Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services
05/06/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 05/06/2026 11:55
05/06/2026 | May is Mental Health Awareness Month in Ohio
For Immediate Release:
May 6, 2026
May is Mental Health Awareness Month in Ohio
State Agencies Release Toolkit to Promote Understanding and Awareness,
Smash Stigma, and Help Connect Ohioans to Treatment and Supports
(COLUMBUS, OH) - Ohio Governor Mike DeWine has declared May to be Mental Health Awareness Month (MHAM). In support of this mission, the Ohio Department of Behavioral Health (DBH) and RecoveryOhio have partnered to release a free digital toolkit to help families and communities start conversations about mental health and find help when it's needed most.
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"We're all affected by mental health, and with one in five Ohioans living with a mental illness, it's more important than ever for us to dismantle the stigmas surrounding mental health and foster understanding," said DBH Director Tia Marcel Moretti. "Mental Health Awareness Month is the perfect opportunity to shine a spotlight on mental health and share ways we can support our friends, neighbors, and loved ones who are struggling and need help," she added. "RecoveryOhio is proud to partner with the Department of Behavioral Health to make sure Ohioans have the tools they need to start these important conversations," said RecoveryOhio Director Erin Reed. "This toolkit is more than awareness - it's a direct pathway to help. Whether someone is looking for resources for themselves or a loved one, we want to make sure they know where to turn. Between this toolkit, the 988 Lifeline for crises, and the many treatment providers across our state, Ohioans now have multiple ways to access the support they need." The MHAM toolkit includes:
The toolkit also includes information on the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. Ohioans who are experiencing a mental health or addiction crisis should call, text or chat 988 to reach a trained specialist who can offer free, confidential help 24/7/365. Since launching in July 2022, Ohio's 988 call centers have responded to more than 836,000 contacts and are currently averaging nearly 15,500 calls, texts, and chats each month. Also included in the resources is RecoveryOhio's Pledge to End Stigma. Ohioans who take the pledge will earn a badge they can share on social media, as well as receive a printable certificate. The kit also features Ohio's Suicide Prevention Toolkit, information on how businesses can support the Ohio Recovery Friendly Workplace initiative, and guidance on how families can access Mobile Response and Stabilization Services (MRSS) for youth and young adults under age 20. |
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Additional Help Resources:
- The DBH Bridge Line helps callers seeking behavioral health resources in the community. Bridge Line team members are people with lived experience who strive to support those seeking recovery support in their communities. Call 466.7228 to be connected with non-crisis behavioral health resources in your community. The Bridge Line is available Mondays through Fridays between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. (except for state holidays). All calls and messages will be returned within one (1) business day.
- Visit the Get Help Now tab on the DBH website to find information on treatment providers and supports.# # #
DBH Media Contact:
Eric Wandersleben, Director of Media Relations and Outreach [email protected] | 614.359.6754
Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services published this content on May 06, 2026, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on May 06, 2026 at 17:55 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]