COLUMBUS, Ohio - Ohio Governor, Mike DeWine has announced a new initiative on Monday to offer state assistance to veteran-serving organizations in Ohio.

As part of the new effort led by the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, as well as the Ohio Department of Veteran Services, the state will be working with local veteran organizations to identify gaps in mental health services and offer assistance.

An initial investment of a total of $200,000 in grant funding will be provided to eight veteran service agencies to enhance or expand their services.

These investments include funding for a new veteran peer support liaison at the Greene County Veterans Service Office, as well as funding to support a series of mobile pop-up events that will offer on-site health, dental and legal assistance for Franklin County veterans.

In addition, the Ohio National Guard's mental health support website has been updated to carry information applicable to all active-duty military personnel, reservists, Guard members, veterans of all military branches and their families.

Governor DeWine says this initiative is a way for Ohio to show gratitude to veterans.

"Ohio's strong commitment to our men, women and families in uniform has a long history, and we are building on that foundation today to make resources more visible and accessible," DeWine said.

Any Ohioan who is in crisis and needs to talk to someone can call the Ohio CareLine at 1-800-720-9616 or the Veterans Crisis Line at 1-800-273-8255.