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

May is Mental Health Awareness Month—a time to shine a light on the importance of emotional well-being, reduce stigma, and remind our community that support is always within reach. Mental health affects how we think, feel, and act, and it plays a vital role in how we manage stress, relate to others, and make decisions. Whether you’re navigating everyday challenges or facing something more serious, taking time to check in with yourself and others can make a meaningful difference. National resources like Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration and Mental Health America offer valuable tools, including practical tips, screening resources, and this year’s action guide to help individuals and communities take steps toward better mental health.

Locally, help is available if you or someone you know needs support. You can call or text 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline to contact trained counselors 24/7 or explore services and providers at mhrbwcc.org/find-help/. Reaching out can feel difficult, but it’s a strong and important step toward healing. This month—and every month—let’s continue to look out for one another, start conversations, and remind those around us that they are not alone.

April saw MHRB taking part in a variety of community events (including the Mason High School Hope Squad's annual Strides4Hope, pictured above), and this month looks no less busy!

Throughout May, MHRB staff will be out in the community connecting residents with resources, sharing information, and promoting mental health awareness. These events offer great opportunities to learn more about local services, ask questions, and engage in conversations that help reduce stigma and support well-being. Upcoming events include:

• Job & Resource Fair with the Wilmington Clinton County Chamber of Commerce — Wednesday, May 6, 4–7 PM, Expo Building at the Clinton County Fairgrounds
• NAMIWalks '26 at Sawyer Point in downtown Cincinnati — Saturday, May 9, 9 AM–1 PM

Looking ahead, MHRB will also be present in the community in June:

• Lebanon Healthy Living Market on Mulberry Street — 10 AM–2 PM

Stop by, say hello, and learn more about how we’re working to support mental health across our region.

Alcohol, Drug Addiction, and Mental Health Services (ADAMHS) boards like the MHRB play a vital role in building a healthier, more resilient community. As the local planning and funding authority, MHRB ensures that residents have access to a coordinated network of high-quality mental health and substance use services. By collaborating closely with provider agencies, community partners, and local leaders, the board finds priority needs, invests in evidence-based programs, and helps close gaps in care—so people can get the right support, at the right time, close to home.

Beyond funding services, ADAMHS boards advocate for those in need and promote awareness to reduce stigma around mental health and addiction. Organizations like the Ohio Association of County Behavioral Health Authorities highlight how boards across the state strengthen communities by supporting prevention, treatment, and recovery efforts. Locally, MHRB connects individuals and families to care through resources like mhrbwcc.org, helping residents find services, learn about prevention, and access help when it matters most.



Learn more about our work in the About Us section on our website.

In the News:

Youth suicides drop 11 percent

after creation of 988

from The New York Times

Over the two and a half years following the 2022 rollout of the 988 national suicide prevention hotline, the rate of suicides among young people in the United States dropped by 11 percent, decreasing most sharply in states with a higher volume of answered 988 calls, a new study has found.

Hannah Wesolowski, chief advocacy officer for the National Alliance on Mental Illness, said she was persuaded that the hotline had contributed to the improvement in suicide rates, in part because it did not appear among English youths or in older Americans.

NAMI Southwest Ohio Hosts

Family to Family and Peer to Peer Trainings

NAMI Southwest Ohio has two educational series planned for spring.

Family to Family is a no-cost course for families, caregivers, and friends of people who are living with a mental illness. The 9-week course will take place at Christ's Church Mason on Tuesdays, April 14 - June 2 from 6:30 - 9:00PM. For more information and to register, check out the flier.

In addition, a Peer to Peer training course is also set to begin later this month at The Open Table Church in Mason. The 8-week session runs each Tuesday night from 6:00 - 8:00PM from March 24 - May 12. Details and registration information on their flier.

If someone's ever told you that you might have an issue with alcohol or drug use, or if you're just curious about evaluating your own use, the new e-prevention tool on the MHRB website might be a great place to help figure things out.

Anyone can use the surveys anonymously. You'll get feedback on your use of alcohol or substances, tips to curb your consumption, and places to turn for help if you'd like. If you're concerned about a friend or family member, you'll get tips on how to start a conversation. And there is also a general quiz to test your knowledge!

In addition, clients already in treatment will have access to a support app designed to offer access to chat with a live person any time, day or night.

MHRB is one of three Ohio boards using the e-prevention tool and the first in southwest Ohio. To try the tool for yourself, visit the e-Prevention tool page our website.

Crises aren't "9 to 5" happenings. They sometimes come on when it's not easy to pick up a phone and call someone.

Here's the good news: you can text for help at any time! Chat with a trained person by texting "HELLO" to 741741. That person will help you de-escalate and can offer information about local resources where you can find in-person help if needed.

The Crisis Text Line is always there for you, 24/7. Just send a message!

Mental Health Recovery Board Serving Warren & Clinton Counties

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