Richland County's Community and Health Services meeting on October 2, 2025, highlighted significant developments in local health and human services, particularly in behavioral health and economic support.

The meeting opened with updates from the Health and Human Services Director, who announced the resignation of the behavioral health manager, who is returning to her roots in counseling. This transition raises concerns about continuity in the department, but the director assured that the unit supervisor and other staff members are stepping up to fill the gap while the position is being actively recruited.

In a positive turn, the Child and Youth Services unit reported that eight children have recently found permanency, a significant achievement for the community. Additionally, the economic support team continues to exceed call volume and workload goals, although the public is advised that the call center will be closed on certain days in October.

Public health initiatives are also progressing, with flu vaccine clinics underway, as noted by the director, who deferred further details to a later presentation by a public health representative.

A key discussion point was the financial overview of the department. The budget utilization is currently at 65%, aligning well with the year’s progress. However, some programs, such as Comprehensive Community Services (CCS) and services for children with disabilities, are running higher than expected but are fully reimbursed, alleviating concerns.

The meeting also addressed the costs associated with placements. The average daily cost for placements has been calculated at $197, a stark contrast to some individual cases that can exceed $2,000 per day. This average reflects the overall efficiency of the program and the reimbursement structures in place, which help mitigate taxpayer expenses.

In conclusion, the meeting underscored the ongoing efforts of Richland County's health and human services to adapt and respond to community needs while managing budgetary constraints effectively. The anticipated recruitment for the behavioral health manager position will be crucial in maintaining service quality as the department navigates these changes.