MANSFIELD — The Richland County Mental Health & Recovery Services Board thanked community members for their ongoing support at its annual dinner Tuesday evening in the Kobacher Room at DLX, 28 North Main Street.
Guests gathered at 5 p.m. for social time before the program began at 5:30 p.m.
Board seeks renewal of mental health levy
The event highlighted the importance of the upcoming Nov. 4 election, which will include a renewal of the county’s mental health levy.
The levy was first passed in 1986 and most recently renewed in 2016. This year, the board placed a 1-mill, 10-year renewal on the ballot. Executive Director Sherry Branham-Fonner emphasized that the levy is not a new tax or a tax increase.
On average, the levy generates about $2.2 million annually, based on five-year figures.
That funding supports a wide range of services, including 24/7 mental health crisis response, prevention and outreach programs, treatment for individuals facing mental health and addiction challenges, and early intervention programs for children, adolescents and adults, plus much more.
Federal, state and local dollars work together with levy funding to sustain these services. Board members stated that renewal is critical to ensure these vital programs continue for Richland County residents.
(Story continues below pictures. More information about the mental health levy. Provided by Sherry Branham-Fonner.)
NAMI recognizes Officer Bailey’s courage
The evening also featured several awards, including the Brian Evans Award presented by NAMI Richland County.
This year, the award honored Officer Dylan Bailey for his courage and bravery during a February incident. While Bailey had to leave early, Ontario Police Chief Tommy Hill accepted the award on his behalf.
“While the incident we are recognizing today is not directly related to a mental health crisis, it perfectly illustrates the character and dedication this award represents,” said Aubrie Hall, executive director of NAMI Richland County.
“His honesty and vulnerability have not only shown immense personal strength, but also have become a source of inspiration for countless others,” she said.
Bailey was recognized for placing himself in harm’s way during a dangerous hostage situation to protect innocent lives. Though he was shot and injured in the line of duty, he continued to focus on the safety of others.
Hall noted that the experience led Bailey to speak openly about the PTSD and anxiety he has faced since the shooting.
Chief Hill also acknowledged the many retired officers in attendance, remarking that after 25, 30 or 40 years of service, most have experienced some form of PTSD.
“We couldn’t get Dylan covered with his injury unless we could prove that his PTSD was related to the injury itself and only the injury,” he said. “Not the fact that he got shot three times, not the trauma he suffered, it didn’t matter. That has got to change.”
He voiced support for the upcoming levy, adding that information about it would be posted on the website.
Romanchuk advocates for mental health
Senator Mark Romanchuk received the Roeliff Brinkerhoff award.
Branham-Fonner said Romanchuk has advocated for mental health and addiction boards, as well as the services under the Boards’ umbrella.
“This award is given to individuals who have gone above and beyond to help our system, which in turn helps those who are served by our system,” Branham-Fonner said.
She said in 2024, Senate Bill 81, which was designed to improve Ohio’s mental health care, was sponsored by Romanchuk.
While expressing his gratitude for all that Richland County Mental Health and Recovery Services does, Romanchuk mentioned his support of the upcoming levy.
“I’m voting yes,” he said. “I hope you do the same.”
Board welcomes new member and keynote speakers
Elder Ron Moton, a past board member from July 1, 2015, to June 30, 2025, was also a recipient of an award for his dedication and commitment to serving on the Richland County Mental Health and Recovery Services board.
“Ron is just a very kind man,” Branham-Fonner said. “He loves people, he loves the Lord, and he was very committed to serving as a board member.”
Brian White was sworn in by Richland County Commissioner Tony Vero as a new board member for Richland County Mental Health and Recovery Services.
The keynote speakers were Mansfield Police Department Crime Lab Director Anthony Tambasco and Richland County Coroner Chief Investigator Bob Ball.
Tambasco highlighted the substances he has found to be most common over the last few decades in Richland County and how they have worked to combat those.
Ball stated what he has seen over the last 25 years, heavily highlighting the effects 2020 had on people’s mental health.
Ball said with Catalyst and a trauma nurse, they are working on a project that will train people to go in and help families understand their resources and know that they are not alone, after a loss.
“I can tell you, two or three years down the road I end up with the family members,” Ball said. “Our goal in the next few months is to start this team to work with those families.”
(Photos from the annual meeting of the Mental Health and Recovery Services Board. Photo credit: Hannah Martin)
