The MHAR Board's regular meetings are open to the public. They are held on the 4th Thursday of the month, unless that is a holiday. Board members also serve on one or more of the committees that study facilities, finance, planning, evaluation, public affairs and other areas of detail. Committees present recommendations to the Board for approval.

The MHAR Board's and Executive Director's specific duties are spelled out in Chapter 340 of the Ohio Revised Code. Members take an oath to uphold this law.

 Board membership is considered an honor and an opportunity for public service. Members are not paid, although their expenses in conducting Board business may be reimbursed.

Funds for these services come from federal and state subsidies, grants and entitlements as well as fees and donations. The Board approves expenditures and sets policies to assure the best use of public funds.

The MHAR Board also supports Ohio's community-based mental health and drug addiction services by educating the public about its agencies and programs and by keeping up-to-date about the best methods of prevention and treatment.

Our Cause At The Wash. Co. MHAR Board

Our name has changed over time. Often this has been due to legislative changes at the State level or a Board decision locally. We are very commonly known as the "317 Board". Naming Boards for enabling legislation isn't new. 1967: The Community Mental Health and Mental Retardation Board were established by A.S.H.B. 648, and called "648 Board".

1980: The structure and duties of these boards were changed. Separate community boards were created for mental health services and mental retardation services.

There are 46 such boards in Ohio. The seven largest Ohio counties have separate boards for mental health and drug addiction services. Ours is one of the 46 "combined" boards that administer both mental health and alcohol and other drug addiction services.

Who's On The Board?

Eighteen citizens who live in Washington County are appointed to serve on the Board. Appointments to the Board are specified in Chapter 340.02 of the Ohio Revised Code. All Board members must be interested in mental health and/or alcoholism and drug addiction services. None may be related to employees of the Board or to the appointing authorities.

The county commissioners choose ten members. The Ohio Director of Mental Health appoints four members, and the Ohio Director of Alcohol and Drug Addiction services appoints four. The appointing authorities must assure that the Board includes: