Writer: community needs to support MHRB levy

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Editor:

I am writing in support of the Preble County Mental Health and Recovery Board and the upcoming levy in November. The passing of this levy is key for the continuance of mental health services and support to our youth.

Do you know over 20 percent of children and youth suffer from mental health disorders and only about 50 percent of those youth receive treatment?

That suicide is the 3rd leading cause of death in youth ages 10-14 and 2nd leading cause of death in youth ages 15-24?

That in Preble County, we have nearly 28 percent of our middle and high school youth at risk for depression, 11 percent report thinking seriously about suicide, and nine percent report attempting suicide?

These are a few of the many reasons our community needs to support the levy in November.

PCMHRB provides funds allowing full-time mental health therapists to provide support to youth in the schools. PCMHRB provides funds for annual suicide prevention programming for all youth, grades 5th-12th, in all five county schools. In addition, PCMHRB provides funds and support for the five districts, in collaboration with staff from Gebhart Counseling Solutions LLC to develop HOPE Squads at the high school level. HOPE Squads are comprised of high school students chosen to be leaders within their schools to assist with suicide prevention and awareness efforts.

With the support from the PCMHRB, we were able to provide mental health support to nearly 700 youth across our county last school year. Please join me in voting yes for the PCMHRB levy in November. Our children and community deserve it!

Michelle Gebhart

Gebhart Counseling Solutions LLC

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