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The Mental Health and Recovery Board of Portage County & Coleman Health Services hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony yesterday in Ravenna to celebrate the Portage Crisis Center. The center will provide a safe, appropriate setting where individuals can receive immediate support. The center is a first of its kind for Portage County. It contains a Crisis Receiving Unit for adults as well as a separate area for youth and their guardians providing a safe short-term setting for person

Fourteen Portage County first responders spent a day in May sharpening their skills in responding to mental health crisis calls. All attendees had previously completed Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) training — a 40-hour program designed to equip first responders with the skills needed to safely and effectively respond to individuals experiencing behavioral health emergencies. Portage County CIT Coordinator Officer Josh Bartholomew presented on de-escalation techniques and rev

In recognition of Mental Health Month, messages of hope and support are being distributed throughout Portage County. A total of 3,000 coffee sleeves and 4,000 coasters featuring information about the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline are being placed in local coffee shops, bars, and fraternal and veterans’ organizations, including American Legion, VFW, and Eagles clubs. This initiative is led by the Mental Health & Recovery Board of Portage County, which received a grant from the

The Mental Health and Recovery Board is proud to announce the Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) honors for 2025 awarded by the Portage County Chief’s Association. Officer Thomas Ondecker, Streetsboro PD was named the CIT Officer of the Year; Kayla Michael, LSW, Coleman Health Services, was named the CIT Champion of the Year; and Disp. Kristen King was named CIT Dispatcher of the Year. Over the past year, Officer Ondecker has demonstrated exceptional compassion and applied the de

Law enforcement officers and community partners recently completed a 40-hour Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) training designed to improve how first responders recognize and respond to individuals experiencing mental health or substance use crises. The intensive, weeklong program provided participants with comprehensive instruction in de-escalation techniques, mental health awareness, and substance use disorder education. The training also emphasized collaboration and the use o

Prevention is our first line of defense in protecting our children from the harmful effects of drugs and alcohol. October has been declared Substance Use Prevention Month to raise awareness of the importance of prevention and let communities know that everyone can play a role. In Portage County, prevention begins in the classroom. Certified prevention specialists from Townhall II visit local schools to teach evidence-based programs designed to strengthen lifelong skills. Stud

Portage County Substance Abuse & Mental Health Conference October 30

Celebrate Recovery Walk Portage County poetry readings

Jared Hostetler, Aurora resident, was sworn in as the newest member of the Mental Health & Recovery Board at the September meeting. Jared has a military background as he served as a Missile Maintenance Officer, leading Airmen to keep the Minuteman III weapons system on nuclear alert. He also brings a wealth of experience in project management and leadership training to the Board. In reflecting on his new role, Jared shared: “I applied to the Mental Health & Recovery Board of

The Mental Health & Recovery Board of Portage County hosted a Mental Health Celebration on May 14th in honor of Mental Health Awareness Month in downtown Kent. State officials, local partners, and community members joined together to shine a light on mental health by raising awareness, breaking down stigma, and encouraging open conversations. RecoveryOhio Director Erin Reed represented Govenor DeWine’s Office and spoke to the crowd, “At RecoveryOhio, we believe that mental he

Mental health has a profound impact on us all. Approximately one in five Ohioans is affected by mental illness. That’s why the Mental...

The Mental Health & Recovery Board welcomed Mogadore resident Elaine Harlin as a new Board member at the March meeting. Ms. Harlin brings...

Back row: Of Adam Mohler (Ravenna PD), Of. Anthony Gagliardi (Aurora PD), Of. Collin Whitmyer (Mogadore PD), Assistant Director/Of....

The Mental Health & Recovery Board of Portage County received $1,365,871 to invest in local treatment, prevention, and recovery supports...

The Mental Health and Recovery Board is proud to announce the Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) honors for 2024 awarded by the Portage...

From Left to Right Back: Of. David Walker (Kent PD), Of. Jim Brown (Hiram PD), Of. Christopher Dynys (Ravenna PD), Of. Stephanie Uber...

Portage County schools are doing just that. A handful of schools in Portage have implemented the state-wide program, Handle with Care....

The Mental Health & Recovery Board Welcomed two new board members in the summer of 2024. Dina Douglas was sworn in at the August board meeting. Ms. Douglas is a resident of Kent and is Director of Services and In-Home Clinical Supervisor with Bellefaire JCB in Summit County. She holds a Bachelor of Arts from Kent State University in telecommunications and a master’s degree in social science administration from Case Western Reserve University. Ms. Douglas previously held posit

The Mental Health & Recovery Board welcomed new and promoted staff members this summer. Dr. Terra Howell-Muth joined the Mental Health &...

Townhall II Integrated Health Network now offers free harm reduction supplies from a vending machine in it’s Kent office lobby, located...