Mental Health Month
May is Mental Health Month! While 1 in 5 people will experience a mental illness during their lifetime, everyone faces challenges in life that can impact their mental health. One way to check in on yourself is to take our mental health screening quiz. It’s a quick, free, and private way for someone to assess their mental health and recognize when treatment might be appropriate.
Mental Health Rocks!
In honor of Mental Health Month, the Stark County Suicide Prevention Coalition (SPC) invites you to paint rocks with positive messages and then place them all throughout Stark County for people to find. Please share a picture of your rock or any rocks that you find to their Facebook Page.

Telehealth is Here
Whether you are new to professional mental health support or have been in treatment before, help is here. Telehealth provides video and/or telephone counseling support due to increased worry, stress, loneliness, and other factors related to COVID-19. Intake, assessments, and treatment can be done safely from the comfort of your home. Find a trusted, local provider through the StarkMHAR Care Network below.
Community Outreach
This week, conversation cards and mobile response publications were distributed to the community via school meal pickup sites throughout the county – but anyone can access both resources any time on our website!
Think ROSC!
StarkMHAR is asking behavioral health providers and the community to “Think ROSC!” Over the next year, we will be working with our system partners to create a Recovery Oriented System of Care (ROSC) in Stark County. A ROSC is a coordinated network of community-based services and supports that is person-centered and builds on the strengths and resiliency of individuals, families, and communities to achieve abstinence and improved health, wellness, and quality of life for those with or at risk of alcohol and drug problems.

A well-planned and well-run ROSC will address the needs of people with mental health challenges, substance use disorders, and any possible combination. It will also ensure services are available at any level of care needed in the community and allow for smooth transitions in treatment and recovery for individuals of any age.
24/7 Help Still Available for Domestic Violence
Elevated stress, uncertainty and drastic changes in day-to-day life all contribute to negative outcomes, including a local increase in incidents of domestic violence. If you are in danger, call the Domestic Violence Project Hotline at 330-453-SAFE (7233) or the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233).
COVID-19 & Behavioral Health Services
Nearly all Stark County behavioral health agencies are OPEN during the COVID-19 outbreak! We do not recommend skipping behavioral health appointments during the outbreak. Telehealth services are available to patients. Please contact your behavioral healthcare provider for more information.

For up-to-date announcements regarding COVID-19 and behavioral health services in Stark County, please visit our website or follow our Facebook page.
Box Breathing
Difficulty coping with emotions can contribute to mental health and substance use issues; however, the ability to manage emotions is a skill that can be improved with practice. Box breathing is a technique used to help calm the body and quiet the mind. Try it with us!
Free Gun Locks
With the current increase in gun purchases, and youth spending more time at home, please consider securing your guns with a gun lock. They are available for free from most local police departments. Check with your police department today!
Clinical E-News
Sign up for the StarkMHAR Clinical E-News, a monthly e-newsletter for behavioral health professionals in Stark County!
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You are receiving this eNewsletter because you, or your organization, works within the Stark County system of caring for children and families with mental health and/or addiction-related challenges, or because you have signed up to receive StarkMHAR updates.