When the private provider for mental health services in Montgomery County quit in May, their local crisis response came to a stop. Proposed contracts for a replacement provider were rejected, leaving residents in uncertainty about mental health crisis services in the region. The Montgomery County Alcohol, Drug Addiction and Mental Health Services (ADAMHS) staff are now working to gather feedback from the community on what these services should look like in the future.
In a series of community events around Dayton, Montgomery County residents provided their insights on the delivery of crisis mental health services. They discussed potential new services and suggested improvements to the current system. Tara Campbell emphasized the importance of ensuring that no one is left out when choosing a new provider. It is crucial for the new vendor to be able to support everyone in the community who needs help.
Sean Mitchell, another attendee at a recent public hearing, stressed the need for continuous improvement in the county’s mental health services provision. He called for more transparency about the stages of service development, especially regarding the possibility of a crisis unit where people can stay longer than 23 hours. Mitchell urged a better understanding of the barriers to achieving this goal.
ADAMHS staff have acknowledged the community feedback and plan to incorporate it into their decisions when selecting new providers. For the time being, individuals in need of mental health assistance can reach out by calling 988. The county is actively working to address the gaps in services and provide effective crisis support for its residents.