LIMA, Ohio (WLIO) – If people are dealing with mental health issues, help is closer than they think.
The Mental Health and Recovery Services Board has been holding breakfasts with community leaders and local stakeholders in Allen, Auglaize and Hardin counties to provide updates on current initiatives and discuss mental health services available in those areas.
The board offers the HOPE Line, a phone service for individuals to speak with mental health experts. It also operates the We Care Regional Crisis Center, where people can walk in 24 hours a day, seven days a week for support.
In addition, the board’s website, www.wecarepeople.org, provides a variety of resources to guide people who are struggling with their mental health—or know someone who may need help.
“On there are free screenings, multiple screenings. You can take them for yourself, but you could also take them as the presentation of the person that you love, and at the end, it gives a recommendation on whether or not additional referrals should be made for this person to be helpful. But "Be Seen with Green" every time I wear the shirt, somebody stops me, somebody initiates a conversation, because they now know there's someone there who cares, who isn't going to judge what it is they have to offer and who's going to help direct them to resources,” said Tammie Colon, executive director of the Mental Health and Recovery Services Board of Allen, Auglaize, and Hardin Counties.
Allen County commissioners and Lima Mayor Sharetta Smith each issued proclamations in recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month.
Colon encourages people to call the local HOPE Line at 1-800-567-4673 (HOPE), or call or text 988.
Colon encourages people to call the local HOPE Line at 1-800-567-4673 (HOPE), or call or text 988. Walk-ins are also welcome at the We Care Regional Crisis Center, located at 797 S. Main St., Lima. The center is open 24/7.
