Lucas County proclaims May 2025 Mental Health Awareness Month, officials warn of federal and state funding threats

The Board of Lucas County Commissioners on May 5 proclaimed May 2025 as Mental Health Awareness Month and heard local behavioral-health leaders warn that potential rollbacks to Medicaid expansion and other funding could undermine services for thousands of county residents.

The proclamation was presented by Scott Silak, executive director of the Mental Health and Recovery Services Board of Lucas County, who described the month as both an awareness and advocacy opportunity. “May’s Mental Health Month is not only about raising awareness but it’s also a celebration of the strength and resilience of, our community here in Lucas County,” Silak said.

Silak told commissioners that roughly half of the county’s behavioral-health system—about eight to 10 organizations—attended the meeting and that the system already serves “well over 30,000 Lucas County residents” while noting there are “thousands more” who could be reached. He urged continued leadership and advocacy to protect funding. Several agency representatives stood and introduced themselves to the commission, including providers who deliver school- and community-based services.

Commissioners also used the proclamation to urge public outreach. Commissioner Gerken warned of a “threat to the future” and said the county must use “every opportunity in the next few months to call it a threat to our…mental health systems,” referencing state budget actions he said offered little support. Gerken added, “Mental health has not improved in the last decade. It’s gotten worse.”

Commissioner Cedecki and Commissioner Lopez echoed those concerns, saying cuts at the federal or state level would increase pressure on emergency rooms and local systems. Lopez noted commissioners had recently discussed the issue with federal legislators in Washington, D.C., and encouraged agencies to tell stories showing why continued funding matters.

Local providers at the podium included representatives from Harbor, Unison, the Family and Child Abuse Prevention Center, Zeph Center, New Concepts, St. Paul’s Community Center, the Thomas M. Wernert Center, the Center of Hope and others. Several speakers emphasized youth mental-health needs and flagged early stress signs among children.

The board’s motion to proclaim May 2025 as Mental Health Awareness Month passed unanimously. The commissioners invited the assembled providers forward for a group photo following the vote.

The proclamation and comments at the meeting focused on advocacy and awareness; no policy changes or funding decisions were made during this agenda item.