Morrow County commissioners proclaim May 2025 as Mental Health Month

The Morrow County Board of Commissioners on record formally recognized May 2025 as Mental Health Month, reading a proclamation that called attention to local need and encouraged residents to seek help and support services.

The proclamation, read aloud during the meeting, noted that "more than 1 in 5 Morrow County adults report experiencing mental health issues," said stigma prevents many from seeking help, and stressed the importance of early intervention and access to quality care.

An unidentified behavioral-health representative thanked the board for issuing the proclamation and praised the county's behavioral-health community as "small but vibrant," saying "this is an evidence fact, thing that we're involved in" and that the shared goal is helping people manage life challenges. The representative also said the board can expect a forthcoming board opening tied to Morrow County and that application details would be posted on the board website, Facebook page and in the Morrow County Sentinel.

Board members and attendees also highlighted local provider activity. The representative noted providers such as Safe Harbor and HelpLine had opened offices in neighboring Delaware County but, per contract language cited at the meeting, remain active and serving clients in Morrow County. The board invited the public to a June meeting set for June 12 at the Meadows Center, and described the Meadows Center as a fully operational, roughly 18,000-square-foot facility serving clients through multiple providers.

John Matthews of Safe Harbor was singled out for thanks by board members for ongoing community support. A participant identified as Kelly also offered brief thanks to the board and providers for mental-health services.

The board signed the proclamation on behalf of the Morrow County Board of Commissioners and recorded roll-call assent from the commissioners present.