Governor Mike DeWine, throughout his tenure as Ohio's governor, has established mental health as a cornerstone of his administration's priorities. The Republican governor has consistently emphasized the importance of behavioral health services, particularly in the context of increasing demand exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. DeWine has positioned Ohio to become a national model in mental health research, community care, and workforce development, dedicating significant resources to initiatives aimed at improving access to mental health services across the state.
Early Focus on Mental Health and Education
During his State of the State addresses, DeWine has consistently highlighted the interconnected nature of education and mental health. In his third State of the State address, the governor emphasized that "our future is bright — but that future will be defined by how well we educate all our children and how we tear down the barriers to their success." This perspective reflects his understanding that mental health barriers significantly impact educational outcomes and overall well-being.
Early in his administration, DeWine established "wellness dollars" that school districts could utilize to provide wraparound services for students. This initiative recognized the importance of addressing mental health needs within educational settings to support student success and development. The governor has consistently argued that the full education of all children has never been more important, acknowledging the significant mental health challenges facing young people.
The SOAR Network: Research and Community Care
One of DeWine's most significant mental health initiatives has been the creation of the State of Ohio Action for Resiliency Network (SOAR Network). This multi-year research effort aims to address mental illness and addiction by bringing together Ohioans from all regions of the state to launch "new discoveries about the brain and resilience." The governor has acknowledged that historically, the state has not effectively brought together research, treatment, and understanding of the biological, cultural, and situational aspects of mental illness in a cohesive manner.
The SOAR Network represents DeWine's commitment to making Ohio "the model" for behavioral health research and care. This initiative reflects a comprehensive approach that seeks to understand the root causes of mental illness while simultaneously developing effective treatment strategies. The governor has emphasized that meaningful change requires addressing these fundamental aspects of mental health.
Crisis Response Services and Treatment Options
DeWine's administration has prioritized expanding crisis response services and treatment options throughout Ohio. The state has established approximately 70 crisis stabilization centers serving more than 10,000 people. Additionally, the mental health department has conducted more than 10 "crisis academies" where implementation of crisis response strategies is being planned.
A critical component of Ohio's crisis response system is the 988 crisis and suicide hotline, which receives about 18,000 calls, texts, and chats each month. The governor has continued funding for this vital service, recognizing its importance in providing immediate assistance to individuals experiencing mental health crises.
OhioRISE: Supporting Children with Severe Behavioral Needs
The Ohio Resiliency and In Support for Emergencies (OhioRISE) initiative represents a significant step in supporting children with severe behavioral needs. This Medicaid program helps provide coverage for children with complex behavioral health needs, ensuring that parents do not have to give up custody to access necessary services. This approach aligns with trauma-informed care principles by keeping families together while addressing behavioral health challenges.
The governor's administration has also allocated $84 million to hospitals and health centers to improve pediatric behavioral services. This investment recognizes the unique mental health needs of children and adolescents, particularly in the wake of the pandemic's impact on young people's well-being.
Workforce Development in Behavioral Health
Recognizing the shortage of mental health professionals in Ohio, DeWine's administration has made workforce development a priority. The state has set aside $85 million for paid internships, scholarships, and licensing to encourage more students to join the behavioral health workforce. This initiative addresses a critical barrier to accessing mental health services—the lack of available providers.
The governor has also promoted crisis intervention training to help law enforcement officers better handle mental health cases. More than 14,000 officers have received this training, which equips them to respond appropriately to individuals experiencing mental health crises. This training reduces the reliance on law enforcement as first responders for mental health emergencies and ensures that individuals receive appropriate care.
Addressing the Opioid Crisis and Addiction
DeWine has maintained a strong focus on addressing addiction, particularly the opioid crisis that has affected Ohio significantly. The governor has promised to go after "the drug dealers who are peddling poison to our citizens" while simultaneously expanding treatment options for those struggling with substance use disorders.
The administration has worked with hospital emergency departments to improve care for individuals with drug use disorders. Additionally, the state has provided funding to 48 specialized courts to help those in the criminal justice system with mental illness and addiction. These problem-solving courts address the underlying issues that contribute to criminal behavior while providing necessary treatment and support.
Funding Commitments and System Transformation
DeWine's administration has allocated more than $200 million over the past two years to increase access to mental health services. The governor has proposed funding to open more state psychiatric hospitals, expand mobile crisis services, and continue supporting the 988 crisis hotline.
The governor has expressed a commitment to "build a mental health system in the state that was promised in the '60s," referring to an era when Ohio, like other states, closed mental health hospitals with the promise of treating patients in local facilities. This vision emphasizes a comprehensive, community-based approach to mental health care that reduces reliance on institutionalization while ensuring access to appropriate levels of care.
Measuring Progress and Future Directions
While acknowledging that overdose and suicide deaths are declining in Ohio, DeWine has emphasized that the state has more work to do and will require additional investment. The governor has positioned mental health as a long-term priority that requires sustained commitment and resources.
DeWine's approach to mental health care transformation includes several key components: - Research initiatives to better understand mental illness and addiction - Community-based care systems that provide accessible services - Workforce development to address provider shortages - Crisis response services that address immediate needs - Support for children and families to address issues early
Conclusion
Governor Mike DeWine's administration has made mental health a priority through significant funding allocations, program development, and policy initiatives. The focus on building comprehensive community-based care systems, expanding crisis response services, developing the behavioral health workforce, and supporting children with severe behavioral needs represents a multifaceted approach to addressing Ohio's mental health challenges.
While the governor acknowledges that substantial work remains to be done, the initiatives undertaken thus far reflect a commitment to transforming Ohio's mental health system. The emphasis on research, community care, and workforce development aligns with best practices in behavioral health and aims to create a system that is more accessible, responsive, and effective for all Ohioans.
Sources
- Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine calls for more focus on education, children, mental health issues
- Gov. DeWine made mental health one of his top priorities. What's been done so far?
- DeWine is focused on mental health. Why not extend that to public education? | Editorial
- DeWine touts achievements, commits to mental health in inaugural speech