Mental health targeted in Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine's budget proposal

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine began his first term during the opioid epidemic. He's aware of how addiction, and mental health fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic impacts Ohioans.

As his second term gets underway, DeWine says wants the Ohio General Assembly to do more. He outlined his vision during Tuesday's "State of the State" address in Columbus.

The governor's budget proposal centers on four points.

Building a community care system that increases prevention efforts;
Offering better crisis response services and treatment options;
Growing our behavioral health workforce; and
Focusing on much-needed research and innovation.
He wants to see access to care expanded to all residents.

“Treatment and counseling services delivered either in person or through telehealth visits to people directly in their homes and workplaces. Suicide prevention to end the needless loss of our brothers and sisters. Support for our youngest Ohioans, so they can have a great start to life and get help at the earliest sign of a behavioral health need,” DeWine said.

He also wants to see the new mental health hotline, 988, expanded to help keep Ohioans from ending up in the emergency room.

“And, increased access to state hospitals and private psychiatric hospitals to ease stress on families, emergency departments, courts, and jails,” DeWine said.

Monica Robins reports: https://www.wkyc.com/article/news/health/mental-health/mental-health-targeted-gov-mike-dewine-budget-proposal/95-ef8292af-9eed-4a02-a3e5-9f9bc0a30ad4