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Clermont County Unveils Community-Based Web Site for People with Mental Illness, Their Families and Service Providers

March 25, 2004
Clermont County Mental Health and Recovery Board

CINCINNATI - Clermont County today introduced a breakthrough Web solution for individuals, families and agencies concerned with mental and emotional wellness. Network of Care for Mental Health is an online information place that provides critical information, communication and advocacy tools with a single point of entry. It ensures there is “No Wrong Door” for those navigating the system of mental health services, those working to avoid the need for formal services, and those ready to transition out of the mental health system.

Sponsored by an innovation grant from the Ohio Department of Mental Health in partnership with Clermont County Mental Health and Recovery Board, Network of Care for Mental Health (www.networkofcare.org) is a pilot program for Ohio and the nation. Regardless of where individuals, families and agencies begin their search for assistance with mental health issues, Network of Care for Mental Health ensures they will find what they need. The new Web site will enable people to find the right service at the right time, educate themselves about their issues, understand current policy initiatives and advocate directly to elected officials, and better manage their affairs, interactions and important records.

"I am excited that the Network of Care is launching its Web site," said Karen Scherra, Executive Director of the Clermont County Mental Health and Recovery Board. "As our population continues to grow, it is vitally important that we expand and improve upon the services and programs that we provide to people with mental illness. This valuable resource will increase access and knowledge of existing services and will enable more people to communicate to each other about their interests and concerns connected to mental health."

The Network of Care for Mental Health provides a comprehensive Service Directory for Clermont County, putting people in touch with the right services at the right time. Network of Care also provides easy-to-search libraries and vital information about specific disorders, pending legislation and advocacy, as well as daily news articles from around the world concerning mental and emotional wellness.

To increase accessibility and accommodate Network of Care’s users, the site’s innovative technology provides near-universal access, regardless of literacy or income level, to Web-based services through a text-only version of the site and other adaptive technologies. The site is fully ADA-compliant and Bobby-approved. Network of Care also is available in multiple languages. Service providers can share challenges and ideas, as well as create powerful new mechanisms to better serve people with mental illness, by embracing Network of Care’s communication tools such as message boards and chat rooms. Service providers can even build their own free Web sites in the “For Providers” section.

Network of Care was included in the President’s New Freedom Commission on Mental Health’s Final Report as a program that can assist consumers in managing their own care, as well as make up-to-date information on mental disorders easily accessible to consumers, family members and professionals.

Trilogy Integrated Resources LLC of San Rafael, Calif., created, developed and maintains all Network of Care Web sites, including the Network of Care for Seniors and People with Disabilities, currently serving one-third of California’s population, and the Network of Care for Kids, which was launched in multiple California counties in 2003. Based on requests from the state and several of its counties, Trilogy is also developing Network of Care sites for domestic abuse, substance abuse and behavioral health.

Trilogy, a leading information provider in the field of social services, can be contacted by email at info@trilogyir.com. For further information on the Clermont County Network of Care site, or for informational pamph