Jen Odenweller to lead Knox County mental health levy renewal campaign

Mental Health & Recovery for Licking and Knox Counties announced Jen Odenweller as the Knox County PAC Chair for the upcoming mental health and addiction services levy renewal campaign.

Having grown up in Knox County and a local respected community leader, Odenweller brings decades of experience in service and collaboration to this vital campaign. She previously served as an eight year board member for the MHR Board and is a past board president.

“Jen’s passion for the well-being of Knox County residents is unwavering,” said Kay Spergel, executive director of the MHR Board. “Her leadership and dedication to service will be instrumental in building awareness and support for the levy.”

The MHR board levy funds essential services including 24/7 crisis response, youth prevention programs, addiction recovery, mental health urgent care, and support for families, children, and seniors. Ninety-one cents of every dollar spent through the MHR board goes directly to services in the community.

The upcoming levy is a renewal, not a new tax. It continues local funding that helps thousands of Knox County residents each year access the care they need.

“Supporting this levy is a sound investment of local dollars for the people of Knox County,” said Odenweller. “It’s about continuing our community’s commitment to hope, healing, and providing strong support systems, which benefit all parts of the county.”

In 2024 alone, levy-funded services touched the lives of more than 24,000 residents across Licking and Knox Counties. Of those, 10,168 were children and youth — receiving the care, guidance, and early intervention they needed to thrive. More than 14,000 individuals benefited from prevention programs, while 3,841 accessed vital treatment services for mental health and substance use. Crisis support remains a cornerstone of the system: 5,245 people reached out to the Pathways 211 Crisis Call Center, and 3,756 received immediate assistance from Behavioral Healthcare Partners’ 24-hour Crisis Intervention Services. 

“These numbers represent real people — our neighbors, our families, coworkers, and our friends — whose lives were directly impacted by local funding from this levy,” said Odenweller.

For more information about the levy and how you can support mental health and recovery services in our community, please visit mhrlk.org/vote-yes. There, you can learn about the impact of your vote, request a yard sign, and explore local resources.

You can also stay informed and help spread the word by following us on social media: @mhrlkco.