Franklin County commissioner describes investments in mental health, crisis services and a new resource guide

Commissioner Kevin Boyce said Franklin County is expanding access to mental health supports, describing a crisis center and a new consumer resource called the "Wellness Within Reach" guide that he said helps residents find local services.

Boyce told host Crystal that mental health is a top county priority, citing two statistics during the interview: that "nearly 50% of Americans go undiagnosed" for mental health disorders and that "one in four residents here in Franklin County are having mental health issues." He said those trends informed the county’s decisions to invest in prevention and diversion, arguing it is cheaper to provide preventative care than to let crises lead to criminal-justice involvement.

County actions highlighted by Boyce include the operation of a crisis center meant to separate mental-health crises from incarceration and the creation of a free, searchable guide he described as a local directory of services (both free and fee-based). "What it is is it's a free... kind of like a yellow pages for mental health resources," Boyce said, describing the guide as intended to connect residents to care quickly.

On how to access resources, Boyce pointed listeners to a Credible Mind portal he quoted as "Franklin County Ohio.crediblemind.gov" and to the Franklin County website as alternative access points. He said the portal requires no registration and that the county sees strong engagement with the resource link.

The county’s investments and outreach were framed as part of a broader inclusion strategy connected to Pride Month and year-round wellness work. The interview did not include independent confirmation of the national or county statistics Boyce cited, nor did it provide granular program budgets or operating details for the crisis center beyond his description. The next steps referenced in the interview were public-facing access to the guide and continuing county efforts to embed mental-health supports in policy.

The program ended with the host thanking Boyce for the guide and his advocacy.