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Mental Health America of Licking County

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United States
Newark, OH
Mental Health America of Licking County

Our mission: To empower our community through education, prevention and advocacy, fostering a culture of mental wellness.

Our vision: To thrive in a world free from mental health stigma.

03/19/2026

🧠✨ It’s Brain Awareness Week
(March 16–22, 2026)! ✨🧠

This week is all about celebrating the incredible 3-pound supercomputer inside our heads — the organ that lets us think, feel, dream, laugh, love, and create every single day.

Did you know your brain:

• Generates enough electricity to power a small light bulb

• Has about 86 billion neurons working together like a massive, living internet

• Keeps learning and rewiring itself your whole life (hello, neuroplasticity! 🌱)

Whether it’s research unlocking new treatments for Alzheimer’s, depression, epilepsy, or just understanding why we forget where we put our keys 😅 — brain science touches every part of our lives.
So today, take a moment to appreciate your brain! Drink some water, get a little movement in, learn one new fact, or simply thank your mind for getting you through another day.

03/11/2026

March is National Sleep Awareness Month—a time to recognize how important quality sleep is for both our physical and mental health. 💤

Sleep plays a critical role in how we think, feel, and handle daily stress. When we get enough rest, our minds are better able to focus, regulate emotions, and maintain a positive outlook. On the other hand, lack of sleep can contribute to irritability, difficulty concentrating, increased stress, and can even worsen symptoms of anxiety or depression.

Prioritizing healthy sleep habits—such as maintaining a regular bedtime, limiting screen time before bed, and creating a calm sleep environment—can make a big difference in how we feel each day.

This month is a great reminder to check in with yourself and make sleep a priority. A well-rested mind is a healthier mind.

03/08/2026

Thank you tremendously to everyone who attended and supported our annual Night of Hope fundraiser yesterday at Licking Springs Country Club! It was a lively evening filled with great company, auction items, and entertainment from Big Bad Stache!

03/04/2026

March is Self-Harm Awareness Month

Self-harm (also known as non-suicidal self-injury) is a serious coping response to overwhelming emotional pain, distress, or trauma — and it affects people of all ages, backgrounds, and walks of life. Far too often, shame and stigma keep those who are struggling silent, and prevent them from reaching out for the support they deserve.

This month, we shine a light on the reality:

• Self-harm is not about seeking attention.

• It is not a failed su***de attempt.

• It is a sign of deep emotional suffering that deserves understanding, not judgment.

If you or someone you care about is hurting themselves — through cutting, burning, hitting, or other forms of self-injury — please know that help is available and recovery is possible.

You are not alone.

You are worthy of kindness and healing.

There are healthier ways to cope, and caring professionals who want to help you find them.

Ways to show support this month:

🧡 Wear or share the orange ribbon — the international symbol of self-harm awareness and hope

🧡 Listen without judgment if someone opens up to you

🧡 Learn the signs and how to respond compassionately

🧡 Share accurate information to reduce stigma

If you’re in crisis or need someone to talk to right now:

📞 Call or text 988 (Su***de & Crisis Lifeline — 24/7)

💬 Text HOME to 741741 (Crisis Text Line)

Healing begins with one brave step — reaching out. Let’s replace silence with compassion and isolation with connection this March and every month after.

02/24/2026

It’s National Eating Disorders Awareness Week (February 23–March 1, 2026), and the theme this year from the National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA) is Every BODY Belongs. This is a time to raise awareness, challenge stigma, and remind everyone that eating disorders affect people of all ages, sizes, races, genders, and backgrounds—about 30 million Americans alone.

Eating disorders are serious mental health conditions, not choices or phases. They often go hand-in-hand with other mental health struggles like depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, obsessive thoughts, trauma, or even substance use. For many, disordered eating becomes a way to cope with overwhelming emotions, control what’s hard to manage, or deal with body image pressures amplified by society, social media, and diet culture. The mental toll can be devastating—leading to isolation, shame, suicidal thoughts, or a cycle where the eating disorder worsens the mental health issues, and vice versa.

Recovery is possible, and it starts with breaking the silence, seeking help early, and showing compassion to ourselves and others. If you or someone you love is struggling, you’re not alone—reach out. Resources like the NEDA Helpline (text or call), screening tools, or a trusted therapist/doctor can make a huge difference.

Let’s commit to change this week and beyond: fight stigma, promote body acceptance, and support mental health for every body.

NADA Helpline: 1-80-931-2237
Text NEDA to 741741

02/19/2026

* Hey Licking County Parents & Caregivers - Want Easier, Happier Days with Your Kids?

Parenting is rewarding... but let's be real, it's also exhausting sometimes!
Whether you're dealing with toddler meltdowns, school-age sass, or just wanting stronger connections, you're not alone.

