Local board asks community to vote ‘yes’

STEUBENVILLE -- One dollar in 1976 is equivalent to $5.52 today. That is a 448.91 percent cumulative inflation rate. And that is the money the Jefferson County Prevention and Recovery Board has to work with when helping others.

While the board has had its levies renewed since 1976, it has never had a levy replaced. As a result, all of the funding it provides to agencies to support treatment, prevention and recovery services for thousands of residents throughout the Ohio Valley is simply not enough.

Officials are asking voters throughout the community to vote "yes" for a 0.5-mill levy in the Nov. 5 election. By voting to replace the levy, board officials stated they can "make a significant impact on more residents."

Homeowners would pay $18 a year per $100,000 of appraised property valuation, with the approval of the levy, officials noted.

"The levy is needed to ensure access to essential services for individuals and families in Jefferson County," stated Executive Director Bill Holt.

"The Jefferson County Prevention and Recovery Board is excited to present this levy to the community as an opportunity to expand access to life-saving services for those people suffering from mental health and recovery needs," Holt added.

Last year, more than 2,750 individuals received mental health and substance use disorder treatment through the board system. There were 2,870 students who received prevention services -- almost all the children in Jefferson County.

"While we continue to make progress in Jefferson County addressing mental health and addiction, this levy will help us continue the battle and ensure further improvements with prevention, assessment and treatment services for children and adults," Holt said.

Approximately six in 10 Americans, or 56 percent, seek or want to seek mental health services -- either for themselves or for a loved one.

Throughout the country, 46.3 million people met the criteria for having a substance use disorder in the past year alone. The prevention and recovery board does not provide direct services to individuals. Rather, it funds the local agencies which provide those services.

Officials explained federal, state and local money for these services flows through the board to the contracting agencies.

Governed by a group who works without pay, the board ensures there is an array of services available to residents. The board is made up of five residents appointed by the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services and nine residents who are appointed by the Jefferson County Commissioners.

"The Prevention and Recovery Board provides essential funding for a robust safety net of mental health, recovery and prevention services," officials stated. "The board contracts with local agencies to deliver top-tier mental health, recovery, peer support and prevention services throughout Jefferson County. These agencies effectively assist thousands of individuals and families annually by delivering vital treatment and prevention services."

Without the levy's passage, the current level of services provided to those throughout Jefferson County would not be able to be maintained. Officials noted services would need to be either decreased or eliminated and the services for the working poor would be the most severely impacted.

The levy provides mental health services for children and families who cannot afford to pay.

Without the levy, these individuals would go untreated. It provides programming at area schools in order to help children cope with life's difficult problems. The levy provides support for individuals and families dealing with substance use disorders and help for individuals experiencing emotional stress and depression.

The levy provides funding for 24-hour crisis services that can relieve the burden on police and first responders and services to those who are severely mentally ill.

To learn about the levy, contact the board office at (740) 282-1300 or visit jcprb.org.