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This page contains information about our service providing agencies in the ADAMH Network of Care and facilities providing inpatient psychiatric care.

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Franklin County ADAMH Board requests voter support for critical mental health funding measure.

The past year marked a pivotal chapter for the Alcohol, Drug and Mental Health Board of Franklin County (ADAMH), as long-planned initiatives came to fruition and new foundations were laid for the future. Together with providers, public partners and the community, ADAMH moved critical efforts forward to strengthen crisis care and build a more resilient behavioral health system. Take a look back at some of the year’s milestones. **ADAMH Becomes Designated Ohio Recovery Friendly Workplace** In February, ADAMH became an Ohio Recovery Friendly Workplace. This recognition highlights ADAMH’s commitment to supporting employees who are impacted by substance use disorders and creating a workplace culture where recovery is understood, respected and valued. Learn more about what it means to be an Ohio Recovery Friendly Workplace >> **ADAMH CEO and Board Chair Mark 5-Year COVID Anniversary** March marked five years since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, a period that has brought significant change to the behavioral health landscape. To recognize this milestone, ADAMH CEO Erika Clark Jones and Board Chair Donna Zuiderweg reflected on the agency’s progress and the evolving needs of the community. Read about what they had to say >> **Advancing Mid-Level Managers in the ADAMH Provider Network** In March, the Franklin County Behavioral Health Leadership Academy launched its inaugural cohort, bringing together mid-level managers from across the ADAMH provider network. Developed in collaboration with the ADAMH Behavioral Health Workforce Development Council and supported by a $245,000 Aspyr grant, the academy is hosted and led by Mental Health America of Ohio and is designed to build a community of practice that strengthens peer learning and leadership development. Learn more about the workforce development program >> **Cut the Ribbon on the Franklin County Crisis Care Center** More than 300 community members, advocates and public and private sector leaders gathered in May to recognize a major step forward in Franklin County’s approach to mental health and addiction crisis care. The ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Franklin County Crisis Care Center marked the culmination of years of partnership, vision and commitment to building a more compassionate crisis response system. Read more about the crisis center ribbon cutting >> **Franklin County Crisis Care Center Receives National Spotlight** ADAMH CEO Erika Clark Jones and COO Jonathan Thomas joined Recovery Innovations CEO and president David Covington for an episode of 988 Crisis Jam, a national, weekly learning series focused on 988, crisis care and behavioral health, to discuss the newly opened Franklin County Crisis Care Center. Watch the episode >> **Franklin County Crisis Care Center Officially Opens** At the beginning of September, the Franklin County Crisis Care Center opened its doors. This first-of-its-kind facility provides compassionate, 24/7 support for adults experiencing a mental health or addiction-related crisis. In its first four weeks of operation, the crisis center welcomed nearly 450 individuals. Of these, 60% were brought in by first responders, law enforcement, EMS and community mobile teams dispatched by 988. **Reimagining Crisis Care in Our Communities** In September, ADAMH hosted its Annual Meeting, highlighting the collaborative work between ADAMH and community partners to strengthen and modernize Franklin County’s crisis care system. Featured speakers included Columbus Chief of Police, Elaine Bryant and CEO and President of Recovery Innovations, David Covington. Read more about the annual meeting >> **Engaging Students in Community Behavioral Health Careers** This fall, ADAMH and its partners addressed the behavioral health workforce shortage with the launch of the Pathways to Practice cohort created in collaboration with Columbus State Community College. Pathways to Practice is a hands-on experience introducing students to careers in community behavioral health. Participants expand professional networks, strengthen job readiness and gain exposure to agency operations. Learn more about this hands-on learning opportunity for students >> **Franklin County Voters Pass the ADAMH Levy** Franklin County voters approved ADAMH’s 10-year, 3.35-mill levy, ensuring that vital mental health and addiction services remain available to everyone, regardless of insurance status or ability to pay. Read more about Issue 1’s passage >> **ADAMH Secures Funding for Suicide Investigation and Postvention Specialist** At the final ADAMH board meeting of the year, the ADAMH Board of Trustees approved $100,000 to fully fund the Suicide Investigation and Postvention Specialist position within the Franklin County Coroner’s Office for the 2026 calendar year. Sustained support for this position strengthens the county’s ability to understand the circumstances surrounding suicide deaths. Learn more about the position’s role in preventing suicides in Franklin County >>

