Marion Organizations Continue Collaboration To Strengthen Behavioral Health Support

Key Takeaways:

• 23 Marion-area agencies are collaborating to improve access to behavioral health, addiction and developmental disability resources.
• Organizations are focusing on better communication, resource navigation, crisis response and targeted outreach.
• A free community town hall on Oct. 20 will bring together professionals, families and community members to continue the conversation.

Marion-area organizations are continuing to work together to strengthen how individuals and families connect with behavioral health, addiction and developmental disability resources.

Representatives from 23 Marion-area agencies first came together Sept. 9 for a summit focused on improving coordination and identifying opportunities to work more effectively across organizations. The group met again Oct. 7 to build on that conversation and identify priorities for continued collaboration.

The events are presented in collaboration with OhioHealth Marion General Hospital, The Ohio State University at Marion, Marion Community Foundation, Marion County Courts, ADAMH and the Marion County Board of Developmental Disabilities.

The Oct. 7 work session focused on four areas: communication and resources, system navigation, crisis response and targeted outreach. Across the groups, participants discussed ways to better connect existing resources and make it easier for people to find support.

“We all have some small part of it that we do,” said Judge Larry Heiser of the Marion County Family Court. “If we become aware of the other parts, the resources that are available and the people behind them, then we have the ability to pick up the phone and make those connections.”

Heiser said the initiative is helping organizations better coordinate services for individuals and families they often serve in common. The needs he sees often extend beyond the court system, making connections to resources for housing, medication management, appointments and social support especially important.

Dallas Erdmann, MD, OhioHealth system chief, Behavioral Health, said the challenge is not necessarily a lack of resources, but making sure people know how to find and navigate those resources when they need them.

“There are a lot of touch points where people can enter the behavioral health and substance use system,” Dr. Erdmann said. “It can be difficult for an individual or a family to know where to go. Those of us that work in the system understand the resources that are there, but I think it’s very challenging if you’re the average citizen out there that finds themself in need.”

He said Marion's organizations are well positioned to make progress with this.

“What has most impressed me is the degree of collaboration,” Dr. Erdmann said. “All of these organizations coming together so that we can unify in the message that’s being sent and achieve some common goals.”

Judge Teresa Ballinger of Marion Municipal Court said the effort reflects Marion's willingness to come together around complex needs affecting local families.

“We are a community of action,” Ballinger said. “As with poverty and addiction and now with behavioral health and developmental disabilities, our community is coming together to better address issues of family needs, agency navigation and collaboration with all involved.”

The collaboration will continue with a community event from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 20, at Marion First Church of the Nazarene, 233 W. Church St., Marion. The event is free and open to the public. Those who serve, support or care for adults and families affected by behavioral health, addiction or developmental disabilities are encouraged to attend.

“It is critical to our community’s success that we create opportunities for open dialogue with the professionals, families and individuals who work with and rely on services for developmental disabilities and behavioral health challenges every day,” said Cheryl Plaster, superintendent of the Marion County Board of Developmental Disabilities. “We are proud to be part of this collaborative effort and look forward to continuing the conversation and learning directly from those we serve at the town hall meeting on Oct. 20.”

For more information on the upcoming community event, call 740-383-8626.