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.
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 >>