OhioGuidestone selected to provide statewide Mobile Response and Stabilization Services

OhioGuidestone, a leader in community behavioral health, has been selected as a provider for Mobile Response and Stabilization Services, or MRSS, in several regions across Ohio.

In a statement released Friday, Governor Mike DeWine announced the statewide expansion of MRSS, a program designed to deliver immediate help for children and young adults age 20 and under who are experiencing overwhelming mental, emotional or behavioral distress.

Through MRSS, a team of trained professionals responds within 60 minutes to a young person’s home, school or another location to help de-escalate the crisis and provide ongoing support, all at no cost to the individual or their family.

“MRSS is one of the most important tools we have at our disposal to respond quickly and effectively when a child is experiencing a crisis,” DeWine said. “It’s another example of how we’re protecting the mental health of our young people so they can reach their full potential.”

OhioGuidestone President and CEO Brant Russell said the organization is proud to partner in the initiative. “We are honored to be selected as a regional MRSS provider,” he said. “This agreement marks a significant milestone in OhioGuidestone’s ongoing commitment to providing essential mental health and addiction services to communities across the state.”

Under the agreement, OhioGuidestone will provide MRSS in Region 3, which includes Cuyahoga County; Region 9, which includes Delaware, Knox, Licking and Morrow counties; and Region 11, which includes Belmont, Carroll, Columbiana, Harrison, Jefferson, Monroe, Stark and Tuscarawas counties.

MRSS supports youth in crisis through immediate response within 60 minutes, in-home stabilization for up to six weeks, and peer and family support that connects families with mentoring and prevention resources. The program also coordinates care among schools, medical professionals and local agencies to create individualized intervention plans.

All services are accessible at no cost under the OhioRISE program. The goal of MRSS is to reduce emergency room visits, improve long-term mental health outcomes and make crisis care more accessible for young people across Ohio.

For more information, contact media@ohioguidestone.org.