Join this FREE 5-Week Triple P Positive Parenting Course - a proven program that helps thousands of families build confidence, reduce stress, and enjoy parenting more!

You'll meet other local parents, learn practical strategies, and get personalized one-on-one support (2 sessions!) to make it all work for YOUR family.

Please feel free to share!

02/11/2026

We warmly invite you to stop by and visit Kitty Roahrig, who is representing Mental Health America (MHA) and our Parent Support Program, at the Community Service Expo.

02/11/2026

If you are interested in supporting someone you know, volunteering in homelessness services, or educating yourself to provide more effective assistance to individuals experiencing homelessness, please take time to learn about the complex role that mental health challenges can play in a person's life circumstances and decisions.

Overall Homelessness in the US (2024 PIT Count)

• On a single night in January 2024, 771,480 people experienced homelessness — an 18% increase from 2023 and the highest recorded level.

• This included about 497,000 sheltered and 274,000 unsheltered.

• Chronic homelessness (long-term or repeated homelessness with a disabling condition, often including mental health issues) affected 152,585 individuals, a record high.

Mental Health Among People Experiencing Homelessness

• According to HUD’s 2024 data, 18.1% of people experiencing homelessness (or about 140,000 adults) had a serious mental illness (SMI, such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or severe depression).

• A 2024 systematic review and meta-analysis (published in JAMA Psychiatry, covering studies mainly from the US, Canada, and Europe with over 48,000 participants) found:

• Current prevalence of any mental health disorder among people experiencing homelessness: 67%.

• Lifetime prevalence: 77%.

• Specific disorders included substance use disorder (44%), antisocial personality disorder (26%), major depression (19%), bipolar disorder (8%), and schizophrenia (7%).

• Rates are often higher among unsheltered individuals and those with chronic homelessness.

Comparison to the General Population

• In the general US adult population (2024 data from SAMHSA/NSDUH):

• About 23.4% experienced any mental illness (around 61.5 million people).

• 5.6% experienced serious mental illness (around 14.6 million people).

• Adults experiencing homelessness were significantly more likely to have SMI (22% per KFF/HUD analysis) compared to the general population’s 5-6%.

• Substance use disorder was also higher: 18% among homeless adults vs. about 3% for severe SUD in the general population.

• Importantly, while mental health challenges are disproportionately common among homeless populations, the majority of people experiencing homelessness do not have severe mental illness, and most Americans with mental health or substance use disorders do not experience homelessness. Homelessness is driven primarily by factors like housing affordability crises, economic inequality, and lack of support systems — with mental health issues often exacerbated by (rather than solely causing) homelessness.

02/04/2026

This Black History Month, let’s honor resilience while shining a light on mental health in Black communities.

Mental health matters, and the facts remind us why awareness is crucial:

• 19.7% of Black and African American adults experienced a mental health condition in the past year, with 4.7% facing serious mental illness. (SAMHSA data)

• Black adults often face persistent emotional distress, influenced by factors like discrimination, systemic barriers, and historical trauma—leading to higher rates of conditions that can feel more disabling.

• The su***de rate among Black youth has risen faster than in any other racial/ethnic group in recent decades. From 2018–2021, rates for ages 10–24 increased 36.6%, and attempts among Black high school students remain disproportionately high. Su***de is the third leading cause of death for Black/African American youth ages 10–24.
These challenges are real, but so is hope: Mental health conditions are treatable, and support is available. Breaking the stigma starts with open conversations, community care, and seeking help without shame.

If you or someone you know is struggling:

• Text HOME to 741741 (Crisis Text Line)

• Call or text 988 (Su***de & Crisis Lifeline)

• Reach out to a trusted friend, family
member, or culturally competent provider.

Your mental health is worth fighting for. Let’s prioritize healing, access, and support this month and always.

01/30/2026

January is Financial Wellness Awareness Month—a great reminder to check in on our financial health, set realistic goals, and make informed decisions that support long-term stability and peace of mind.

01/28/2026

How does snow typically affect your mood?

Snow can influence mood by encouraging mindfulness and increasing engagement with the natural environment. Because snowfall is temporary, it often draws attention to the present moment, which can promote mindfulness and reduce stress. Research shows that spending time in nature is associated with improved physical health, increased energy levels, and greater psychological resilience.
These factors contribute to enhanced mental and emotional well-being, helping individuals feel calmer, more balanced, and emotionally refreshed.

Address

65 Messimer Drive
Newark, OH
43055

Opening Hours

Monday	8am - 4:30pm
Tuesday	8am - 4:30pm
Wednesday	8am - 4:30pm
Thursday	8am - 4:30pm
Friday	8am - 4:30pm

Website

http://www.mhalc.org/

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