Mental Health and Recovery for Licking and Knox Counties

08/09/2025

🎡 30 years of dedication + one big fair day! 🎡
Connie White and Randy Anderson—bringing a combined three decades of board experience—spent the final day of the Hartford Fair having fun and connecting with our community at our booth. 💛

Thanks to everyone who stopped by to say hello—you make our work possible! 🙌

08/08/2025

08/07/2025

Mental Health & Recovery for Licking and Knox Counties (MHR Board) is announcing the renewal of its local Licking and Knox County levies on the upcoming November ballot. These levies are not a new tax, but a continued investment in the health and safety of our community.

Each year, these levies provide over $4 million in funding—representing at least 40% of the MHR Board’s total budget. These dollars impact the lives of local residents and ensure access to prevention, treatment, and recovery support for individuals and families impacted by mental illness and addiction.

“Renewing these levies means protecting the services that make a difference every single day—from 24/7 crisis response to youth prevention in our schools, urgent care for mental health needs, and recovery housing,” said Kay Spergel, Executive Director. “This is our community's safety nets for each county.”

In 2024 alone:
• Over 5,245 crisis calls were answered through the 211 hotline.
• 2,545 individuals received same-day care at local behavioral health urgent care clinics.
• Over 24,000 people accessed services funded by the levy—from children in classrooms to adults rebuilding their lives in recovery.

The renewal levy ensures:
• Continued funding for 211 and 988 crisis lines
• Behavioral health urgent care and mobile crisis response
• Addiction treatment, mental health counseling, and housing supports
• School-based prevention and su***de education programs
• Services for seniors, families, and survivors of domestic violence

These levies are not a tax increase. It simply extends each community’s ongoing commitment to accessible, local behavioral health services.

"Your vote is a vote for hope, healing, and a healthier future for everyone in Licking and Knox Counties," said Spergel.

How You Can Help
• Vote YES to renew the MHR Board levy in November.
• Share why mental health matters to you using the hashtag
• Encourage your friends, family, and neighbors to learn about the services this levy funds.

For more information about MHR Board services or the levy renewal, visit www.mhrlk.org/vote-yes or follow us on social media .

Mental Health and Recovery for Licking and Knox Counties is responsible for the planning, funding, and monitoring of mental health, addiction, and recovery services in Licking and Knox Counties. This… Continue reading Vote Yes

08/06/2025

Mental health and substance use challenges can affect students, parents and families year-round. As the school year begins, know that confidential support is available.

Visit: samhsa.gov/find-help

08/06/2025

Visit our Mobile team at KCH this Monday!

08/05/2025

Come see us tonight at National Night Out and sign up for a free medication safe!

08/01/2025

🎡 Come see us at the Hartford Fair! 🎡
The Mental Health & Recovery Board will be at our booth all week—stop by, say hello, and grab some free resources to support your mental wellness.

📍 Find us in the Commerce Building!
We can’t wait to meet you. 🧡

08/01/2025

Mental Health First Aid for Older Adults – Two-Part Series
Join us for this important hands-on training focused on supporting the mental health of older adults.
Tuesday, August 26 and Wednesday, August 27
9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Heritage Hall, 1058 East Main Street, Newark

Learn how to identify, understand, and respond to signs of mental illness and substance use in older adults. This two-part course will equip you with practical skills to help someone in crisis or at risk.

RSVP by Tuesday, August 12. Call (740) 345-0821 to reserve your spot.

07/30/2025

🌼 Wellness Wednesday: Keep the Wellness Momentum Going 🌼

The end of Minority Mental Health Month doesn’t mean the conversation is over!

💡 Keep prioritizing wellness by:

✨ Scheduling time for self-care.

✨ Checking in with friends and family about their mental health.

✨ Supporting minority-led mental health initiatives.

Wellness is a journey, not a destination. Let’s continue walking this path together. 💛

07/29/2025

🛠️ Toolbox Tuesday: Take Action for Minority Mental Health 🛠️

As we wrap up this month, let’s focus on equipping ourselves and others with tools for long-term mental health care:

✅ Bookmark mental health resources for BIPOC communities.

✅ Explore cultural practices that promote healing and balance.

✅ Share what you’ve learned this month with your network.

These tools are just the beginning—keep building and sharing your mental wellness toolkit year-round!