‘Very emotional issue;’ ADAMHS seeking public opinion on what services to implement

DAYTON — The Alcohol, Drug, and Mental Health Services (ADAMHS) has scheduled public meetings to learn what health services the community is looking for.

>>RELATED: County leaders pen letter criticizing handling of crisis service provider’s departure

As reported on News Center 7 at 6:00, the public meetings were scheduled after its crisis provider, RI International, stopped its services.

RI International’s shutdown closed the call-taking services, mobile crisis response team, and crisis receiving center.

Director of Strategic Initiatives & Communication for ADAMHS, Tina Rezach Rogal, said its leaders are focused on bringing solutions to the current gap in mental health services.

“So, this is a very emotional issue for this community,” Director of Strategic Initiatives & Communication for ADAMHS Tina Rezach Rogal said.

Montgomery County leaders have insisted that ADAMHS should have seen the warning signs.

>>RELATED: Crisis service provider ends services; Vote to approve new services in Montgomery County fails

According to a previous News Center 7 report, the county commissioners, the county administrator, the sheriff, and the county probate judge sent a critical letter to the board.

The letter accuses ADAMHS leaders of failing to use a team approach in hiring RI and failing to respond openly to their concerns.

“We can always do better responding to mental health issues,” Montgomery County Probate Judge David Brannon said.

Brannon has a group that works on criminal justice issues, like mental health challenges.

He believes ADAMHS didn’t do a good job including his group, the sheriff, or local hospitals the first time around.

>> RELATED: Crisis service provider leaves Montgomery County tonight, ADAMHS trustees voting on provider

Now he wants to see a unified, real plan in place.

“Let’s map this out before we jump into a contract that either doesn’t work or just fails,” Brannon said.

On Friday, News Center 7′s Mike Campbell obtained emails from county leaders reacting to the scheduled public meetings.

“That does sound very positive and am happy the (Behavioral) task force will be involved,” Sarah Hackenbracht, Executive Director of the Greater Dayton Area Hospital Association, wrote.

Rezach Rogal said county leaders need to be at the public meetings.

>> RELATED: New Montgomery County crisis service providers still undecided, ADAMHS trustees to vote

“We need them there at those meetings, this can’t be an after-the-fact, ‘Oh my voice wasn’t heard,’” Rezach Rogal said.

The meetings are scheduled for June 24, 25, and 27 and will take place during different parts of the day, ensuring more people can attend.

We will continue to follow this story.

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