MHAS says five-county merger will form North Central Behavioral Health Board July 1; seeks letter of support for federal grant

Mircea Handru of MHAS updated the Huron County Board of Commissioners on the district's restructuring plans and near-term events, saying the Huron County MHAS board passed resolutions to adopt the new name "North Central Behavioral Health Board" effective July 1, 2026.

Handru said the five-county annual report will be consolidated next year and that a special meeting of the new board may be held in Norwalk on July 1, possibly at the Job and Family Services building. He invited commissioners from all five counties to participate in a media day and specifically invited Commissioner Tom Dunlap to offer remarks.

Handru also requested a letter of support from the commissioners to help secure a Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) grant. He said the MHAS building currently used by the district will remain part of the new board and that he is coordinating closely with Huron County behavioral health providers as some changes are implemented. He announced a regional behavioral health summit scheduled for Aug. 31, 2026, expecting about 115 vendors including county sheriffs and commissioners.

Commissioner Harry Brady noted the Aug. 31 date conflicts with the commissioners' summer symposium and observed turnout by commissioners to Handru's event might be limited. Commissioner Tom Dunlap asked whether Handru was satisfied with the merger; Handru replied he was despite some negative comments and said he will reach out to the commissioners in April about reconsidering some board appointments.

Handru said officials should expect an email in April with additional details and appointment requests. The commissioners recessed at 9:24 a.m. after the update.