In a recent government meeting, Mayor Klein announced collaborative efforts with neighboring municipalities, including Solon and Warrensville Heights, to establish a new mental health support program aimed at benefiting both residents and local emergency personnel. The initiative, modeled after a successful program in Shaker Heights, seeks to provide immediate access to mental health professionals for first responders dealing with trauma-related incidents.
The mayor emphasized the importance of community partnerships, stating that the program cannot be effectively implemented in isolation due to the size of Orange. Positive feedback from Solon has encouraged further outreach to other local towns to gauge interest in joining the initiative.
While the specifics of the program's operational hours are still being finalized, it is expected to function similarly to the Shaker Heights model, likely offering services during standard business hours. The involvement of local police and fire chiefs will be crucial in tailoring the program to meet the unique needs of the community.
In addition to the mental health program, the meeting highlighted community engagement, with officials thanking residents for their participation in recent voting activities. A reminder was issued for an upcoming budget meeting, where officials will discuss financial planning for the upcoming year.
The meeting concluded with expressions of gratitude towards the police department for their swift response to recent neighborhood concerns, reinforcing the importance of community safety and collaboration.