Governor DeWine Announces Plan for Statewide Expansion of Youth Mobile Behavioral Health Service
 Ohio Governor Mike DeWine held a press conference at Hopewell Elementary School in Dublin today to lay out plans for the statewide expansion of Mobile Response and Stabilization Services (MRSS).
(DUBLIN, Ohio)—Ohio Governor Mike DeWine held a press conference at Hopewell Elementary School in Dublin today to lay out plans for the statewide expansion of Mobile Response and Stabilization Services (MRSS).
MRSS is a service that provides immediate help for children and young adults 20 and under who are experiencing overwhelming mental, emotional, or behavioral distress. With MRSS, when a crisis like this occurs, a team of trained professionals responds within 60 minutes directly to the young person’s home, school, or any other location to de-escalate the crisis and provide ongoing support – all at no cost to the young person or their family.
“MRSS is one of the most important tools we have at our disposal to respond quickly and effectively when a child is experiencing a crisis,” said Governor DeWine. “Last year, I announced that we wanted to take this service statewide. Now, that goal is becoming a reality. It’s another example of how we’re protecting the mental health of our young people so they can reach their full potential.”
 Last year, Governor DeWine announced his intention to take MRSS statewide. Now, that goal is becoming a reality.
Previously only available in certain areas of the state, the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (OhioMHAS) and the Ohio Department of Medicaid (ODM) have teamed up with a network of regional partners that will allow MRSS to cover the whole state for the first time.
During Monday’s event, Governor DeWine announced that 12 different organizations have been selected to provide MRSS services across the state. These organizations will cover 18 regions, enabling response teams to get to any location in the state in less than 60 minutes after receiving a call though Ohio’s 988 Suicide and Crisis Hotline.
 Twelve different organizations have been selected to provide MRSS services across the state. These organizations will cover 18 regions, enabling response teams to get to any location in the state in less than 60 minutes.
MRSS also offers up to six weeks of stabilization care, including in-home services, and connects families with peer support, skill-building opportunities, and prevention resources.
“By offering both initial response and follow-up services, MRSS helps to keep young people at home and prevents unnecessary visits to emergency departments and strain on other local resources,” said OhioMHAS Director LeeAnne Cornyn. “We know this program works. It ensures kids and families receive the type of help they need when they need it, and it’s comforting for parents to know that they don’t have to figure out how to navigate these situations alone. Help is just a phone call away.”
 OhioMHAS Director LeeAnne Cornyn spoke at Monday's press conference.
The Hopewell Elementary community has seen the protective power of MRSS firsthand. Earlier this year, a student was experiencing a significant behavioral health crisis at school. In collaboration with the student’s family, Hopewell staff got in touch with the local MRSS provider in Franklin County, which immediately sent a team to the school.
“Clinicians from Nationwide Children’s Hospital arrived within the hour and partnered seamlessly with our student, their family, and our school team to develop a very clear plan for services, counseling and, most importantly, ongoing care,” said Hopewell Elementary School Principal Susann Wittig. “Today, I’m happy to share that our student is thriving. They are learning, growing, and fully engaged in the classroom each day. Their family has also reported they’ve seen tremendous growth, not only at home, but in the community as well. This student is a powerful example of how timely and effective mental health supports can positively change a child’s life.”
 Hopewell Elementary School Principal Susann Wittig spoke at Monday's press conference.
“Governor DeWine, thank you for your unwavering commitment to Ohio’s children,” Principal Wittig added. “Your leadership and expansion of programs like MRSS ensure that students all across the state have immediate access to high quality mental health supports.”
Governor DeWine was also joined for the press conference by Regan Heynoski and Keya Pandya, two students from Dublin Jerome High School and co-leaders of Teen Institute – the district’s peer-led prevention program that focuses on things like mental health, suicide prevention, and substance use prevention.
 Governor DeWine was also joined for the press conference by Regan Heynoski and Keya Pandya, two students from Dublin Jerome High School and co-leaders of Teen Institute –the district’s peer-led prevention program that focuses on things like mental health, suicide prevention, and substance use prevention.
“Having an option like MRSS – one that feels approachable and meets students where they are – will make such a difference,” said Heynoski. “It will help normalize getting help and removes the fear that too often keeps students from reaching out.”
“MRSS makes it easier to step in early – before a situation becomes critical,” said Pandya. “As students leading prevention efforts in our schools, we know that the right support at the right time can change everything, and we're excited to see more students across Ohio get the help that they need to thrive.”
OhioMHAS and ODM have worked together to create a first-of-its-kind administrative model that ensures those who use this resource get help, regardless of their ability to pay. MRSS will become a service available under the OhioRISE program.
“When a young person is in crisis, there is no time to waste in getting them the specialized help they need,” said ODM Director Maureen Corcoran. “This program and its expansion will put that emergency help within reach for kids, parents, teachers, and communities all across Ohio.”
Each Regional MRSS Provider (RMP) is responsible for all aspects of MRSS support in their area, including initial dispatch, de-escalation, stabilization, data monitoring, and quality care assurance.
MRSS will be available in all 88 counties in the coming months. Within 60 days, each of the selected RMPs must be certified to provide MRSS in accordance with specifications in OhioMHAS rule 5122-29-14 and the MRSS Practice Standards, including any subsequent versions, among other requirements.
OhioMHAS and ODM will also coordinate with the Ohio Department Children and Youth to achieve statewide expansion of MRSS.
Additional Media Contacts:
Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services
Eric Wandersleben, Director of Media Relations and Outreach
614-728-5090
[email protected]
Ohio Department of Medicaid
Stephanie O’Grady, Chief Communications Officer
614-357-7698
Stephanie.O'[email protected]
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