CLARK & MADISON COUNTIES, Ohio (March 2009) This year, Mental Health Services for Clark and Madison Counties (MHS) celebrates 40 years of community service, and honors its founder, Max Graves, M.D.

MHS began after the Kennedy Community Mental Health Act of 1963 spurred the emergence of a new approach to community mental health across our nation. Seeing its tremendous value, Dr. Graves moved to initiate this type of mental and behavioral health organization for our citizens.

Funds for construction of a new facility were raised in 1968 through a successful federal construction grant request and the community’s near-60% passage of a bond fund levy. By 1969, MHS became Ohio’s second community mental health center to be established.

MHS began with just a 20-bed inpatient psychiatric unit, Guidance Center (outpatient child, adolescent and adult services), partial hospitalization unit, emergency services, and consultation and education. Today, MHS is the area’s primary provider of behavioral healthcare with a wide scope of services and seamless continuum of care designed to assist all needs and ages, from youth to the elderly. (See 40-year Chronology of Mental Health Services included below).

From its very inception, through 40 years of growth and challenges, MHS has remained committed to the highest level of care and compassion, and steadfast in adhering to its founder’s guiding principles.

The spirit of ethical practice, extension of oneself in the care of others, and respect for the dignity of all served still penetrate to the core of MHS. From individuals to families, and from youth to the elderly, MHS strives to empower patients with the ability to lead productive, self-sufficient lives as valued and contributing members of the community.

Mental Health Services addresses a host of mental and behavioral health care needs such as depression, anxiety, grief, anger management, phobias, post-traumatic stress, bi-polar, schizophrenia, drug and alcohol abuse, and addictive behaviors. The organization provides comprehensive mental health and recovery treatment and services to the residents of both Clark and Madison Counties. For more information on MHS services, contact 937-399-9500.

 

40-year Chronology of Mental Health Services
1968	Federal construction grants awarded to build Mental Health Center. Passage of bond funds levy helped to complete construction.
1969	MHS begins with 20-bed Inpatient Psychiatric Unit, and Guidance Center for Outpatient Services for children, adolescents and adults MHS opens Partial Hospitalization Unit, Emergency Services, and Consultation & Education
1972	Specialized Children’s Mental Health Services are established
1976	Specialized Chronic Patient Services are established which include Community Living Assistance, Medication Clinic, Housing and Vocational Rehabilitation
1982	MHS receives its first full 3-year Joint Commission accreditation
1984	Grant secured to start Cleaners Extraordinaire organization which employs handicapped individuals
1988	Youth Care opens Managed behavioral healthcare begins
1991	HUD grant to start Resource Center Apartments
1992	Ashford Behavioral Consultants and Source One opens office
1993	RESTAN Housing Corporation begins
1995	Youth & Family Recovery opens alcohol & drug services for youth
1997	MHS assumes responsibility for behavioral health services in Madison County
2006	Safe Schools/Specialized School Services established in Springfield City Schools Specialized outreach for mental health services established in Juvenile Court, Department of Family Services, and County Schools