ADAMHS to provide free massages and cookies for frontline workers

MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Ohio (WKEF) - Montgomery County ADAMHS has announced plans to honor frontline behavioral health workers during Week of Appreciation.

Each year one week is set aside to show appreciation to those who dedicate their lives to helping those who are hurting. ADAMHS will show their appreciation to these people by offering chair massages at four locations across Montgomery County the week of September 19th for behavioral health providers, as well as individually wrapped cookies.

“Behavioral health workers are our heroes. They give so much of themselves to help others, that this is our opportunity to make sure they feel appreciated,” said Helen Jones-Kelley, Executive Director of ADAMHS.

“Just taking a 15-minute break from the stress of the day to enjoy a chair massage or a fresh baked cookie, can be just what someone needs to give them a lift, and to know they are appreciated.”

Montgomery County ADAMHS received a grant from the Ohio Association of County Behavioral Health Authorities (OACBHA) to underwrite the costs.

“Thanks to the tireless efforts of frontline workers, Ohio has seen a decrease in deaths involving heroin in recent years. However, we are still facing an addiction and overdose epidemic like never before, which has been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Ohio’s frontline workers need our continued support. The Week of Appreciation is an opportunity to show support and appreciation to those who work directly with individuals struggling to overcome substance use disorders,” said Cheri Walter, CEO of OACBHA.