Âť TRENDING: Slain pregnant Springfield womanâs family releases statement
MHRB CEO Greta Mayer said the group, along with the Ohio Association of County Behavioral Health Authorities and the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, are focusing their celebrations around the theme of âBringing Health, Bringing Hope.â
âThereâs a lot of folks in crisis,â she said. âOur first responders are those first on the scene when folks are having crises in addiction and a lot of them are providing that life-saving help to help that person enter recovery and that next step.â
Mayer said first responders often expose themselves to unknown dangers when they go out on calls, but many say they donât think about it when they go to help someone.
âThey say âweâre not even thinking about that,ââ she said. ââWeâre just trying to provide care.ââ
Âť READ MORE: New Mexican restaurant could open in Springfield this May
Other organizations have done smaller scale things like bake sales to honor responders, Mayer said, but this is the first statewide effort to honor them.
She said there will be several smaller events throughout the week to help give thanks to organizations like law enforcement and EMTs. Snacks and refreshements will be provided by the MHRB at sites like the Springfield Regional Medical Center so responders can receive some appreciation, Mayer said. Thank you banners will also be hung outside the boardâs offices and other affiliates, she said.
Âť LOCAL FOCUS: Springfield founders of Zeta Phi Beta honored at Perrin Woods
Pre-addressed, stamped postcards for 75 agencies will be available at local emergency departments for people to write thank you notes, Mayer said. Even people who werenât directly helped by first responders are encouraged to take part in giving thanks.
âIn todayâs kind of fast-paced society, we donât often take the time to write a note,â she said. âIâm hopeful itâll have a lasting impact.â
About the Author