Ohio’s Mobile Response and Stabilization Services (MRSS) Expands Statewide to Aid Youth in Crisis
DUBLIN, Ohio — Ohio is taking a major step to address youth behavioral health crises by expanding its Mobile Response and Stabilization Services (MRSS) to all 88 counties by July 1, 2025. The free emergency program, currently operating in 50 counties, deploys trained professionals to assist individuals aged 20 and younger during behavioral health emergencies. Governor Mike DeWine emphasized the program’s success in improving outcomes for families and reducing reliance on juvenile justice and emergency departments.
“Unless you’ve experienced a child in crisis firsthand, it’s hard to grasp the overwhelming challenges families face,” said LeeAnne Cornyn, Director of the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services. “MRSS fills a critical gap, providing urgent support tailored to what families and young people define as a crisis.”
The program’s swift response is a game-changer. Within an hour of receiving a call, MRSS dispatches trained clinicians to de-escalate the situation. Families then receive six weeks of follow-up care to ensure long-term stability.
Governor DeWine highlighted the program’s tangible benefits in counties where it’s already active. “Communities with MRSS have seen better behavioral health outcomes, fewer juvenile justice cases, and reduced need for inpatient care or overnight stays in emergency departments,” he said.
Susan Wittig, an elementary school principal in Dublin, shared a powerful example of MRSS in action. When one of her students faced a crisis, clinicians from Nationwide Children’s Hospital arrived within an hour. They collaborated with the student’s family and school staff to create a comprehensive care plan. “Today, I’m thrilled to report that our student is thriving,” Wittig said.
Stories like Wittig’s underscore the program’s impact and justify its statewide expansion. “Soon, every family in Ohio will have access to MRSS, ensuring they’re not alone during a crisis,” DeWine added.
Families in need can access MRSS by calling the 988 Suicide Crisis Hotline or dialing MRSS directly at 888-418-MRSS.
As Ohio prepares to roll out this vital service statewide, MRSS represents a lifeline for families navigating the complexities of youth behavioral health crises.
— Reported by Nexio News
