Commissioners recognize work being done with mental health in Belmont County

BELMONT COUNTY, Ohio — May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and Belmont County commissioners are recognizing those who do great work in the field.

“It’s an issue that I think, now more than ever, is coming to the forefront,” Commissioner Josh Meyer said. “People feel more comfortable talking about it and dealing with it. The mind is a part of the body. You got to take care of it.”

Lisa Ward was honored for her work as the executive director for the mental health and recovery board in Belmont, Harrison and Monroe Counties.

While Ward leads the fight against mental illness, she has a strong team behind her.

“Belmont County has great partnerships among our sister agencies. We meet as a community of agencies, collaborate, and find different ways to share our funds so that our children and individuals get the services that they need,” she said.

With a litany on resources, the board is able to offer all possible outlets for all types of mental health problems.

It’s an improvement the commission has seen since Ward took the position.

“She’s taken a big initiative to create mental health awareness and bring it to the forefront so people can receive treatment,” Meyer said.

With events and initiatives like the Mental Health Walk that takes place May 7, Ward is able to hear how her work positively affects those she assists.

“Our families and individuals that we serve through our provider agencies have been very grateful,” she said. “When you have a medical problem, and you’re trying to find out what doctor to go to? Who’s the specialist? What insurance to take? Our providers are there to help our communities get that access.”

The walk takes place from 9-11 a.m. at St. Clairsville Memorial Park.