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Summer break is ending and a new school year is beginning. For many young people, this shift can bring excitement but also stress or uncertainty. That’s why September, Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, is a crucial reminder of how important connection and support can be during times of change.
Prevention starts with connection. One simple question can open an important conversation. Listen without judgment, take concerns seriously, and ask a young person how they are really doing.
Support for Ohio Youth
Families do not have to face mental, emotional, or behavioral health needs alone.
Help is here.
Mobile Response and Stabalization Services (MRSS)
Since September 2025, MRSS has been available in all 88 Ohio counties, so every family across the state can reach this support at no cost to the youth or family. MRSS is a crisis service for all Ohio youth ages 20 and younger who feel overwhelmed by mental, emotional, or behavioral distress or trauma. Here is how it works:
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Call 988 on behalf of a young person who is struggling and ask for MRSS.
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Trained professionals respond within 60 minutes at the youth's home, school, or another safe place.
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They help calm the situation, keep the youth safe, and start a plan with up to 42 days of follow-up support.
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After hours, providers offer support by phone.
OhioRISE
Some young people need more than short-term crisis support, and OhioRISE was built to meet that need. Launched by the Ohio Department of Medicaid in July 2022, OhioRISE serves children and youth with significant or complex mental health or substance use needs. It works alongside a family's regular Medicaid coverage to add services that support youth at home, in school, and in their community.
OhioRISE surrounds each young person and family with a team:
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Anyone can refer a child, including a parent, therapist, school counselor, or doctor.
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Every enrolled youth works with a care coordinator who helps the family understand their options, build a support team, and create a care plan.
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Services can include, but are not limited to, Intensive Home-Based Treatment, Behavioral Health Respite for caregivers, and Psychiatric Residential Treatment for a higher level of care.
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Youth and families have voice and choice. OhioRISE helps keep children in their community and close to home, making sure they are active partners in their care, so they feel heard and respected.
Connecting Youth and Families to Support
Help is available, whether a young person needs crisis support or ongoing care. For immediate crisis support, call or text 988 and ask about MRSS. To learn more about OhioRISE, call 1-833-711-0773 or visit the OhioRISE website.
This September, and all year long, let's make sure every young person in Ohio knows that support is close by and that asking for help is always a sign of strength.
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Open Enrollment is your chance to take a fresh look at your Medicaid plan and make sure it still fits your needs. From November 1–30, you can switch to any of the available options: AmeriHealth Caritas Ohio, Anthem, Buckeye, CareSource, Humana Healthy Horizons, Molina, or UnitedHealthcare.
If you’re enrolled in the Next Generation MyCare program (Medicare + Medicaid combined), you can choose from Anthem, Buckeye, CareSource, or Molina. Medicare’s enrollment window runs October 15–December 7.
You’ll get letters and emails from the Ohio Department of Medicaid with plan details, answers to frequently asked questions, and helpful contacts. And if you’re satisfied with your current coverage, you don’t have to make any changes.
To find out more about Open Enrollment, please call the Ohio Medicaid Hotline at 800-324-8680 (TTY 711) or go to the Ohio Medicaid Hotline website. If you have questions about Medicare, you can call 800-MEDICARE (800-633-4227) or visit the Medicare website. TTY users should call (877) 486-2048.
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New Work and Community Engagement Rules!
What is changing?
Starting January 1, 2027, a new federal law will change Medicaid rules for some adults enrolled in Group VIII coverage, also called MAGI Adult or Ribicoff coverage.
The new rules apply only to adults who:
- Are ages 19 through 64
- Are not pregnant
- Have Medicaid based on income
- Have income at or below 138% of the federal poverty level
The Ohio Department of Medicaid (ODM) will send notices to people who may be affected. ODM has sent most notices and will send the remaining notices in the next few weeks. People who do not receive a notice may be enrolled in a different Medicaid group and may not be affected.
Many people in Group VIII will not have to meet the new requirements. For example, they may be caring for a child, have a health condition that prevents them from working, or qualify for another exemption.
People in Group VIII who do not qualify for an exemption will spend at least 80 hours a month working, volunteering, going to school, or participating in work programs. They may combine activities, for example doing 40 hours of paid work and 40 hours of volunteer work.
To learn more, visit our Group VIII webpage.
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 The Ohio Department of Aging is gearing up for its annual 10 Million Steps to Prevent Falls campaign, encouraging Ohioans of all ages to get moving and help raise awareness during Falls Prevention Awareness Month. Ohioans of all ages are encouraged to walk at least one mile during the month to help raise awareness about the impact falls can have on older adults—and how regular movement can help keep people safely on their feet.
By joining or hosting a local walking group or event, community members can learn practical steps to reduce fall risks and connect with helpful local resources. Individuals, groups, and organizations interested in organizing a walk can find planning guides and register their event on the 10 Million Steps to Prevent Falls website. Public events will be listed on the webpage beginning in late August.
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