Easier access to mental health care

SANDUSKY — Residents of Seneca County now have easier access to mental health services. Sandusky-headquartered Firelands Regional Medical Center Counseling & Recovery Services recently received a $5,000 grant from The White Family Charitable Fund to address and ease transportation barriers for Seneca County residents. "Since the COVID-19 pandemic, mental health disorders and financial burdens have significantly increased," a release from Firelands Health states. "There are community resources to help patients afford mental health services, but not everyone qualifies for transportation assistance." This grant will, specifically, allow Firelands Counseling & Recovery Services to cover taxi fares, public transportation costs or gas cards for its patients in Seneca County who don't otherwise qualify for transportation assistance. The grant was awarded by the board of trustees of The Tiffin Community Foundation, an organization established by the late Sherman and Virginia White, who were longtime Tiffin residents.