Canal Winchester Messenger - September 20th, 2020

PAGE 2 - MESSENGER - September 20, 2020
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Voters to decide on ADAMH levy in November
By Christine Bryant
Staff Writer
Franklin County voters will decide this fall whether to
approve a tax levy that will help fund drug and mental
health services in the community.
The 5-year, 2.85 mill Alcohol, Drug and Mental Health
Board of Franklin County (ADAMH) levy includes a
renewal of the current 2.2 mill property tax levy that
expires in December 2021. It also includes a .65 mill
increase, with collection beginning in 2022.
The need for drug and mental health services has never
been greater, says Mackenzie Betts, senior community
relations manager with ADAMH.
More than 71 percent of ADAMH resources come from
the current 2.2 mill property tax levy that is set to expire
next year. The levy millage for ADAMH has not increased
in nearly 30 years, while the number of people seeking
help has grown dramatically, rising 72 percent since 2014.
On top of this, ADAMH is projecting a $14 million operating
deficit due to the rising need for mental health services
and the current opioid epidemic.
“ADAMH partners work with more than 30 non-profit
agencies to provide behavioral health services to the community
in the areas of treatment, crisis, housing, prevention,
recovery support and family support,” Betts said. “In
2019, ADAMH and its partners served more than 135,000
people.”
Approximately 85 percent of the new millage will be initially
designated to maintain current service levels, she
said.
“Potential new investments include enhanced investments
in school-based prevention and suicide prevention,
additional addiction treatment programs and a new crisis
center,” Betts said.
Other new investments will be based on a community
needs assessment currently being conducted, she said.
Referred to as Issue 24 on the November ballot, the levy
would cost homeowners in Franklin County an additional
$1.90 per month, or $22.75 per year, per $100,000 home
property value, if passed.
The funds are critically important, Betts says, especially
as Franklin County is projected to grow by nearly 8%
over the next 10 years - a potential of more than 100,000
new residents.
Approximately 85 percent of individuals who receive
support from ADAMH live below the federal poverty
level.
“In addition to providing mental health and
addiction treatment services to individuals who
may not have private health insurance, Medicaid or
Medicare coverage, ADAMH supports services that
are available to any Franklin County resident,”
Betts said.
These include crisis services such as the 24/7 Adult
Crisis Line through Netcare, the 24/7 Youth Crisis Line
through Nationwide Children’s Hospital and the Suicide
Prevention hotline through North Central Mental Health.
ADAMH also funds prevention services in every public
school district in Franklin County. These services teach
youth the risks of substance use and connect at-risk students
with ongoing mental health treatment before a crisis
emerges.
According to ADAMH, suicide deaths in Ohio have
increased by 45 percent over the last decade.
The organization also has been working to reduce stigma
and disparate treatment for African Americans and
people of color, Betts said.
“National data suggests that minority populations are
often misdiagnosed, over-medicated and over-hospitalized
that often costs systems of care more money,” she said.
The community needs assessment the organization has
launched includes a component that analyzes racial disparities
and inequities. ADAMH is also working to retain
a more diverse workforce within the behavioral health
field, she says.
“ADAMH will continue to develop, promote and support
cultural initiatives within the ADAMH system of care and
provide cultural competency training for ADAMH provider
staff,” Betts said. “ADAMH funds a number of programs to
address these important aspects of how services are provided
to minority residents, including immigrants and
refugees, in our community.”
For more information on Issue 24, go to adamhlevy.com.
CW hydrant flushing
Canal Winchester’s Division of Water will flush fire
hydrants between 8 a.m. and 3:30 p.m., Monday —
Friday, from Sept. 21 — Oct. 9.
The water department offers tips for residents
when crews are flushing hydrants in your area:
•If you see a hydrant being flushed on your street,
avoid running tap water, washing machines or dishwashers
until flushing in your area is complete.
•If you see hydrant flushing crews working, please
drive carefully and treat them like any other road construction
crew.
During or immediately following hydrant flushing,
tap water may appear discolored. Although a slight
discoloration may last for a few hours, it does not affect
the taste or quality of the water. This discoloration
only affects the appearance of the water and poses no
health threat.
Should you notice discoloration or other side effects
from hydrant flushing, the water department suggests
the following:
•If you encounter discolored water, shut your water
off and wait several minutes. After waiting, check the
clarity by running cold water for a few minutes to
allow new water to flow into your pipes. If the water is
still discolored, wait a few minutes and check again. In
some cases, it may be a few hours before the water is
completely clear.
•Avoid washing laundry during scheduled flushing
hours. After hydrants in your area have been flushed,
wait until water runs clear from your tap, then begin
with a load of dark laundry before doing lights or
whites.
•If water pressure or volume seems low, check your
faucet screens for trapped particles.
For information contact Canal Winchester’s
Division of Water at 614-837-5623 or 614 837-7716.
Punt, Pass, & Kick
A Punt, Pass, & Kick competition will be held in
Groveport Park, 7370 Groveport Road, on Oct. 3.
Check in time is 12:15 p.m. and the competition starts
at 1 p.m. Cost is $5 per person. There will be separate
divisions for boys and girls ages 8-15.
Young athletes will be allowed three punts, passes
and kicks. The top measurement in each area will be
counted to give participant a cumulative total. Scoring
is based on distance and accuracy, from where the ball
first makes contact with the ground (bounces and rolls
do not count). Measurements will be rounded to the
nearest inch. A person’s final score is the total of the
three events. In the event of a tie, each tied participant
will compete again in head-to-head competition.
Cleats and gloves may not be worn. Only soft-soled
shoes (no bare feet). This is only a local competition
and is not affiliated with any other organization.
Winners will not be advancing to sectional or state
competition.
Face coverings must be worn except when actively
engaged in punting, passing, or kicking. Practice safe
social distancing.
For information contact Juli Pintz, recreation coordinator
at jpintz@groveport.org or call 614-836-1000,
ext. 1513.
Obetz hydrant flushing
The Obetz Utilities Department will conduct its
annual fire hydrant flushing from Sept. 21-25.
Flushing will occur between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m.
Obetz income tax revenue
According to village of Obetz officials, the town’s
income tax revenues are up 8.1 percent over last year
through May.