The Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (OhioMHAS) is getting nearly $3 million in federal funding to help meet the state's behavioral health needs.

Governor Mike DeWine announced that Ohio was awarded federal funding through the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act to help citizens affected by traumatic events like natural disasters, mass shootings, and large-scale man-made and terrorist events.

The funding comes after the Norfolk Southern train derailment led to fears and anxiety in communities surrounding East Palestine.

"The recent train derailment in East Palestine is a prime example of how disasters can impact the well-being of individuals, families, and communities,” said Governor DeWine. “It is essential that our behavioral healthcare system is able to quickly respond to the immediate and long-term behavioral health care needs of those adversely affected by trauma."

OhioMHAS will use the funding to create statewide protocols for behavioral health support in the aftermath of tragedies like the East Palestine train derailment.

"Although everyone reacts differently to disasters and most will return to normal, some of those affected may suffer from serious and prolonged mental or emotional distress," OhioMHAS Director Lori Criss said. "Finding support in a timely fashion will help people minimize negative outcomes.”

The $2.9 million comes about a week after OhioMHAS was awarded over $209,000 in a federal Supplemental Emergency Response grant to help meet the needs of the East Palestine community.