Mental health challenges and substance use issues can arise unexpectedly, leaving individuals and families in urgent need of support. Recognizing this critical need, the Alcohol, Drug and Mental Health Board of Franklin County (ADAMH) led the construction of the Franklin County Crisis Care Center, a safe and secure behavioral health facility offering a full array of services with integrated peer support at all levels. The Franklin County Crisis Care Center ensures that no adult in Franklin County has to face a crisis alone. The facility is operated by Recovery Innovations, a national leader in behavioral health crisis services. With the opening of the center, Franklin County joins a growing number of communities that are redefining what it means to care for individuals facing mental health and substance use challenges, not in emergency rooms or jail cells, but in healing-centered spaces built on dignity, trust and compassion. #### **Who Is Recovery Innovations?** Recovery Innovations is a recognized innovator in behavioral health care, known for its trauma-informed, person-centered approach and its pioneering work in crisis stabilization and peer support. With over 30 programs in multiple states, Recovery Innovations brings decades of expertise in creating non-institutional, welcoming environments where people in crisis can feel safe, seen and supported. What sets Recovery Innovations apart is the agency’s “You at the Center” model, a philosophy rooted in empathy, empowerment and choice. Services are provided _with_ , not _to_ individuals, recognizing the inherent value of lived experience in every step of the care journey. The Recovery Innovations team includes licensed clinicians, nurses, peer specialists and care coordinators who work together to ensure every individual is met with compassion and care tailored to their needs. #### **What to Expect at the Franklin County Crisis Care Center** The Franklin County Crisis Care Center is the first of its kind in central Ohio. It offers 24/7 walk-in access to urgent mental health and addiction care for adults, with no appointment or insurance required. When you walk through the doors, you’ll find a calming, non-clinical environment designed to feel more like a home than a hospital. This includes a welcoming “Living Room” space for de-escalation, private assessment rooms, short-term stabilization units and a team of professionals and peer support specialists—individuals who have lived through their own behavioral health challenges and now help others navigate theirs. #### **Services Offered at the Center Include:** * Immediate crisis intervention and stabilization * Peer support from trained individuals with lived experience * Safety and wellness assessments * Short-term observation and care * Referrals to ongoing treatment and support services * Family and caregiver engagement * Multilingual and accessible services for diverse populations Whether someone is experiencing a panic attack, suicidal thoughts, substance-related distress or any other behavioral health concern, the crisis care center offers a safe, stigma-free environment where healing begins together, with care. #### **A National Leader, Serving the Franklin County Community** Recovery Innovations’ work across the country has helped communities reduce emergency room visits, minimize law enforcement involvement and improve outcomes for individuals in crisis. The organization’s data-driven, human-first approach makes Recovery Innovations a trusted partner in transforming local mental health systems. In Franklin County, that transformation starts with **Healing Together, With Care** , a campaign and commitment to ensure that no one faces a crisis alone, and that help is always available, always accessible and always rooted in dignity. #### **Get the help you need, when you need it.** The Franklin County Crisis Care Center is located at 465 Harmon Ave. on the west side of Columbus. Services are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, to any adult in crisis, regardless of insurance status or ability to pay. For more information about Recovery Innovations and its national impact, visit: www.riinternational.com To learn more about services in Franklin County, visit: FranklinCrisisCare.org **If you or someone you know is experiencing a behavioral health crisis, call 988 or visit the center immediately.** Step inside the Franklin County Crisis Care Center to see what it means when care actually feels like care.

The Alcohol, Drug and Mental Health Board of Franklin County (ADAMH) is profoundly grateful for the trust and support Franklin County voters have shown by passing Issue 1. This commitment secures a dedicated stream of funding for the next decade, ensuring that vital mental health and addiction services remain available to everyone, regardless of insurance status or ability to pay. "Not only does this sustain the care thousands in our community rely on, but it also allows us to deliver on the promise of the new Franklin County Crisis Care Center," said Erika Clark Jones, ADAMH CEO. "Thank you to everyone who supported ADAMH and our network of over 50 community-based providers; we remain dedicated to the well-being of our community." Read more about Issue 1's passage in a recent Columbus Dispatch article.

