March 2025
- Mental Health & Recovery Services Board
- Mar 27
- 4 min read
Updated: Mar 28
Mental Health in Our Rural Communities
The Mental Health & Recovery Services Board of Allen, Auglaize, and Hardin Counties serves all our communities with dedication. And each community has unique challenges. Our struggles may look different from place to place. But one thing is true: we all need help and support.
Unique Challenges In Rural Communities
Mental health support can feel far away for many living in rural areas. And sometimes they are. Services located in Lima are available to everyone in all three counties. But help is available in our more rural communities. There are We Care Centers in Kenton, Wapakoneta, and St. Marys. They provide counseling, crisis support, and mental health resources. Find their locations:
Coleman Health Services at colemanservices.org/contact
Kenton: (419) 675-2243
St. Marys: (419) 300-7630
Wapakoneta: (567) 242-6377
Family Resource Center
Kenton at frcohio.com/locations/kenton-campus or (419) 679-1219
St. Marys at frcohio.com/locations/st-marys-campus or (419) 394-7451
Wings Support & Recovery
Kenton at wingsrecoveryohio.org/contact-us or (937) 642-9555
Lighthouse Behavioral Health Solutions
Kenton at at lighthousebhsolutions.com/location/kenton-sober-living-facility or (614) 334-6903
Another common barrier in rural communities is transportation. Some people may not be able to drive to appointments or support services. Local organizations are working to provide travel options so you or your child can get the care you need. Please reach out if you’re struggling to reach services.
Call 211 for community resources like finding a ride.
Finding Mental Health Support Where You Are
The MHRSB works hard to reach people where they are. Community centers play a key role in supporting mental well-being. Schools, churches, libraries, and even local events like county fairs serve as gathering places. Not sure where to start? These community hubs can connect you to support and MHRSB-funded resources.
Mental Health First Aid trains people to respond to mental health challenges. There is also Youth Mental Health First Aid for helping kids! These programs are valuable in rural communities. Our neighbors and teachers often act as the first line of support. Learn more about hosting a training at wecarepeople.org/mhfa.
Mental health support is available for farm and agricultural families. A great support is the Rural and Farm Stress resource. Learn more at u.osu.edu/farmstress.
4-H members can also explore mental health through a new 4-H Project! The Ohio 4-H Healthy Living provides information, ideas, and inspiration for health. Hardin County Ohio State Extension educators Jami Dellifield and Amanda Raines developed it. Learn more at u.osu.edu/4hjournal/category/4-h-projects.
Social media can add a lot of stress for students. While it provides connection, it also brings things like pressure and comparison. Parents and guardians can help their kids navigate this stress. Talk to your kid. Our Let’s Talk program has videos and tools to start these important conversations. Learn more at wecarepeople.org/letstalk.
All types of people across all demographics need help. Our struggles are more similar than different, with unique factors based on our communities. Whether in a city or small town, we all need support and connection to community. If you or a loved one are in crisis, call the 24/7 local HOPEline at 1-800-567-4673. You can also call or text the national lifeline at 988.
New MHRSB Podcast!
The Mental Health & Recovery Services Board is always looking to respond to our community's needs by providing new resources or educational opportunities for mental health and recovery. We recently launched our new podcast called We Care Conversations.
We Care Conversations is an exciting video podcast to learn more about mental health and how people recover from different issues. It's made by the MHRSB in partnership with Modo Media. The hosts are Cody Ridenour and Elisa Bradley. Every month, we will have a new episode where they talk with experts and professionals.
Learn more about the podcast at wecarepeople.org/podcast.
Upcoming Events
The Mental Health & Recovery Services Board, along with our partner agencies, host events and awareness campaigns throughout the year. Check out upcoming events for spring 2025!
Be Seen with Green 2025
May is just around the corner, which means it's almost Mental Health Awareness Month. Your Mental Health & Recovery Services Board is helping raise awareness by hosting our annual Be Seen with Green! Participate any day in May by showing your green.
Ways you can raise awareness:
Wear your green — Anything you already own or a Be Seen with Green t-shirt!
Light the outside of your business or home in green, lightbulbs provided by MHRSB
Businesses and churches display Be Seen with Green window clings, provided by MHRSB
Have special green items for sale
Any other way to be seen with green
For light bulb and window cling pick up information, contact Trish Terry at trisha@mhrsb.org or 419-222-5120 Ext.125.
Send us your photos with green in an email to wecarepeople2012@gmail.com or through a Facebook message! We'll share them to our social. Share your photos all month long in May!
Our 2025 Be Seen with Green T-shirts are only $5. Past years' shirts will work if you already have one! We have additional items too, like sweatshirts and polos.
The deadline to order is April 7 at https://beseen2025.itemorder.com.
Better Sleep with Dr. Jade Wu
Better Sleep with Dr. Jade Wu is on April 10, 2025! Hosted by Family Resource Center and The Findlay-Hancock County Community Foundation.
Dr. Jade Wu is a Board-certified sleep psychologist, researcher, and speaker. She will help us all learn more about the foundation of sleep health and our relationship with sleep. This paradigm-shifting workshop will reframe the way we approach sleep and Dr. Wu will challenge conventional advice, teach practical solutions, and offer insights that go far deeper than “sleep hygiene."
Register for the 60-minute virtual session on Zoom.
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