In May, the private provider for mental health services in Montgomery County resigned, leaving the local crisis response at a standstill. Proposed contracts for a replacement provider were rejected, leaving residents uncertain about the future of mental health crisis services in the region. The Montgomery County Alcohol, Drug Addiction and Mental Health Services (ADAMHS) staff are now gathering feedback from the community on what these services should look like moving forward.
At a series of community events around Dayton, Montgomery County residents shared their insights on the delivery of crisis mental health services. They discussed potential new services and suggested improvements to the current system. Tara Campbell emphasized the importance of ensuring that everyone in the community has access to mental health care, regardless of their financial situation or insurance coverage. It is crucial for any new vendor to be able to support all members of the community who need help.
Sean Mitchell, another attendee at a recent public hearing, called for more transparency in the county’s mental health services provision. He urged for better understanding of how long individuals can stay in a crisis unit and what barriers exist to achieving this goal. Mitchell emphasized that it is essential to have continuous improvement in mental health care services in order to provide effective support to those who need it most.
The ADAMHS staff have acknowledged the community feedback and plan to incorporate it into their decisions when selecting new providers. For now, individuals in need of mental health assistance can reach out by calling 988. The county is actively working to address gaps in services and provide effective crisis support for its residents.
