The Wood County Alcohol, Drug Addiction and Mental Health Services Board has wrapped up its budgeting process for the coming fiscal year, starting in July. Here’s a look at the programs they’ll fund and some key insights around their decisions.
Funding Overview
Several local organizations received notable funding increases to support mental health and addiction services:
- Children’s Resource Center: $3 million for various services.
- Harbor: Nearly $2.8 million for multiple initiatives, including housing and support services.
- Unison: About $2.3 million focused on crisis services and hospital liaison support.
- Wood County Educational Services Center: Over $1.2 million for educational and prevention programs.
Overall, the budget estimated expenditures at around $12.6 million, while revenues are projected at approximately $11.3 million. This means the board will need to tap into its reserves, using about $1.33 million from the fund balance to fill the gap.
Revenue Sources
A significant portion of revenue—around $8.8 million—comes from a local levy. However, this raises concerns, especially with discussions in Ohio about potentially banning property taxes. State grants also contribute $1.884 million to the budget, while federal funding totals $585,697. These sources include various grants for mental health, substance use disorder, and crisis intervention.
Emerging Programs and Insights
A last-minute addition was the $215,000 for a housing program aimed at helping young adults transition into independence. This program emphasizes intensive case management and support for those with behavioral health challenges. Amanda Kern, the Executive Director, highlighted the importance of this funding to maintain essential services, even if adjustments are needed later.
Changes to the budget also reflect a commitment to continual improvement. The board increased support for NAMI Wood County from $215,000 to $230,000 to ensure it can sustain its educational initiatives despite facing staffing challenges.
Community Concerns and Board Procedures
While the board approved contracts for various agencies in a single vote, some members, like Frank McLaughlin, voiced a preference for individual votes to foster discussion. He believes this method could allow for greater scrutiny and transparency regarding each contract.
Conclusion
As Wood County moves forward with its mental health and addiction services, it’s clear the community’s needs are at the forefront of these funding decisions. With a mix of local, state, and federal funding, the board is striving to provide comprehensive support. For future planning, they are set to revisit their processes to enhance accountability and engage board members more effectively in the decision-making process.
For further context on mental health funding and its implications, consider reading about similar initiatives through the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.
