As the year winds down, the Alcohol, Drug, and Mental Health Board of Franklin County (ADAMH) reflects on a busy year filled with achievements and new initiatives that have increased support for individuals facing mental health and addiction challenges. In March, ADAMH received the Culture of Quality Certification from the Ohio Association of County Behavioral Health Authorities (OACBHA), an achievement underscoring its commitment to bettering the behavioral health system in Ohio. The certification marks a distinction for boards continuously pursuing best practices and improvement.
Soon after, in April, ADAMH made strides in fostering mental well-being within the construction industry through its partnership with the Builders Exchange of Central Ohio. Addressing topics from safety and mental health to suicide prevention, the initiative reached hundreds of construction workers. An increased focus on help-seeking behaviors within this high-risk demographic indicates a hands-on approach to community mental health.
Their annual Bridging Our Temples Faith Conference in May gathered over a hundred faith leaders to delve into behavioral health issues. Events ranged from wellness exercises like yoga to a keynote address by Julius Lancaster of All Nations Worship Assembly of Columbus, as detailed by The Alcohol, Drug and Mental Health Board of Franklin County's year-in-review.
Coinciding with Mental Health Awareness Month in May, ADAMH sought to illuminate common misconceptions about mental health, enlisting help from NAMI Franklin County, Directions for Youth & Families, and other provider agencies. Their efforts to debunk mental health myths raised awareness and promoted deeper understanding across the community.
Law enforcement training held a focus in July, with over 100 officers participating in a specialized workshop on responding to youth in mental health crises. The same month marked the second anniversary of the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, reflecting notable local improvements in crisis response.
The Franklin County Crisis Care Center also moved forward, with 38 pre-opening tours concluded by September, showcasing the community's investment in crisis care infrastructure. To cap off the year, the October Annual Meeting presented findings from the State of Ohio Adversity and Resilience study, setting the stage for groundbreaking insights into mental health and addiction.
With an eye on continuous development, ADAMH is poised to introduce critical services and preventative measures in the new year, strengthening the community's resilience against behavioral health challenges.
