MANSFIELD, Ohio – The nationwide conversation surrounding mental health came to a local level on Friday as members of the Richland County community gathered to celebrate the beginning of Mental Health Month this May.
Joe Trolian, Executive Director of Richland Mental Health and Recovery Services, explained this year’s Mental Health Month theme focuses on early intervention. According to Mental Health America, the campaign theme “B4Stage4” focuses on how people can address their mental health early rather than at “Stage 4,” when symptoms are more severe and recovery a longer process.
“We try not to focus on just treatment, we want to do good prevention of both mental health and addiction services, and we also want to make sure we’ve got the recovery pieces in place afterwards to make sure people are only coming through the system once,” said Trolian. “We want to make sure they get it right as often as possible the first time around.”
Trolian highlighted Mental Health & Recovery Services’ service provider agencies, of which there are many. He noted the services listed are only the publicly funded services, discrediting the thought that there are no services in the community.
“There are a lot of options in Richland County and that’s one thing that makes me grateful to be working in this community,” said Trolian. “When people are ready to start down that road to recovery, we’ve got a lot of different paths they can choose.”
A number of dignitaries from both the county and state level were present on Friday to commemorate Mental Health Month, including Commissioner Gary Utt, Sheriff Steve Sheldon and Ontario Mayor Randy Hutchinson. Also joining the crowd was State Representative Mark Romanchuk with a proclamation from the Ohio House.
“Mental Health Month provides a fitting time to pay tribute to the Richland County Mental Health and Recovery Services board, for it has made numerous efforts to fight the stigma, provide support, educate the public and advocate for equal care for individuals with mental health issues,” read Romanchuk. “This noteworthy organization has been an active participant in the civic and humanitarian affairs of the community, and through the many beneficial endeavors and activities of the group its staff members have not only had the opportunity to express their personal talents and skills but they have also helped to better the lives of those around them.”
The Ohio Senate also presented Richland Mental Health and Recovery with a proclamation, read on behalf of the Senate by Ontario third ward council candidate Sherry Branham.
“Mental health is an important, ongoing issue in our society, affecting persons regardless of age, race, religion, sex, education or socioeconomic standing,” read Branham. “Over the years [Richland Mental Health and Recovery] has attained a remarkable record of service to this area, and its accomplishments are a justifiable source of pride and an outstanding reflection – not only on the organization itself, but also on its astute management, its hardworking staff and volunteers, and this community.”
Last year, Mental Health Month kicked off with a dedication of a flag and flagpole in memory of Associate Director Tom Chambers for his years of service to country and community. This year, the month kicked off with the retiring of the flags led by the Bellville American Legion Post 535 color guard, with the hope that the retiring of the flag would be an annual tradition in the future.
In closing, Trolian remarked that designating May as Mental Health Month was a great way to start the summer. He also mentioned a number of events throughout the month of May hosted by Richland Mental Health and Recovery Services’ various service provider agencies.
“It’s an opportunity for rebirth and rediscovery, and that’s something we try to do throughout the year,” he said. “A lot of people are discovering their road to recovery, and we want to make sure we outline those paths as clearly as possible. Thank you for coming out to celebrate Mental Health Month and continuing a legacy of hope and success.”
