Ohio Plan for Statewide Expansion of MRSS Released

In April, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine held a press conference to lay out plans for the statewide expansion of Mobile Response and Stabilization Services (MRSS).

Previously only available in certain areas of the state, the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (OhioMHAS) and the Ohio Department of Medicaid (ODM) have teamed up with a network of regional partners that will allow MRSS to cover the whole state for the first time. The departments have worked together to create an administrative model that ensures those who use this resource get help, regardless of their ability to pay.

To move forward with the statewide expansion, 12 organizations have been selected to provide MRSS services across the state. These organizations will cover 18 regions, enabling response teams to get to any location in the state in less than 60 minutes after receiving a call though Ohio’s 988 Suicide and Crisis Hotline. (Click here to view the MRSS Regional Map.) Each Regional MRSS Provider (RMP) is responsible for all aspects of MRSS support in their area, including initial dispatch, de-escalation, stabilization, data monitoring, and quality care assurance.

According to information released during the press conference, MRSS is expected to be available in all 88 counties in the coming months. Within 60 days, each of the selected RMPs must be certified to provide MRSS in accordance with specifications in OhioMHAS rule 5122-29-14 and the MRSS Practice Standards, including any subsequent versions, among other requirements.

MRSS is a service that provides immediate help for children and young adults aged 20 and under who are experiencing overwhelming mental, emotional, or behavioral distress. With MRSS, when a crisis occurs, a team of trained professionals responds within 60 minutes directly to the young person’s home, school, or any other location to de-escalate the crisis and provide ongoing support – all at no cost to the young person or their family. MRSS also offers up to six weeks of stabilization care, including in-home services, and connects families with peer support, skill-building opportunities, and prevention resources.

OhioMHAS and ODM will also coordinate with the Ohio Department Children and Youth to achieve statewide expansion of MRSS.