May 2021
Message from the ADAMH CEO
One in five adults in the U.S. now has a mental illness. There is help.
We live in extraordinary times, and the emotional costs of the dual pandemic — COVID-19 and systemic racism — have ongoing repercussions on the well-being of many in our community.

Mental Health Month is particularly relevant this year for reasons that go well beyond the initial purpose to educate and reduce stigma surrounding mental illness. We have seen the headlines warning of the pending mental health crisis, but in many ways the pandemic just served to shine a light on and exacerbate what was already there. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, 1 in 5 adults in the United States has a mental illness — and that was before the pandemic began.

There is a tremendous need for support right now. But there is still a stigma that asking for help is a sign of weakness. It is up to all of us to change that perception. Taking care of our mental health makes us stronger.

During difficult times, it is important to maintain the stamina to continue the journey. Our community is fortunate to have a strong network of 33 mental health and addiction services agencies to provide help to anyone in need — regardless of ability to pay.
This is the ADAMH Network of Care — funded through the generosity of Franklin County taxpayers — to provide much-needed services to a growing vulnerable population.

There also is support available to every Franklin County resident, every day through a single phone call. Anyone in Franklin County can call 614.276.CARE (2273) for emotional support and crisis services. This line is staffed by licensed counselors 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

In addition, there are steps we all can take to help build resiliency. Find safe ways to stay connected with family and friends. Explore what brings you joy — that connection to a higher purpose, and finally, and most importantly, give yourself permission to grieve.
This letter is an excerpt from a recent article from Erika Clark Jones published by The Columbus Dispatch.
Erika Clark Jones
ADAMH CEO

ADAMH -
Where Better Begins.
May: Mental Health Month
During Mental Health Month, we're sharing how staff in our network of 30+ not-for-profit provider agencies are taking care of their own wellbeing while also working on the front lines to support the mental health needs of our community.
Behavioral Health Moving Forward
ADAMH CEO Erika Clark Jones recently was part of this important discussion about behavioral health with U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra. Let's make some positive changes for the next generation! See an Excerpt of the Conversation.
Local Mental Health Podcast
Looking for a new podcast to listen to? Check out this local podcast from My RecoveryWorks - A Program of Southeast Healthcare! Listen in as they cover topics from self-advocacy to living with PTSD.
Walk in for Recovery Events
Walk in for Recovery events, sponsored by the Columbus & Franklin County Addiction Plan and Columbus Public Health, will take place on Tuesdays and Wednesdays this summer. If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction to drugs or alcohol, help is available. Walk in for Recovery sites can help assess your needs and quickly connect you to treatment. A mobile health clinic will also be available, offering important health screenings and services. All services are free. Questions? Call 614.645.6843.
 
June 15-16: Jordan’s Crossing, 342 N. Hague Avenue, 43204
 
June 29-30: Stonewall Columbus, 1160 N. High Street, 43201
 
July 13-14: PrimaryOne Health Center at John Maloney, 1905 Parsons Avenue, 43207
 
July 27 & 28: True Love Ministries, 1634 Minnesota Ave., 43211
 
August 10-11: Victory Ministries, 3964 E. Main Street, 43213
 
August 24-25: Lower Lights Health, 1160 W. Broad Street, 43222
 
Virtual Youth Summer Groups
Registration for Syntero's Franklin County Youth Summer Groups are now open to all K-12 students in Franklin County. View groups and register.
About ADAMH
ADAMH, the Alcohol, Drug and Mental Health Board, is a Franklin County government agency which funds over 30 non-profits who offer mental health and substance abuse treatment and prevention programs to Franklin County residents. These community non-profit organizations provide quality mental health as well as alcohol and drug addiction treatment services. We are dedicated to providing Franklin County residents with affordable, high quality alcohol, drug and mental health care. 

If you or someone you know needs treatment or services, call Netcare, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week:
614.276.CARE (2273)
@ADAMHFranklin
Where Better Begins.

Phone: 614.224.1057 | Fax: 614.224.0991 | adamhfranklin.org