Franklin County ADAMH Named Board of the Year by NAMI Ohio
The Alcohol, Drug and Mental Health Board (ADAMH) of Franklin County has been named the ADAMH Board of the Year for 2022 by the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Ohio. The recognition took place at NAMI Ohio's annual meeting on May 13.
Franklin County ADAMH was selected from 50 boards across the state for this honor. The NAMI Ohio selection committee based its decision on the board's professionalism and responsiveness to individual and families requesting assistance, its commitment to quality housing and its ongoing role as an advocate for individuals and families with mental health needs.
"The leadership at the ADAMH Board of Franklin County has made themselves routinely available as partners to advocate for the needs of individuals with mental illness and their families; particularly Erika Clark-Jones has made it known through her words and actions that advocates are welcome to the table." said Rachelle Martin, executive director of NAMI Franklin County, in presenting the award.
Among the work that helped the Franklin County ADAMH earn this award was its collaboration with NAMI Franklin County and the Columbus Care Coalition in response to Columbus Police Department's concerns about the trauma experienced by family and friends impacted by the increased homicide rate. Franklin County ADAMH swiftly addressed this need by partnering to establish trauma support group for families who need help.
"It is an honor to receive this recognition from NAMI Ohio, a well-respected organization working to improve the lives of those impacted by mental illness," said Nathan Wymer, chair for the ADAMH Franklin County Board of Trustees. "Thank you on behalf of all 52 ADAMH employees who, every day, come to work trying to make a difference in our community. CEO Erika Clark Jones leads an inspirational team of professionals, and this recognition certainly means a lot."
"Congratulations to the ADAMH Board of Franklin County for the well-deserved recognition as Board of the Year by NAMI Ohio," said Franklin County Board President Erica C. Crawley. "We are fortunate to have a strong ADAMH board in our county, leading the way in meeting current mental health needs and keeping our network strong at a time when people need it most. ADAMH also leads through collaboration in the planning for critical services for the future, including the new mental health and addiction crisis center that will break ground later this year."
As NAMI Ohio continues to advocate for housing, the ADAMH Board Franklin County has agreed to help look for long-term housing solutions to better serve those most in need. The ADAMH board leadership is committed to developing and maintaining quality group homes and to support NAMI Ohio's efforts to bring a mental health rehabilitation center to the region, This partnership will help to change the lives of individuals with serious mental illness find a place to call home.
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About ADAMH
The Alcohol, Drug and Mental Health Board of Franklin County, also known as ADAMH, offers life-changing possibilities to individuals and families living with mental health or addiction issues. ADAMH, a levy-funded county agency, partners with more than 30 nonprofit agencies located in neighborhoods throughout the county to provide accessible and affordable behavioral health services. To learn more about ADAMH, visit the website at adamhfranklin.org.
About NAMI Ohio
The National Alliance on Mental Illness of Ohio (NAMI Ohio) is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to helping individuals and families affected by mental illness. NAMI Ohio is comprised of families, persons diagnosed with mental illness, and advocates working together to ensure that Ohioans with mental illness and their loved ones receive the treatment and support they need. The mission of NAMI Ohio is to improve the quality of life, ensure dignity and respect for persons with serious mental illness, and to support their families.
