Richland Recovery Network offers easy access to mental health, recovery resources

MANSFIELD — Sherry Branham-Fonner said she wants to streamline the search for mental health and recovery resources.

Branham-Fonner, executive director of Richland County Mental Health and Recovery Services, briefed county commissioners Tuesday on the creation of a new digital tool.

She recently put together a marketing committee, which over the past few months decided to create a new online tool called Richland Recovery Network.

“Richland Recovery Network will really bring an understanding to the community of recovery,” the executive director said.

Contracted agencies who work with Richland County Mental Health and Recovery Services will be the initial agencies marketed within the tool. Additional affiliates will be brought on as the agency moves forward.

Branham-Fonner said she wants to help the community understand the relationship between the Richland County Mental Health and Recovery Services Board and the contract agencies it works with, including Catalyst Life Services, Mansfield UMADAOP, Family Life Counseling & Psychiatric Services, NAMI and CACY.

“The Mental Health Board has state, federal and local funds and we would like the citizens of the county to understand our relationship on … a better level,” she said.

Simple, but efficient

The Richland Recovery Network will consist of one page, housed within the agency’s existing website.

But that page will present a series of questions, aimed at guiding those seeking help to the appropriate agencies.

“The initial question will be something along the lines of, ‘Are you in crisis, yes or no?,’” Branham-Fonner said.

“It will provide opportunity for them (user) to answer additional questions, with the intent of trickling down the services that are needed to a point of arriving at all of the agencies that fall under our umbrella, that provide the specific service they’re looking for,” she said.

The agency’s board of directors are supportive of the Richland Recovery Network, she told commissioners Tuesday morning.

Branham-Fonner said any costs associated with setting up the new digital tool will be nominal.

Snavely appointed to board

In other action, commissioners approved the appointment of Bret Snavely to the Mental Health and Recovery Services Board.

Snavely, a retired Mansfield police captain, fills an unexpired term until June 30, 2027.

“I’ve known this young man for most of his life,” said Commissioner Darrell Banks. “He’s a great asset and I think he’ll do a good job.”