Ohio Governor Mike DeWine has announced that immediate in-person help for youth experiencing a behavioral health crisis is now operating statewide in all 88 counties at no cost.

Prior to this expansion, the Mobile Response and Stabilization Services (MRSS) program was only available in 56 Ohio counties.

MRSS is available at no cost for children and young adults aged 20 and under who are experiencing mental, emotional, or behavioral distress.

“When it comes to our children, we have no time to lose,” said Governor DeWine.

“Far too many are struggling with their mental health, and parents and caregivers don’t know where to turn when their child needs help. MRSS provides that immediate help to all young people, no matter where in Ohio they live.”

Parents, educators, medical professionals, law enforcement officers, peers, and young people in crisis can call the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline and request MRSS. Within 60 minutes of initial contact, a team of trained professionals, including a licensed clinician, will respond wherever the youth is located, whether at home, school, or any other safe place in the community.

In April, Governor DeWine announced the Ohio Department of Behavioral Health (DBH) (formerly Mental Health and Addiction Services), and the Ohio Department of Medicaid (ODM) worked together to develop a regional framework for expanding the MRSS program.

To ensure statewide coverage, 12 providers were selected to deliver services across the state’s 88 counties. In the months following the announcement, providers worked with the state to develop readiness plans, partnership agreements, and onboard staff.

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