November 2025

Mental Health & Recovery Services Board
1 day ago
3 min read

National Family Caregivers Month and Local Agency Updates

National Family Caregivers Month | Plug-in to Care | Your connection to better caregiving.

Honoring Family Caregivers this Month

November is National Family Caregivers Month. It is a time to recognize the people who support a parent, child, spouse, partner, or friend who cannot manage alone. Caregivers help with daily tasks and medical needs. They also provide transportation and emotional support. Many do this while working or raising a family. Some manage their own health needs at the same time.

Caregiving can feel meaningful. It can also lead to stress and fatigue. Many caregivers put themselves last. This month serves as a reminder that their well-being matters. Simple steps can help. Taking short breaks. Asking for help. Learning about support services. Each step can protect mental health and prevent burnout.

There are national resources that offer tips, guidance, and connection. Caregivers can find tools at mhanational.org/caregiving. They can also learn more and get involved at NFCmonth.org. By raising awareness and sharing information, we help caregivers feel seen and supported.

Wings Support and Recovery Expands in Our Region

Wings Support and Recovery has opened a new location in Lima at 529 S. Elizabeth Street! The new sign is now up and the space is ready to welcome anyone who needs a safe place. This site is a place to turn when you’re not sure where to go.

529 S. Elizabeth St. on a sign with Wings Support & Recovery and PASS Prevention Awareness Support Services listed underneath.

Wings offers basic needs that help people regain stability. Guests can access showers and laundry. They can share a meal and take part in support groups. Peer recovery support is available and is provided by individuals in recovery who use their lived experience to help others. Staff also help connect individuals to local agencies and services that can address long-term needs. Free lunch is served Monday through Friday from 12 to 1 pm.

Wings continues to serve Hardin County as well. Both locations provide a calm space, a listening ear, and practical support. Learn more about Wings at wingsrecoveryohio.org.

Help and Support During the Holiday Season

The holidays can bring stress, loneliness, or crisis. Support is available close to home and around the clock. Here are three ways to get help and stay informed through the season:

HOPEline

Call 1-800-567-4673 (HOPE) for local, 24/7 support. You can also call or text 988 for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.

211

Call 211 to find food pantries, housing help, mental health services, and other community resources in Allen, Auglaize, and Hardin Counties. You can also search at allen211.org.

Notify Text Alerts

Get alerts about local health and safety concerns, drug trends, and mental health resources. Sign up by texting START to 888-701-2578 (ALRT).

Lethal Means Safety and Treatment Access Conference

The Lethal Means Safety and Treatment Access Conference took place at the Mercy Health GRE building. The event brought together mental health professionals, law enforcement, first responders, healthcare providers, and community leaders for a full day of learning and collaboration.

Therapy dogs were present to provide comfort. They also demonstrated how emotional support can help during discussions on difficult topics. Participants earned six CEUs and received practical tools for suicide prevention, cultural understanding, and firearm safety. Sessions focused on farming community wellness, veteran mental health, and ways to improve treatment access.

Speakers emphasized partnership and trust. They encouraged agencies to work together and make care easier to reach for those in need. The Mental Health and Recovery Services Board was proud to help sponsor this event and support dialogue that protects lives.

We Care Conversations

New episodes of the MHRSB podcast We Care Conversations are available! On the latest episode, Byron Selden shares his mission to connect students and behavioral health professionals with job opportunities, scholarships, grants, and continuing education resources. Tune in for practical advice and hope for those pursuing or advancing in behavioral health, as the journey of healing continues.