The season of giving is here, and ADAMH network providers are finding meaningful ways to make a difference across Franklin County. From donation drives to volunteer opportunities, there are plenty of ways to get involved and give back to your community. Check out the list below to find holiday giving events happening this season — and be sure to follow ADAMH on social media to stay up to date on new opportunities as they arise. #### **The Buckeye Ranch** ##### **Hope for the Holidays** **Key date:** Registration to be matched with a youth in Buckeye Ranch programming closes on **Saturday, Nov. 15**. The Buckeye Ranch Hope for the Holidays program matches donors with youth receiving support from the agency. When matched with a youth, donors receive a wish list of their needs this holiday season and have the opportunity to help provide hope by shopping for those needs. Learn more about the program and other ways to donate. Complete the Hope for the Holidays Donor Form to sign up. Questions can be directed to hopefortheholidays@buckeyeranch.org. #### **UMADAOP of Franklin County** **Key date: Wednesday, Nov. 26** from 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. at Columbus Metropolitan Library – Main Auditorium, 96 S. Grant Ave. UMADAOP of Franklin County is hosting its fifth annual “The Harvest” Feed The Hungry Project. Distribute hot food, clothing blankets and other basic essentials. At the same time and location, the agency is holding a winter coat drive. New and gently used coats, scarves, socks and gloves can be dropped off during that time frame. Questions can be directed to 614.227.9694. #### **Huckleberry House** ##### **Holiday Gift Drive** **Key date:** Donations will be accepted until the end of November. Each year, Huckleberry House holds a holiday gift drive for the clients in its counseling and housing programs. On Monday, Nov. 3, the list will become available to sign up to provide a gift valued at $125 for a young person in these programs. Keep an eye on the Huckleberry House socials for the link when it's available. ##### **Holiday Gift Bags for Outreach and Teen Crisis Programs** **Key date:** Gifts should be delivered by the end of November. Huckleberry House asks the community to consider purchasing items from the Holiday Gift Bag List. As clients come and go throughout the holiday season, Huckleberry House wants to ensure all of the young people have a sprinkle of holiday cheer with holiday bags filled with winter weather items and goodies. Access the Holiday Gift Bag list here. Questions about either giving event can be directed to Emily Armbrecht, earmbrecht@huck-house.org. #### **LOSS Community Services** ##### **Giving TIME Tuesday** **Key date: Tuesday, Dec. 2** from 4-8 p.m. at LOSS Community Services, 3040 Riverside Drive, Suite 224 Join LOSS for Giving TIME Tuesday, where you’ll pack care boxes for families who have recently lost a loved one to suicide and assemble resource folders for first responders. Giving time is one of the most precious gifts we can offer. By dedicating just a few hours, you can help create a meaningful impact in the lives of those navigating their grief. Questions can be directed to Izzy Smith, izzy@losscs.org, 614.530.8064. #### **St. Vincent Family Services** ##### **Adopt A Family** **Key date(s):** Gift delivery will be held at SVFS, 1490 E. Main St., on **Thursday, Dec. 4** and **Friday, Dec. 5**. St. Vincent’s annual program helps provide gifts to nearly 800 children in the community each holiday season. Donors receive family matches, shop for gifts based on a family’s wish list and deliver the gifts to SVFS. Learn more about the program and other ways to donate. Complete the Adopt A Family Interest Survey to sign up. Questions can be directed to Carson Firestone, cfirestone@svfc.org. #### **Maryhaven** ##### **Donation Drop-Off** **Key date(s):** Drop off donations **Tuesday, Dec. 9** from Noon-1 p.m. and **Wednesday, Dec. 10** from 5-6 p.m. at the Alum Creek Office, 1791 Alum Creek Drive. Maryhaven is accepting donations in the form of clothing, games, books and crafts. #### **North Central Mental Health Services, Inc.** ##### **Holiday Luncheon** **Key date: Thursday, Dec. 11** from 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m. at King Avenue United Methodist Church, 299 King Ave. Each year, North Central Mental Health Services hosts a festive luncheon for clients and community members in need. Guests enjoy a delicious holiday meal complete with desserts, live music and a welcoming spirit of togetherness. Join North Central in serving nearly 350 individuals. Questions can be directed to Melissa McCandlish, mmccandlish@ncmhs.org. #### **Alvis, Inc.** ##### **Holiday Wishes Gift Drive** **Key date:** All gifts should be delivered to Alvis, 2100 Stella Court, by **Thursday, Dec. 11**. Help make the holidays brighter for the individuals and families served by Alvis through the agency’s annual Holiday Wishes program. Each year, generous community members “adopt” Alvis clients—mothers, children and individuals in recovery—by providing gifts that bring hope, joy and a sense of belonging during the holiday season. Beginning in early November, participants can choose to sponsor a mom, child or family and will receive a personalized wish list to guide their shopping. Learn how to get involved by contacting Katie Enciso, katie.enciso@alvis180.org. #### **OhioGuidestone** ##### **Holiday Shop** **Key date:** Donations in Franklin County should be delivered to 515 E. Main St. by **Wednesday, Dec. 17**. OhioGuidestone’s Holiday Shop is a way for the organization to support their clients during the holidays. Staff members shop from items donated by the general public to give to their clients during the holiday season. Unwrapped gifts for all ages are desired, and monetary donations are welcomed so staff members can purchase specific items of need. Click here to make a monetary donation by selecting “Holiday Giving” from the “I want to support” dropdown menu. Physical donation examples include toys, clothing, personal care items and winter wear. Email donations@ohioguidestone.org to learn about specific drop-off dates and locations. Questions can be directed to Anna Bowersox, anna.bowersox@ohioguidestone.org. **** #### **Lutheran Social Services of Central Ohio** ##### **12 Days of Christmas** **Key date:** Donations must be dropped off at 217 N . Grant Ave. (at the McKee door) by **Friday, Dec. 19**. LSS of Central Ohio is hosting its 12 Days of Christmas event, where you can choose one day, or all 12, to support residents in shelter through donations of winter clothing, soap, cleaning supplies and more. All items must be new or unused unless otherwise noted. View the 12 Days of Christmas wish list here. Questions can be directed to Roberta Baioni, rbaioni@lssnetworkofhope.org. #### **Southeast Healthcare** ##### **Donations for People Who Are Unsheltered and Vulnerable** **Key date:** Southeast is accepting donations to its drop-off box located at 131 N. High St. until **Friday, Dec. 19**. Starting on Monday, Nov. 3, Southeast Healthcare is accepting new donations of hats, gloves and socks for people who are unsheltered and marginally housed. Questions can be directed to April Welch, April.welch@southeastinc.com. #### **Concord Counseling Services** ##### **Winter Apparel Drive** **Key date:** Donations can be dropped off at the Concord office, 700 Brooksedge Blvd., Westerville, OH 43081 throughout November and December. Concord will be taking donations for winter apparel for children and adults. Items like coats, hats, gloves, scarves and socks are needed and will be distributed to clients and members of the community that are in need. Questions can be directed to Linda Jakes, lindajakes@concordcounseling.org.

