CLEVELAND, OH – Today U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-OH) visited the Magnolia Clubhouse in Cleveland to join public officials, experts, advocates, and people living with serious mental illnesses for a roundtable discussion about how to support those living with mental illness, and respond to Ohioans facing mental health crises.

 “We need to recognize mental health emergencies for what they are — health emergencies that require a health-first response,” said Brown. “I’ll continue working to ensure leaders in our community like Magnolia Clubhouse have the support and resources they need to expand innovative models to respond to Ohioans in crisis.”

In a ‘care response model,’ emergency medical technicians, peers, and trained social workers, rather than law enforcement, respond to certain mental health emergencies. Brown has heard from community members who are working to implement the care response model locally so mental health emergencies are treated with a health-first response, and was proud to support the CAHOOTS Act, legislation to provide enhanced Medicaid support for these community-based crisis mental health response efforts, which was passed into law as part of the American Rescue Plan Act.

“I applaud the city and county leaders, and the ADAMHS Board in their dedication to protecting our county’s health and safety through its ongoing exploration of such a health-first, care response program when a police response isn’t needed. Everyone in Cuyahoga County should receive the most appropriate support when they need it. We know care response is a currently missing investment in safety that will pay off long term,” said Lori D’Angelo, Ph.D., executive director of Magnolia Clubhouse in Cleveland. “Supporting those living with mental illness is always an investment that benefits our entire community. We’re thrilled to see this recognized through the upcoming expansion of Clubhouses in cities across Ohio.” 

“The Clubhouse model is one we know works as a springboard to self-agency, employment and education – and also connections to critical healthcare and housing. It’s time to expand our approach and reach many more of the 14 million Americans living with serious mental illness. A key starting place is ensuring that people experiencing mental health crises are met with a compassionate, health-first response,” said Mary Crowley, interim president and CEO of Fountain House, a New York City-based Clubhouse that pioneered the Clubhouse model and is spearheading a national reform movement. “This isn’t just the right thing to do. It’s a safe, proven approach that is poised to save both lives and taxpayer dollars. That’s why communities across the country are adopting versions of the Care Responders model that fit their local needs — from Seattle to New York City.”

Brown was joined at the roundtable discussion and a short tour of the facility by Cuyahoga County Council President Pernel Jones, Jr. and Clare Rosser the Chief of Strategic Initiatives for the Cuyahoga County ADAMHS Board.

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