Dear Editor:
I am writing to express my strong support for the replacement of the Ashland County Mental Health and Recovery Board’s 1-mill levy.
This levy is not new — it has been in place for many years — and it provides essential funding that helps individuals and families in our community who are facing mental health challenges, substance use disorders, and recovery needs.
The truth is, mental health affects us all. Whether it’s a struggling student, a neighbor fighting addiction, or a veteran coping with trauma, the services funded by this levy touch every corner of Ashland County.
The Board ensures that help is available locally, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Without these funds, many of our most vulnerable citizens would be left without support, and our schools, courts, and hospitals would shoulder an even greater burden.
The levy replacement simply updates funding to today’s property values while keeping the cost to homeowners reasonable.
For most families, this amounts to only a few dollars more per month — an investment that directly strengthens the safety, stability, and health of our community.
Passing this levy means we are choosing to care for one another. It means ensuring that when someone reaches out for help, they find a trained professional ready to respond.
Our provider agencies Appleseed, Catholic Charities, and ACCADA are proven and reliable.
It means we are building a community where recovery is possible and hope is real.
I urge all Ashland County voters to join me in voting YES for the 1-mill levy replacement.
Continue the Caring.
Respectfully,
Dr. Dwight L. McElfresh
Levy Chair
Ashland, Ohio