May 2025
- Mental Health & Recovery Services Board
- May 20
- 4 min read
Updated: May 21
Mental Health Awareness Month 2025
OhioMHAS and RecoveryOhio
Mental health has a profound impact on us all. Approximately one in five Ohioans is affected by mental illness. That’s why the Mental Health & Recovery Services Board of Allen, Auglaize, and Hardin Counties is joining with the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services and RecoveryOhio throughout the month of May to champion mental health awareness throughout the community in observance of Mental Health Awareness Month.
This annual event serves as a crucial platform for Ohio organizations to spotlight the accessibility of treatment and support, while dismantling stigma and creating dialogue to spread awareness about mental health.
The MHRSB is hosting Be Seen with Green to help raise awareness for Mental Health Awareness Month! Our communities are showing their green all month long to show residents and visitors the importance of mental health in all our lives. Participants are also sending in photos with their green to share on the MHRSB's social media. There's still time to participate! Show your green and send your photos to us in an email to wecarepeople2012@gmail.com or through a Facebook message.
All month RecoveryOhio is encouraging individuals to help defeat stigma by Taking the Pledge to End Stigma. By reducing stigma, we can help create an environment where individuals feel safe to pursue recovery, leading to better health outcomes and stronger communities. Participants will receive a badge to share on social media, as well as a certificate recognizing they are working to beat the stigma! RecoveryOhio is also spotlighting local events organized by county ADAMH Boards and community behavioral health organizations. Visit the RecoveryOhio Facebook page to submit your community event and find an event near you.
Resources like the Check In On Yourself campaign offer tools to enhance mental health by managing emotions, identifying stressors, and educating about self-care practices. For those experiencing mental health-related distress, the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline offers 24/7, free and confidential support through call, text, or chat with a trained specialist.
Ohio National Guard and PASS' Counterdrug Program Partner
Technical Sergeant Tony Graham of the Ohio National Guard Counterdrug Program was named DDRO Team Performer of the Year. Tony has partnered with PASS for the past two years.
He teaches the Catch My Breath vaping prevention program in schools across Allen, Auglaize, and Hardin counties. In the last year, he visited over 90 classrooms in 16 school districts. His work helps young people stay informed and make healthy choices!
Read more on PASS' blog at passaah.org/post/spotlight-on-tony-graham-and-the-ohio-national-guard.
Local Mental Health Awareness Breakfasts
The MHRSB hosted Mental Health Awareness Breakfasts in Hardin, Allen and Auglaize Counties. Each event brought people together to connect and learn about local behavioral health efforts for Mental Health Awareness Month.
Allen County
The Allen County Mental Health Awareness Breakfast was held at the Howard Johnson Hotel in Lima. Guests wore their Be Seen with Green t-shirts and ties and heard from Executive Director Tammie Colon and other community speakers.
MHRSB Board Member and Director of Community Health at St. Rita’s Medical Center–Mercy Health, Tyler Smith, shared why the event mattered. “This morning isn’t just about a meal, it’s about creating a space to collaborate, share ideas, and talk about what’s happening with mental health in our community.”
Tammie spoke about a key resource in the city. “Having a crisis stabilization unit in our city is a gem. Most communities don’t have that resource to bridge people from the emergency room to daily life.” She also talked about the need for strong local funding. “With changes coming to state and federal funding, local levy dollars are even more important. And we–you–determine how those funds are spent in our communities.”
Auglaize County
The Auglaize County Mental Health Awareness Breakfast took place at the Grand Plaza Ballroom in Wapakoneta. Guests wore their green gear and listened to several speakers. Commissioner Doug Spencer proclaimed May 2025 as Mental Health Awareness Month in Auglaize County.
Commissioner Spencer also reminded attendees of the importance of access during crisis. “When you’re in crisis, you need to know who to call. Thank you Tammie and the Mental Health Board and your providers.”
MHRSB Board Member Chad Dunlap shared a message of gratitude. “The Board is especially grateful for the community partners and citizens that continue to support the Board in addressing the very important issues affecting our families.” Executive Director Tammie Colon gave an update on local outcomes. “Suicides have decreased 14% in Auglaize County. We are highly impressed and will take what we’ve learned in this county to our other counties.”
Hardin County
The Hardin County Mental Health Awareness Breakfast took place at The Inn at Ohio Northern University. The event focused on working together and making progress.
Executive Director Tammie Colon shared updates on local efforts. She talked about school navigators in every district and support for people leaving jail. She also shared an important milestone. Hardin County has seen 36 fewer overdoses in the past year. Tammie reminded everyone of the Board’s commitment to local needs, “I look at them [a client] and I think, ‘Would this decision help them? Would it help their family?’ We weigh every decision carefully.”
Russ Thomas, Executive Director of We Care Regional Quality Recovery Housing, shared the impact of recovery housing. “Over 25 clients are now living self-sustaining lives.” Commissioner Fred Rush proclaimed May 2025 as Mental Health Awareness Month in Hardin County.
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