The future of a juvenile mental health program in Adams County schools remains uncertain following discussions between local leaders and representatives from the University of Cincinnati. The program, which has been funded through a grant for the past three years, has relied on a partnership between the Adams County Health Department and the University of Cincinnati. However, Health Commissioner Jason Work informed the Adams County Board of Commissioners that his department would no longer be involved due to financial losses.
Work explained that billing complications over the past three years have cost the health department thousands of dollars, making it unsustainable to continue the partnership. Despite stepping away from the grant, Work assured the board that the health department has the necessary staff—including a licensed social worker and case manager—to continue providing mental health services to students in Adams County. He also noted that the department is considering hiring another social worker and will work alongside Ray of Hope counseling services for additional support.
Dr. Kaitlyn Bruns and Dr. Melissa Wagner of the University of Cincinnati Hospital expressed concerns that without their services, the county’s juvenile mental health resources could suffer. Danielle Poe, Behavioral Health Director for Ohio Valley Local School District, explained that when the program first launched, the school district used state funding to provide the necessary startup funds. However, those funds have since been exhausted, and there is no available funding to sustain the program’s billing requirements.
Alan Bird, CEO of Adams County Regional Medical Center, acknowledged the importance of the program but stated that ACRMC is currently unable to provide financial support due to other ongoing projects. Commissioner Barbara Moore questioned why the hospital was not able to participate and emphasized that the county cannot take on the financial burden of insurance coding and billing. The board suggested reaching out to the juvenile court system to determine if any financial support could be provided.
Dr. Wagner proposed that the adult services portion of the grant might help offset the funding shortage for juvenile mental health services in the future. Despite the financial challenges, Health Commissioner Work reiterated that the health department would continue offering adult mental health services through the grant and assured those in attendance that local students would still have access to social workers and referral services.
Those in attendance included representatives from the Adams County Regional Medical Center, University of Cincinnati, Adams County Health Department, Ohio Valley Local School District, Adams County Children’s Services, and Ohio Means Jobs. The meeting concluded with agreement from all parties that more detailed information would be necessary before any final decisions could be made regarding the program’s future.
