ADAMH Board of Franklin County

03/13/2026

March is National Social Work Month, a time to recognize the professionals across the country who work every day to strengthen individuals, families and communities.

A recent blog shared by the National Association of Social Workers highlights how social workers create impact both on the front lines and behind the scenes, ensuring people stay connected to care and helping transform systems to better serve those who need them most. Read it here: https://www.socialworkblog.org/featured-articles/2026/03/social-workers-uplift-defend-transform-a-quality-perspective/

Happy Social Work Month!
https://tinyurl.com/5n8uunvn
Social workers are well-educated, train for years and develop expertise not just to change people, but to reshape systems that can help people live far richer and improved lives. Our society over the course of the last year has seen incredible upheavals that have changed our economy, the way we access and pay for care, and interact with one another.
That is why this year’s theme is Social Workers: Uplift. Defend. Transform.
Learn more and find a toolkit to create your own content at socialworkmonth.org

03/12/2026

ADAMH congratulates the fall 2025 cohort of the Franklin County Behavioral Health Leadership Academy on completing the six-month program and celebrating their graduation in early March.

The ceremony recognized 19 mid-level managers from across the ADAMH provider network who participated in the leadership development program, part of a broader effort to strengthen and grow the behavioral health workforce. ADAMH also extends its thanks to Board of Trustees member Melissa Klosterman-Lando for joining the celebration and sharing remarks with graduates at the ceremony.

Mental Health America of Ohio

03/10/2026

March 10 is , which highlights how early screening can help identify risks, reduce harm and connect people to support and recovery. If you or someone you care about may be struggling, taking a proactive step can make a difference.

Consider completing Maryhaven Gambling Intervention’s simple five-question survey to help you determine what steps to take next: https://maryhaven.com/screening/

03/09/2026

Mental Health America of Ohio’s Family Advocate Program, funded by ADAMH, provides one-on-one peer support to caregivers supporting a loved one living with severe and persistent mental illness.

Read how Joan, a program participant, has leaned on the program over the years as she navigates her son’s diagnosis and her own journey as a caregiver: https://adamhfranklin.org/how-mhaohios-family-advocate-program-provides-lifeline-for-caregivers/

03/04/2026

March is , a time to increase public awareness of problem gambling and promote prevention, treatment and recovery services.

In the past year, approximately 20 million American adults reported experiencing at least one indicator of problematic gambling behavior, according to the National Council on Problem Gambling.

Increasing awareness is key to addressing this often-overlooked public health concern. In Franklin County, ADAMH provider Maryhaven Gambling Intervention offers a free, accessible gambling intervention program for anyone seeking support. Learn more: https://maryhaven.com/gambling/

03/02/2026

Over the past six months, ADAMH participated in the Ohio Department of Behavioral Health (ODBH)'s Boards of Excellence in Prevention pilot, a statewide learning effort focused on strengthening collaboration and deepening behavioral health prevention expertise.

ADAMH recently accepted a bronze level award. Thank you to ODBH for the opportunity to participate and for the recognition of our ongoing efforts.

02/27/2026

Sue Villilo, ADAMH Vice President of Clinical Services & Provider Relations, recently joined Columbus Mayor Andrew J. Ginther, Columbus Public Health Commissioner Dr. Mysheika Roberts and RI International COO Joy Brunson-Nsubuga at the Franklin County Crisis Care Center to highlight the city of Columbus’ continued investment in alternative crisis response and its impact on community health and safety.

Sue shared about the work ADAMH has done alongside community partners to intentionally build a comprehensive crisis care continuum and ensure Franklin County residents receive timely, compassionate and coordinated support. Watch coverage: https://www.nbc4i.com/news/local-news/columbus/ginther-pledges-1-million-for-crisis-response-program/

02/26/2026

02/26/2026

💜 Hope saves lives. Community saves lives.

Join MHAOhio's Franklin County Su***de Prevention Coalition for Guided by Grace: A Hope-Centered Dialogue on Su***de Prevention — an in-person gathering centered on healing, faith, and prevention.

🗓 Saturday, February 28, 2026
⏰ 2:00–3:00 PM
📍 Second Baptist Church

This space is designed for honest conversation, breaking stigma, and exploring how spirituality and grace can support mental wellness—especially within the Black community.

You are not alone. Hope is here. 💜

***dePrevention

02/25/2026

ADAMH CEO Erika Clark Jones recently served as the keynote speaker at Franklin County Public Health’s annual Community Health Action Team (CHAT) Summit.

In her remarks, Erika highlighted the power of collaboration and the meaningful progress that can be achieved when a community works together to support its residents. She shared insights on the evolving crisis care continuum in Franklin County, the partnerships that have made this work possible and the vision for what lies ahead.

ADAMH appreciates the opportunity to be part of this important conversation and thanks Franklin County Public Health for the invitation, as well as the CHAT members for the vital work they do every day to strengthen Franklin County.

02/25/2026

ADAMH CEO Erika Clark Jones was honored to participate in a recent panel discussion hosted by the Age-Friendly Innovation Center.

The panel followed a screening of the documentary No Place to Grow Old, an intimate portrait of the rising crisis of older adult homelessness through deeply personal stories of the lives of three older adults.

Panelists discussed how central Ohio is addressing older adult homelessness, with Erika highlighting the strong connection between homelessness, behavioral health and substance use. She emphasized that addressing these challenges requires collective action with everyone playing a role in strengthening community support.

Learn more about the film: https://www.noplacetogrowold.com/

Age Friendly Columbus and Franklin County Community Shelter Board The Ohio State University College of Social Work Central Ohio Area Agency on Aging Affordable Housing Alliance of Central Ohio

02/23/2026

As winter continues, colder temperatures and shorter days can contribute to seasonal affective disorder (SAD), a form of depression that follows a seasonal pattern.

Seasonal depression is common and treatable. As the final weeks of winter approach, consider exploring strategies from Mental Health America of Ohio to help manage symptoms and support overall well-being.

Learn more: https://mhaohio.org/5-ways-to-manage-seasonal-affective-disorder/