Mental Health & Recovery Board of Union County

04/10/2026

As changes continue in behavioral health services in Union County, we want to share an update and reaffirm our commitment to the community.

Our priority remains ensuring continuity of care, clear communication, and access to support for every resident. The attached flyer outlines current crisis support options as of April 2026. This is a temporary guide as services continue to evolve, with additional options becoming available soon.

We’ll continue sharing updates as more information becomes available. If you have questions or need help navigating services, we’re here to help. Please reach out to us by calling (937) 642-1212. 💚

Call or text 988 anytime to connect with a trained counselor. If a young person aged 20 or younger is experiencing a mental, behavioral, or emotional crisis, 988 can connect you to Mobile Response & Stabilization Services (MRSS), when needed. For immediate safety concerns, call 911 or go to your nearest emergency department.

03/20/2026

Staff members from North Union and Fairbanks represented Union County earlier this week at the BRYT Symposium in Waltham, MA!

BRYT is a school-based support that helps students navigate mental health challenges, whether they are returning from a disruption or need additional support to stay engaged and successful in school. In Union County, this intervention is embedded at North Union Middle School and Fairbanks Elementary School.

The team deepened their learning through sessions on strengthening school mental health systems, supporting students impacted by trauma and grief, and enhancing collaborative, relationship-centered practices. They also toured BRYT classrooms in Massachusetts to see these supports in action.

At the Board, we’re grateful for their commitment to learning and look forward to the insights they’ll bring back to continue advancing comprehensive school mental health supports in their schools and across Union County.

Thank you to the team at The Brookline Center for Community Mental Health for another amazing learning opportunity! 💚

03/09/2026

Last week, the Mental Health & Recovery Board of Union County, the Mental Health & Recovery Services Board for Logan & Champaign Co. and local law enforcement hosted the 40-hour Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) patrol course.

More than 30 participants from 17 different agencies came together for this intensive training designed to strengthen how our communities respond to behavioral health crises.

Throughout the week, officers explored topics including:
• Understanding mental illness and substance use disorders
• Recognizing stress responses in officers
• Supporting veterans in crisis
• Practicing de-escalation through hands-on role-playing
• Visiting local community agencies to learn about available resources

This training equips officers with the knowledge and tools needed to respond safely, compassionately, and effectively while connecting individuals in crisis to the treatment and support they need.

A big thank you to the agencies and officers who dedicated their time to this important work. Your commitment helps build stronger partnerships and safer, healthier communities for everyone.

03/05/2026

Want to stretch your child’s thinking without taking over?

In Episode 10 of Ready, Set, Play!, we introduce expanding play, gently adding ideas, language, or challenges to what your child is already doing.
✨ “Yes, and…”
✨ “What could happen next?”

Small additions spark creativity, problem-solving, and deeper play.

🎥 Watch Episode 10 to learn how to grow play together.

03/03/2026

Play doesn’t only happen on the floor. It happens everywhere. 🏡

In Episode 9 of Ready, Set, Play!, we show how daily routines like laundry, cooking, and grocery shopping can become playful learning moments.
🛒 Scavenger hunts
🧦 Sock matching
🍎 Counting snacks

No extra time, just a playful mindset.

🎥 Watch Episode 9 to bring more joy into everyday moments.

02/26/2026

Kids need limits, and they also need choices. ⚖️

Episode 8 of Ready, Set, Play! explores how combining clear limits with simple choices helps reduce power struggles and build cooperation.
✔️ “First clean up, then we play outside.”
✔️ “Shoes or socks first?”

Structure + choice = calmer moments for everyone.

🎥 Watch Episode 8 for practical tools you can use today.

02/24/2026

“Good job” is nice, but specific praise is powerful. 💪

In Episode 7 of Ready, Set, Play!, we talk about labeled praise, which helps children understand exactly what they did well and want to do it again.
✨ “You shared your toys so kindly.”
✨ “You cleaned up all by yourself.”

It builds confidence, motivation, and positive behavior.

🎥 Watch Episode 7 to learn how to make praise really count.

02/24/2026

“Good job” is nice, but specific praise is powerful. 💪

In Episode 7 of Ready, Set, Play!, we talk about labeled praise, which helps children understand exactly what they did well and want to do it again.
✨ “You shared your toys so kindly.”
✨ “You cleaned up all by yourself.”

It builds confidence, motivation, and positive behavior.

🎥 Watch Episode 7 to learn how to make praise really count.

Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.

02/23/2026

Eating disorders and disordered eating can affect children, teens, and adults, and they are often connected to anxiety, depression, trauma, or major life stress. These challenges are not a choice and are not about appearance, but about mental health and overall well-being.

Eating Disorder Awareness Week is a reminder that early support matters. If you notice changes in eating habits, mood, energy, or body image concerns in yourself or a loved one, help is available.

👉 To learn more or find a mental health provider in Union County, visit

The Mental Health & Recovery Board does not contract with all providers and cannot guarantee availability or appropriateness. This list is provided as a courtesy.

02/19/2026

You don’t need to quiz your child to support learning. 👀

In Episode 6 of Ready, Set, Play!, we show how describing what your child is doing builds language, focus, and connection, without pressure.
🧠 “I see you stacked the blue blocks.”
🧠 “You’re working hard to balance that.”

Less questions. More connection.

🎥 Watch Episode 6 to learn this simple, powerful strategy.

02/19/2026

You don’t need to quiz your child to support learning. 👀

In Episode 6 of Ready, Set, Play!, we show how describing what your child is doing builds language, focus, and connection, without pressure.
🧠 “I see you stacked the blue blocks.”
🧠 “You’re working hard to balance that.”

Less questions. More connection.

🎥 Watch Episode 6 to learn this simple, powerful strategy.

Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.

02/17/2026

What happens when adults stop directing play and start following instead?

In Episode 5, we explore child-centered play, where your child leads, and you support. This approach builds:
✔️ Confidence
✔️ Trust
✔️ Stronger relationships

Sometimes the most powerful thing you can say is: “What’s my job?”

🎥 Watch Episode 5 to learn how letting go creates connection.