Guests joined the Alcohol, Drug and Mental Health Board of Franklin County (ADAMH) on Sept. 17 for the 2025 Annual Meeting, a gathering that celebrated collaboration and progress across Franklin County. Centered on the theme _“Stronger Together: Reimagining Crisis Care in Our Communities,”_ the event showcased how ADAMH and its community partners are working side by side to build a stronger, more responsive crisis care system. ADAMH CEO Erika Clark Jones reflected on two critical achievements from the past year: strengthening the behavioral health workforce and launching Franklin County’s full crisis care continuum. She applauded the ADAMH Workforce Development Council for leading the creation of a leadership academy for mid-level managers, which recently graduated its first cohort. Participants gained new skills and strategies to better support frontline staff across the ADAMH provider network. Erika also celebrated a milestone for Franklin County — laying the foundation for a complete crisis care continuum: someone to call (the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline), someone to come (mobile response teams) and somewhere to go (the Franklin County Crisis Care Center). “For the first time, we have a fully supported behavioral health continuum that doesn't have to rely on law enforcement as the default response to a mental health or addiction crisis,” Erika said. “We are so grateful for the vision of the many individuals, families, first responders and behavioral health providers who came together and said, ‘We can, and we will do better.’” Erika was followed by Columbus Chief of Police, Elaine Bryant, who spoke about the importance of collaboration among community partners to ensure effective crisis care. “When we talk about stronger together, it’s not just a theme, it’s a reality when first responders, health care providers and community leaders unite,” she emphasized. “Columbus police will continue to stand alongside ADAMH and community partners to build a safer and healthier future for everyone.” David Covington, CEO and President of Recovery Innovations, delivered the keynote address. David discussed how emergency crisis responses have evolved, noting that while medical emergencies have established systems, responses for mental health and substance use crises still lag behind. “We have a boutique system that serves some individuals but leaves others to our vital public safety net services of law enforcement and hospitals,” David said. “It’s a costly and frustrating system and Columbus is showing a vision that it can be done differently.” He reinforced Erika’s message of “someone to call, someone to come and somewhere to go,” underscoring the vital role of the Franklin County Crisis Care Center. David also reflected on the center’s first weeks of operation, highlighting successful collaborations with law enforcement, mobile response teams and community partners. He closed by sharing that the 988 Crisis Jam episode featuring the center has already been viewed over 20,000 times — evidence that Franklin County’s model is inspiring national conversations about new ways to respond to mental health and addiction crises. The meeting concluded with the presentation of annual scholarships and awards. The awards recognized the outstanding efforts of individuals in the behavioral health network. A special award was presented to Linda Jakes, Executive Director of Concord Counseling Services, for her 38 years of dedication to Concord and leadership in the ADAMH network and Franklin County community. ### Scholarship recipients From left: Zachary Asa (OhioGuidestone), Leah Sax (OhioGuidestone), Ellen Ferguson (Concord Counseling Services) pictured with Amanda Wattenberg, Chair, Provider Leadership Association. ### Annual Award winners From left: Linda Jakes accepting on behalf of Jennifer Sheets (Concord Counseling Services), Dr. Peggy Williams (OSU Wexner Medical Center), Michael Krause (OhioPRO), Dr. Seleshi Asfaw Ayalew (ETSS) Missed the meeting? View the full replay below:

