Mental health levy defeated Tuesday

0

Although Fayette County voters approved of the Paint Valley ADAMH mental health levy by a 1,775-1,324 margin, the levy was defeated across the five counties voting on it, according to unofficial results.

The majority of voters in Highland, Pike and Ross counties voted against the levy. Besides Fayette, Pickaway County voters also approved of the levy, according to unofficial results.

The Paint Valley Alcohol, Drug Addiction and Mental Health (ADAMH) Board placed a 10-year, 1-mill levy on the May 2 ballot, which would have levied $3 per month on $100,000 of property value. The board, with a service district that includes Fayette, Highland, Pickaway, Pike and Ross counties, is responsible for ensuring a comprehensive array of mental health, addiction treatment and prevention options are available to all residents of the service district. The sheriffs of all five counties served by Paint Valley Mental Health & Prevention District endorsed the levy.

“While we are extremely disappointed in the outcome of the vote, the Paint Valley ADAMH Board would like to thank all residents in Fayette, Highland, Pickaway, Pike and Ross counties,” said Penny Dehner, associate director for the board, in a statement. “We remain committed to evidence-based prevention and treatment services provided, but our current funding levels are not enough to meet the need of individuals in need of mental health or addiction services.”

Dehner said she hopes this campaign has raised awareness in the community about the critical need to provide a safety net of mental health and counseling services.

“We will assess and plan accordingly to help as many people as possible now and provide hope for a better tomorrow,” she said.

By Ryan Carter

[email protected]

Reach Ryan Carter at 740-313-0352 or on Twitter @rywica

No posts to display