Front row: Ohio Department of Behavioral Health Director Tia Marcel Moretti, Board Member Ruth Watson, Board Member Lenora Minor, Representative Kellie Deeter, Executive Director Mircea Handru, Ottawa County Commissioner Mark Stahl. Back row: Representative Gary Click, Huron County Commissioner Tom Dunlap, Assistant Vice President of Behavioral Health for Firelands Regional Medical Center Tracey Campbell
July 1, 2026 – The Mental Health and Recovery Services Board of Seneca, Ottawa, Sandusky and Wyandot Counties and the Huron County Mental Health and Addiction Services Board has consolidated to form a new, five-county district, known as the North Central Behavioral Health Board. This consolidation brings an array of benefits to residents of the new behavioral health district consisting of Seneca, Huron, Ottawa, Sandusky and Wyandot counties. Residents will have access to enhanced services, including expanded crisis response services, access to regional mental health housing, recovery and transitional housing, and opportunities for multi-county projects.
Local and statewide officials, including Huron County Commissioner President Tom Dunlap, gathered on July 1 for the Merger Day Celebration in Norwalk. “This consolidation shows accountability of managing public funds, reduction of overhead expenses, and increased funding for behavioral health services. The goal is to enhance access and quality of services to individuals in need,” explained Dunlap. Ohio Department of Behavioral Health Director Tia Marcel Moretti was also in attendance and shared her passion for systems coordination. Moretti emphasized the importance of developing a system to serve clients through appropriate services and collaboration among local entities.
Mircea Handru, Executive Director of the North Central Behavioral Health Board, stated, “I would like to express appreciation for the previous and current volunteer board members and county commissioners throughout the five counties for being very supportive of this consolidation. Our priorities are to make decisions that are in the best interests of the individuals that we serve, be financially responsible in managing public funds, and ensure accountability for our contracted providers. Through collaboration with our local providers, we will serve clients and family members with enhanced service quality, accountability, and transparency.”
For a list of behavioral health resources, visit the North Central Behavioral Health Board website.