There are two reasons why the MHRSB levy cannot be considered a renewal or a replacement. Because the Mental Health and Recovery Services Board is a new organization (being a merger of the past Mental Health and Drug and Alcohol Boards, Ohio Statute says that you cannot "renew" or "replace" a levy to a newly formed organization).

Secondly, the levy that has been in place for the past 10-years specifically funded mental health issues only; none of the funding went to pay for drug and alcohol-related support. This new levy will benefit both mental health and substance abuse programs, thus the word additional is the mandated wording for the ballot language.

So there you have it. Because we are providing many more services, we must by law call it an additional tax. The reality, however, is we are simply asking for Stark County voters to vote YES to continue paying the same tax you have been paying for the past 10 years. More efficient use of your tax dollars. Thousands of lives saved. Pretty good deal, wouldn't you say?

Q:
What type of programs and services do the agencies above support?

A:
The array of programs and services is wide. Some provide general help and support while others are very specific in their focus. Here is a sampling:

• Diagnosis, counseling and treatment for children, teens, adults and seniors suffering from mental and emotional issues.
• 24-hour crisis, suicide prevention, and hospitalization screening for people in crisis. Counseling, treatment and recovery services for United States veterans struggling with mental illness and substance abuse problems.
• Counseling for women…and men…who are victims of domestic violence, both physical and emotional.
• Counseling and medical and pre-natal care for substance abusing women who are pregnant. Mental health care for the homeless.
• Counseling for those suffering from stress and depression or, even worse, bi-polar disease and schizophrenia.
• Seniors who experience profound grief after the death of a spouse.