The Stark County Community Mental Health Board was one of the local boards created in 1967 by the Ohio General Assembly's "648" legislation.  The establishment of county mental health boards granted authority and control to local communities to plan services that are responsive to local needs.  The Board's mission was to promote mental health and provide a system of services that met the needs of persons with mental illness in Stark County.

 

In additional to clinical services, community based services such as housing, vocational assistance and social supports provide the basis for productive living. This system of services includes a complete range of mental health programs for consumers, their families and the general public. The promotion of mental health through community education, providing treatment and rehabilitation in the natural environment and services designed around the needs of consumers are guiding principles for all Board activities.

 

In 1989, the Alcohol and Drug Addiction Services  Board of Stark County was created to plan for the provision of alcohol and drug prevention, intervention and treatment services.  The Alcohol and Drug Board's mission was to promote prevention of alcohol and drug addiction and to provide a system of care that met the alcohol and drug addiction treatment needs of the citizens of Stark County.

 

On January 1, 2008, the Stark County Community Mental Health Board and the Alcohol and Drug Addiction Services Board of Stark County were combined to create the Mental Health and Recovery Services Board of Stark County.

 

The Mental Health and Recovery Services Board is the local government agency responsible for planning, funding, and evaluating mental health and alcohol and drug services provided through contracts with local agencies and state-operated programs.  Public funding sources for the Mental Health and Recovery Services Board include the local tax levy, federal grants, state subsidies, Title XX and Medicaid.

 

Collaboration with community partners is essential for the successful system of care that comprises the mental health and recovery system.  Working in conjunction with community stakeholders as well as the Ohio Department of Mental Health and the Ohio Department of Alcohol and Drug Addiction Services help to ensure that Stark County has a comprehensive system of care.