Marietta, Ohio - Ron Rees, executive director of the Washington County Mental Health & Addiction Recovery Board, today announced that Washington County residents will soon have access to a breakthrough Web solution for individuals, families and agencies concerned with mental and emotional wellness. The Network of Care for Behavioral Health is an online resource that provides critical information, communication and advocacy tools with a single point of entry.
“This is an unprecedented opportunity for citizens of Washington County to be part of a state and national initiative that supports recovery and empowers consumers,” Mr. Rees noted. He invites the public to the Harvey Graham Auditorium at Washington State Community College on May 24, from 12:00 – 4:00 p.m. to learn about this innovative resource and to practice its unique features on provided computers. Refreshments will be served. The launch will be part of the Washington County Mental Health & Addiction Recovery Board’s commemoration of National Mental Health Month.
The site will enable consumers and families to find mental health information, identify available services, supports and community resources; and keep personal records in a secure environment. A library of information on more than 4,000 health topics, direct links to legislators and bill tracking resources, access to low-cost insurance programs, and support and advocacy information are all just a few clicks away on the Network of Care sites.
The Network of Care site in Washington County will provide a comprehensive Service Directory of the service providers in the county, putting people in touch with the right services at the right time. The Network of Care concept was recognized as a model program in the President's New Freedom Commission on Mental Health final report in July 2003. Funding for the new Network of Care site is being provided through Ohio’s Mental Health Transformation State Incentive Grant. Ohio was one of seven states to receive a Transformation State Incentive Grant from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) in September 2005. The grant will help Ohio in implementing a comprehensive statewide mental health plan, approved by the Governor, to improve mental health supports.
Trilogy Integrated Resources LLC, a company dedicated to improving information and communication in the health and social service fields at the community level, has developed similar sites for seniors, parents and people with disabilities.
The site can be accessed at www.washington.oh.networkofcare.org.