assistance. Our skilled, judgment-free counselors are here to provide compassionate support. You deserve to feel heard and cared about anytime, anywhere, 24/7/365.

Mental Health Recovery Board Serving Warren & Clinton Counties

201 Reading Rd., Mason, OH 45040 | (513) 695-1695 | mhrbwcc.org

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