Ohio Expands Free Crisis Response Services Statewide to Help Youth in Behavioral Health Emergencies
Ohio is set to expand its Mobile Response and Stabilization Services (MRSS) program to all 88 counties by July 1, 2025, offering free, immediate support to young people experiencing behavioral health crises. The initiative, already active in 50 counties, has been hailed as a lifeline for families navigating the complexities of mental health challenges in children and teenagers.
Governor Mike DeWine emphasized the program’s success in improving outcomes for youth and reducing the strain on emergency services. “Communities with MRSS have seen fewer juvenile justice cases, shorter inpatient stays, and fewer children spending nights in emergency departments due to behavioral health crises,” DeWine said.
MRSS deploys trained professionals within an hour of a crisis call to assist individuals aged 20 or younger. After stabilizing the situation, the program provides six weeks of follow-up support to ensure families receive ongoing care. The service is free and available regardless of insurance status, making it accessible to all Ohio residents.
LeeAnne Cornyn, Director of the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, described MRSS as a crucial gap-filler in the state’s behavioral health system. “Families often don’t know where to turn during a crisis,” Cornyn said. “MRSS meets them where they are, providing urgent support tailored to their needs.”
The program’s impact is already evident in communities where it has been implemented. Susan Wittig, an elementary school principal in Dublin, Ohio, shared a powerful testimonial about one of her students who benefited from MRSS. “Clinicians from Nationwide Children’s Hospital arrived within an hour of the crisis and worked closely with the student, their family, and our school team to create a comprehensive care plan,” Wittig said. “Today, that student is thriving.”
Such stories have fueled Governor DeWine’s push to expand MRSS statewide. “Every family in Ohio deserves access to this critical resource,” DeWine said. “Soon, no matter where they live, they can be confident that help is just a phone call away.”
Families can access MRSS by calling the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline or dialing 888-418-MRSS directly. The program’s rapid response and follow-up care aim to prevent crises from escalating and provide long-term support for young people and their families.
As Ohio prepares to roll out MRSS statewide, the initiative is being celebrated as a model for addressing youth behavioral health crises effectively and compassionately.
— Reported by Nexio News
