Emergency Preparedness & Community Support
Disaster and Response
Behavioral health resources and crisis support to help individuals, families, and communities recover before, during, and after a disaster.
Purpose
The purpose of the Mental Health Disaster and Response Plan is to guide an effective behavioral health response to disasters affecting our community by providing a clear framework for operations and coordination within our communities. Each county’s annex includes provisions for a necessary mental health response post a mass casualty and/or other natural disaster event, including the immediate response which is available 24/7 as well as the long-term mental health treatment services.
Bipartisan Safer Communities Act (BSCA) Grant
The Bipartisan Safer Community Act (BSCA) provides state funding opportunities to address behavioral health system preparedness and community emergency preparedness. It aids in preparing responses that will offset the traumatic experiences and lingering consequences of tragedies that may happen within our Ohio communities, such as natural disasters, mass shootings, and other large-scale man-made, terrorist, or other violent events. This programming ensures that behavioral health providers and professionals have a coordinated rapid response plan by establishing the necessary statewide and local partnerships, policies, procedures, and protocols that create the systemic changes necessary to immediately deploy the essential behavioral health supports and resources in the aftermath of such tragedies.
Helpful Organizations
988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
988 - Call, Text, or Chat
Available 24/7/365
The 988 Lifeline provides support for people in suicidal crisis or mental health-related distress in the moments they need it most and in a manner that is person-centered.
Mobile Crisis Response Team (MCRT)
Seneca, Ottawa, Sandusky, Wyandot, & Huron County: 8:00 am – 11:00 pm
Erie County: 3pm – 11pm
MCRT is responsible for descaling mental health crisis situations and connecting citizens with the resources they require.
Critical Incident Stress Management Team (CISM)
CISM members are not immediately available but can convene within a short time if needed 24/7/365.
CISM will conduct debriefs, defusing and other evidence-based programs to help reduce the amount of stress associated with the tragic event. CISM would conduct follow-up care and programs based on the level of need for all involved in the event including citizens, public safety, and others.
The North Central Behavioral Health Board
8:00am - 4:30pm
Monday-Friday
The North Central Behavioral Health Board is a local entity that is empowered to plan, develop, fund, administer, and evaluate the local system of behavioral health and addiction services.
Steering Committee Members
- MHRS Board of Seneca, Ottawa, Sandusky and Wyandot Counties: Executive Director and Community Outreach Coordinator
- Connections Recovery Services: Executive Director and/or representative
- Seneca County Sheriff’s Office: Sheriff and/or representative
- Seneca County Emergency Management Agency: Director and/or representative
- Seneca County General Health District: Health Commissioner and/or representative
- Ottawa County Sheriff’s Office: Sheriff and/or representative
- Ottawa County Emergency Management Agency: Director and/or representative
- Ottawa County General Health District: Health Commissioner and/or representative
- Wyandot County Sheriff’s Office: Sheriff and/or representative
- Wyandot County Emergency Management Agency: Director and/or representative
- Wyandot County Public Health: Health Commissioner and/or representative