CRAWFORD/MARION COUNTY, OH (CRAWFORD COUNTY NOW)—September offers two important opportunities for communities across Crawford and Marion Counties to come together around mental health, suicide prevention and recovery.
National Suicide Prevention Month and National Recovery Month highlight a shared message: People experiencing mental health or substance use challenges deserve compassion, support and access to care.
For Crawford-Marion ADAMH, that message is central to its work serving residents of both counties.
Building a community where people can find help
The Crawford-Marion Alcohol, Drug Addiction and Mental Health Board works with community partners to help ensure residents have access to mental health and addiction services.
Its responsibilities include assessing local needs, coordinating services, supporting qualified providers and increasing public awareness. Through its network of resources, ADAMH connects residents with options for counseling, behavioral health care, addiction treatment, crisis support and recovery services.
These resources serve people at different stages of life and at different points in their personal journeys. Someone may be seeking help for the first time, looking for support during a difficult period or continuing treatment as part of a long-term recovery process.
Knowing where to turn can make it easier to take that first step.
Suicide prevention begins with connection
Suicide prevention is not limited to one month or one conversation. It involves creating communities where people feel comfortable asking for help and where friends, family members and neighbors know how to respond when someone is struggling.
A conversation does not need to be perfect to be meaningful. Listening without judgment, expressing concern and helping someone connect with support can be important ways to show care.
Residents who are concerned about themselves or someone they know can reach out for assistance rather than facing a difficult situation alone.
The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline offers free, confidential support around the clock. People can call or text 988 to connect with a crisis counselor.
Recovery is a journey, not a single moment
National Recovery Month recognizes the importance of recovery from substance use disorders and mental health challenges. It also offers an opportunity to challenge stigma and recognize that people can pursue meaningful lives while receiving treatment and support.
Recovery looks different for every person. Depending on individual needs, support may include counseling, treatment, recovery coaching, community services or ongoing care.
Crawford-Marion ADAMH works with partner agencies to help residents find services in their communities. Its online resource directory includes information about behavioral health, addiction treatment, family resources and support services in Crawford and Marion Counties.
For families and friends, learning about available services can also help them support a loved one with understanding and encouragement.
Find local mental health and recovery resources
Residents can explore available services and learn more about Crawford-Marion ADAMH through its official website at cmadamhoh.gov.
The board’s website provides county-specific resources, information about contracted service providers and guidance for finding help.
For immediate emotional support, call or text 988. The national lifeline is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. If someone is in immediate physical danger, call 911.
As September brings suicide prevention and recovery into focus, residents of Crawford and Marion Counties can help strengthen their communities by learning about local resources, approaching others with compassion and remembering that reaching out for help is a meaningful step forward.