Mahoning County Mental Health & Recovery Board

10/29/2025

Today we celebrated National First Responders Day with the opening of the Clarence R. Smith Jr. Family Mahoning Valley First Responder Wellness Center. We joined members of Boardman Township Police Department, Mahoning County Commissioners, Ohio, Mahoning County Sheriff's Office, Ohio Department of Behavioral Health, Hermitage Fire - Rescue, City of Hermitage Police Department, NAMI Mahoning Valley, Ray "Boom Boom" Mancini Boardman Township Trustees and so many more.

The Wellness Center will serve as a space dedicated to first responders and their families, allowing them to participate in wellness programming. The space will provide shared resources and programs focused on the wellbeing of first responders from across the Valley. Last week, the Wellness Center served as the training facility for our CIT officers.

Thank to all of the first responders who serve our community every day.

10/28/2025

We're honored to grow our Board with two new members. At our Board meeting last night, Christopher Tesone & Kali Davies-Anderson were sworn in by Judge John Durkin. Both Chris and Kali are excited to serve the community, and we're excited to have them both as we continue to grow.

10/25/2025

Thank you to our Mahoning County Commissioners, Mahoning County Auditor's Office and Mahoning County Prosecutor's Office for attending our CIT graduation yesterday. Congratulations once again to all of our graduates.

Congratulations to Deputy Marc Ruse, Sergeant Anthony Lucas and Deputy Daniel Medvec for graduating Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) training!

We would also like to express our gratitude to Commissioners Carol Rimedio-Righetti and Geno DiFabio, County Prosecutor Lynn Maro and County Auditor Ralph Meachum for their support.

A CIT program is an innovative, community-based approach to improve the outcomes of encounters between law enforcement officers and individuals experiencing mental health crises. CIT improves communication, identifies mental health resources for those in crisis and ensures officer and community safety.

10/25/2025

This afternoon, Officers Morganne Lewis and Emily Roth were part of the graduating class from the Mahoning County Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) training program.

The program is sponsored by the Mahoning County Mental Health & Recovery Board, which has afforded countless officers throughout the valley with the opportunity to learn how to better handle situations involving persons with mental illness. The goal of CIT is to improve connections between law enforcement, mental health providers, hospital emergency services and individuals with mental illness, along with their families.

Congratulations!

10/25/2025

Congratulations to Deputy Marc Ruse, Sergeant Anthony Lucas and Deputy Daniel Medvec for graduating Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) training!

We would also like to express our gratitude to Commissioners Carol Rimedio-Righetti and Geno DiFabio, County Prosecutor Lynn Maro and County Auditor Ralph Meachum for their support.

A CIT program is an innovative, community-based approach to improve the outcomes of encounters between law enforcement officers and individuals experiencing mental health crises. CIT improves communication, identifies mental health resources for those in crisis and ensures officer and community safety.

10/24/2025

Congratulations to our newest CIT graduates! 🎓💙

Today, we celebrated the officers who completed this week’s Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) Training — an intensive 40-hour program designed to help law enforcement better understand and respond to individuals experiencing a mental health crisis.

These officers showed tremendous dedication, compassion, and commitment to building safer, more supportive communities. Through their work, they’re strengthening the connection between law enforcement, mental health providers, and the people they serve. 👏

A heartfelt thank you to all the instructors, agencies, and partners who made this week possible — and to our officers for their continued efforts to bring empathy and understanding to every call. 💙

10/24/2025

Yesterday’s CIT Training session put skills into action! Our officers in training participated in realistic role-playing scenarios led by members of the Mahoning Valley Crisis Response Team (CRT) — giving them the opportunity to apply what they’ve learned throughout the week in real-world crisis situations. From de-escalation techniques to effective communication and empathy, these exercises help officers build the confidence and tools needed to respond safely and compassionately to those experiencing a mental health crisis.

We’re proud of their hard work and commitment to strengthening the connection between law enforcement and mental health support in our community. 👏💪

A special thank you to MISSION BBQ for generously providing lunch for our officers during training — your support helps fuel the important work being done!

10/22/2025

Law enforcement officers are currently undergoing their Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) Training program. These 20 officers from departments across Mahoning County are spending their week in the 40-hour course to improve their responses to mental health crises, learn de-escalation skills and connect individuals to community resources.

Much of the training takes place at the Clarence R. Smith Mahoning Valley First Responder Wellness Center in Boardman, but the group visits other locations around the county to learn more about their services and issues they see every day.

While at the Mahoning County Juvenile Court, the class heard from Judge Theresa Dellick and her staff about the issues youth face and how they are working with Mahoning County agencies to lower recidivism and give adolescents a brighter future.

We are looking forward to celebrating these officers this Friday at their graduation.

10/11/2025

As we continue to recognize Mental Illness Awareness Week, we also celebrate the strength it takes to seek help and heal.

Recovery is possible. With the right support, treatment, and understanding, individuals can live full, meaningful lives beyond diagnosis.

Let’s continue to show kindness, advocate for resources, and lift up those who are struggling. Because when one of us heals, our whole community grows stronger. 🌿

If you or someone you love needs help, call or text 988 for free, confidential support.

10/10/2025

🧠💚 It’s Mental Illness Awareness Week — a time to break the stigma, start conversations, and remind our community that mental health is health. 1 in 5 adults in the U.S. experiences a mental illness each year, but no one should face it alone.

This week, take time to check in on yourself and those around you. Listen. Learn. Support.

Together, we can build a community that prioritizes compassion and understanding over silence and stigma.

📞 Need help or know someone who does? Call or text 988 to reach the Su***de & Crisis Lifeline.

You are never alone. 💚

10/03/2025

We are saddened to share the passing of Carolyn Givens. Carolyn dedicated much of her career to advancing mental health and recovery. Carolyn was the former Director of the Ohio Department of Alcohol and Drug Addiction Services, and previously served as the Executive Director for the Ohio Su***de Prevention Foundation and CEO of Neil Kennedy Recovery Center.

Carolyn's passion and commitment helped so many people who needed it when they had no where else to go. Thank you for your service and compassion.

https://bit.ly/3KyEX7S

Celebrate the life of Carolyn Givens, leave a kind word or memory and get funeral service information care of Rose Hill Funeral Home & Burial Park.

09/30/2025

💙 This past Friday, our community came together at YO’ WE RECOVER to celebrate strength, share hope, and stand united in recovery. From inspiring speakers to great food, games, and connection—the energy at Wick Park reminded us that recovery is possible, and no one walks this journey alone. 🙌

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who joined us, our incredible volunteers, partners, and agencies—your time, passion, and dedication made this event possible. Together, we are building a stronger, healthier Mahoning County. 💪