A new mental health initiative aimed at providing essential resources to visitors was launched at the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Louisville District’s William H. Harsha Lake during a ceremony on September, in Batavia, Ohio.
This initiative is a collaborative effort involving the Clermont County Mental Health and Recovery Board, the Clermont County Suicide Prevention Coalition, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE). The program aims to raise awareness with signage featuring the phrase “You Are Not Alone,” along with crisis hotline information, positioned throughout the lake’s popular areas, including trailheads, boat ramps, and recreational zones.
“Our public lands offer a sanctuary where everyone can discover their own peace of mind,” said Samantha Ferrarelli, manager of William H. Harsha Lake. “For those who need a little extra help finding that tranquility, we’re proud to support initiatives like ‘You Are Not Alone,’ providing essential support to those in need.”
The initiative’s concept gained traction during the pandemic, as Clermont County and the Veterans Health Administration identified a rising need for mental health resources on public lands. The staff at William H. Harsha Lake agreed to participate in this pilot program.
Louisville District employees, including lake staff, undergo mandatory annual Personal Readiness training led by the USACE Critical Incident Stress Management team. Ferrarelli noted that staff are trained to recognize signs of crisis and respond appropriately.
“Our staff are trained to identify indicators during project inspections—such as abandoned vehicles or unusual behavior—and they actively share this information with each other,” Ferrarelli explained. “Additionally, some staff members are involved in support groups outside of work, which enhances their ability to assist those in need.”
Park rangers at William H. Harsha Lake will help maintain and update the signs to ensure they remain visible and accessible to those who may require assistance.
Help is available 24/7 by calling 513-528-SAVE or 988, which connects callers to a certified crisis center in their area.
“Visitors can find peace in the outdoors while having someone on the other end of the line who can listen and help them through whatever challenges they’re facing,” Ferrarelli added.
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