Paint Valley Alcohol, Drug Addiction, and Mental Health Board Partners with Local Parks to Raise 988 Awareness

Article presented by Pickaway Ross CTC Adult Education …

Chillicothe, OH – The Paint Valley Alcohol, Drug Addiction, and Mental Health (ADAMH) Board is partnering with eight area parks and preserves and pharmacies to reach those having a behavioral health crisis thanks to a new grant.

The ADAMH Board was awarded the 988 Lifeline Awareness Grant through the Ohio Association of County Behavioral Health Authorities (OACHBA), and the Ohio Department of Behavioral Health. The 988 Lifeline is a suicide and crisis hotline that provides free and confidential assistance 24/7/365.

Signage for the 988 Lifeline will be placed in common areas at partnering parks and preserves across the board’s five-county service area, which has a population of over 234,000. The signage will inform those using local trails and parks of the ability to call, text, or chat with 988 staff if they are in crisis.

“Spending time in nature can be a powerful way to cope with difficult emotions. By partnering with our local parks and with support from OACHBHA and Ohio Department of Behavioral Health, we’re making sure people know they’re not alone and that 988 is there when they need someone to talk to,” said ADAMH Director Melanie Swisher.

The Paint Valley ADAMH Board was also able to purchase 988 ads on local pharmacy medication bags to help spread awareness to pharmacy customers.

The Paint Valley ADAMH Board would like to thank Arc of Appalachia, the City of Jeffersonville, the City of Washington Court House, Pickaway County Parks District, Ross County Parks District, Village of Bloomingburg, Village of Greenfield, and the Village of Octa for partnering with them on this project.