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-escalation...

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 of local...

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. Students learn how to...