In March, the Franklin County Behavioral Health Leadership Academy launched its inaugural cohort, bringing together mid-level managers from across the Alcohol, Drug and Mental Health Board of Franklin County (ADAMH) provider network. Hosted and led by Mental Health America of Ohio, the Leadership Academy is designed to foster a community of practice and peer learning that supports both current and future leadership development. Over the past five months — with one month remaining before graduation — participants have been building new skills and exploring effective strategies to better lead and support frontline staff at their organizations. There are currently 17 cohort members representing 12 agencies. Another cohort is launching in September. The academy is a result of a collaboration with the ADAMH Behavioral Health Workforce Development Council and a $245,000 grant through Aspyr, formerly the Workforce Development Board of Central Ohio. The leadership academy supports elements of ADAMH’s Workforce Development plan to develop and execute strategies to expand the behavioral health workforce. Middle managers play a critical role in agency communication and change management, as well as frontline staff satisfaction and retention, which is a key reason why this six-month training was designed for them. “Supervisors, especially those supervising direct service staff, which have some of the highest turnover rates, really have the biggest impact on if somebody stays at their agency,” said Bailey Fullwiler, Leadership Academy program manager. “They might not have control over something like insurance reimbursement rates, but they do have an impact on how well their staff is supervised and cared for.” The leadership development experience includes formal and informal learning opportunities for participants. Cohort members delve into key areas of mid-level management, including developing their personal leadership style, building cohesive team culture and behaviors, facilitating crucial conversations and healthy conflict and more. Program components are tailored to the needs of cohort members and offer ways to support a variety of learning styles. Terry Taylor, intake program manager at Southeast Healthcare for the past five years, joined the Leadership Academy seeking to strengthen his leadership by identifying any skills he may have been missing. He saw it as an opportunity for meaningful growth. “I’ve learned a lot of hard lessons in the moment, so I figured there has to be a better way,” Terry said. “This cohort provided the space to learn hard lessons before an issue may arise.” In addition to gaining practical skills, Bailey shared that cohort members have developed a strong sense of camaraderie that’s aided in their overall learning experience. “People in middle management roles are often isolated, but what we’ve heard within the Leadership Academy is that people feel less alone in the challenges they’re navigating,” she said. Tony Long, program manager for outpatient services at House of Hope for Recovery, is grateful to the cohort for introducing him to others who have shared experiences. “When I visit other agencies, I don’t see how people feel about their role. Being in this cohort and being vulnerable with others in middle management has been an incredibly validating experience,” he said. “Hopefully, we will remain connected long after the cohort is completed.” The deadline to apply for the September cohort is Friday, July 25. Interested in learning more about the Franklin County Behavioral Health Leadership Academy? Visit mhaohio.org/leadership-academy. Inaugural cohort members at their July meeting.

ADAMH partners with the Columbus Division of Police and others to provide Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) trainings. CIT is a national best practice for first responders that teaches the signs and symptoms of mental illness and substance misuse. Watch local news coverage of the most recent CIT training, which was an advanced course focused on navigating trauma and building resiliency. Recent coverage by NBC4 Recent coverage by 10TV

Twelve boards have undergone training through the Ohio Department of Behavioral Health to better understand how they can stop crises.