Serving Lucas, Ottawa, Sandusky and Wood Counties
The Mental Health and Recovery Services Board of Seneca, Ottawa, Sandusky and Wyandot Counties and the Huron County Mental Health and Addiction Services Board have merged to create the five-county North Central Behavioral Health Board.
The consolidation will benefit residents across Seneca, Huron, Ottawa, Sandusky and Wyandot counties. Residents will have access to enhanced services, including expanded crisis response services, access to regional mental health housing, recovery and transitional housing, and opportunities for multi-county projects.
Local and statewide officials gathered on July 1 for the Merger Day Celebration, held in Norwalk.
“This consolidation shows accountability of managing public funds, reduction of overhead expenses and increased funding for behavioral health services. The goal is to enhance access and quality of services to individuals in need,” said Huron County Commissioner President Tom Dunlap.
Also attending was Ohio Department of Behavioral Health Director Tia Marcel Moretti, who emphasized the importance of developing a system to serve clients through appropriate services and collaboration among local entities.
Mircea Handru, executive director of the North Central Behavioral Health Board, said, “I would like to express appreciation for the previous and current volunteer board members and county commissioners throughout the five counties for being very supportive of this consolidation. Our priorities are to make decisions that are in the best interests of the individuals that we serve, be financially responsible in managing public funds and ensure accountability for our contracted providers. Through collaboration with our local providers, we will serve clients and family members with enhanced service quality, accountability and transparency.”
For a list of behavioral health resources, visit the board’s website at www.ncbhb.org.
