Buckeye Ranch Seeks $500K for Ohio's First Psychiatric Residential Treatment Facility

A critical plea for funding took center stage at the Columbus Council Finance & Governance Committee meeting on July 25, 2025, as representatives from the Buckeye Ranch sought $500,000 to complete Ohio's first psychiatric residential treatment facility (PRTF). This facility, currently under construction, aims to address the alarming youth mental health crisis in Ohio, where five individuals die by suicide daily, and one youth is lost every 34 hours.

Sarah Book, Vice President of Residential Services at the Buckeye Ranch, emphasized the urgent need for specialized care, citing that Ohio ranks 29th nationally for youth with major depressive disorders. The PRTF is designed to support young people transitioning from inpatient psychiatric care back to their homes, filling a significant gap in the state's behavioral health services.

Abby Manley, Director of Development for the Buckeye Ranch, highlighted the facility's broader community impact, noting that it will not only provide essential care but also strengthen the local workforce. With a total project cost of $35 million, the Buckeye Ranch has already secured $29 million, leaving a $6 million gap that the requested funding would help bridge.

The facility is set to open in 2025, aiming to keep youth in Central Ohio rather than forcing families to seek resources out of state. The urgency of this project was underscored by the ongoing mental health challenges faced by youth, particularly in the aftermath of the pandemic. The committee's response to this funding request could significantly influence the future of mental health care for young people in the region.