The ADAMH Board of Franklin County is proud to be a part of a community that comes together in a time of crisis – even when together takes on a new meaning. As the new chief executive officer of ADAMH, I want you to know that our highest priority is to ensure community members continue to receive mental health and addiction services when they are needed the most.
 
Crisis services are still being delivered . Our providers are still offering services or modified services. Some have altered their format to address client needs by phone. Please visit a provider’s website or social media pages to confirm the services, hours and locations that are currently available. You can use our system directory to find links to each provider.
 
We have added information to our website providing COVID-19 Updates and Resources . As Ohio and Franklin County take aggressive steps to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 Coronavirus Disease, ADAMH encourages community members to follow some important guidance from our local and statewide public health officials. This includes getting your information from reliable sources, following suggested prevention strategies, asking for help if needed, and finding ways to manage your stress and anxiety.
 
Please utilize this page and follow us at @ADAMHFranklin on Facebook and Twitter to stay up to date on what is happening at ADAMH and within our System of Care during this time.
 
We also encourage you to find other ways to reach out and support each other through phone calls, email and social media during this challenging time. If you don’t have a support system or need professional mental health support, the amazing staff who work at our providers are finding different ways to continue serving you. 
Sincerely,

Erika Clark Jones
ADAMH CEO

ADAMH - Where Better Begins.
The Alcohol, Drug and Mental Health Board of Franklin County (ADAMH) Board of Trustees and staff welcomed Erika Clark Jones as the agency’s new Chief Executive Officer (CEO). She succeeds David Royer who retired this past fall after 18 years leading ADAMH.

Jones has extensive experience as a public health administrator, most recently through her work with CelebrateOne where she led efforts to reduce infant mortality and improve health equity. Throughout her career, she has demonstrated a track record of success, most notably by collaborating with a coalition of public, private, non-profit and community stakeholders responsible for reducing infant deaths by 23 percent in Franklin County.
The ADAMH Office, located at 447 E. Broad St., is temporarily unavailable.

Based on guidance from Governor DeWine, the Ohio Department of Health, and our county leaders, we are asking all ADAMH staff to continue their work remotely as a healthcare safety precaution. We appreciate your understanding as we all work to navigate the current situation regarding the COVID-19 outbreak and will continue to share updates about the ADAMH System of Care on our Facebook and Twitter pages.

Calls to the main ADAMH phone line at 614.224.1057 will go to a recorded voicemail message with options to leave a message. You can also use our Staff Directory to contact a staff member by email or phone. We will post updates at https://adamhfranklin.org/.

Our community’s health and safety comes first. We are working closely with our community providers to identify and support critical mental health and addiction services in Franklin County.
Netcare Access Building Closed Due to Flooding
Netcare’s building at 199 S. Central Avenue is closed due to flooding. They cannot take walk-ins or in-person referrals. Netcare’s Crisis phone line, 614.276.CARE (2273) , is still available. However, we encourage you to contact your local mental health provider first in non-life threatening situations. Other ADAMH-funded providers are continuing to offer modified services. Please check the provider’s website for the most current information on hours and location. A directory of ADAMH providers is available  here .
If you are having a life threatening emergency, please 9-1-1. Please be sure to let any provider or first responder know if you have any cold and flu symptoms as health care providers work to minimize the risk of exposure to the coronavirus disease.
Managing Stress in Long-term Crisis
By ADAMH Medical Director, Dr. Delaney Smith
This is a time of great uncertainty and times of uncertainty can produce anxiety. Focusing on your mental health is an important way to prepare yourself to address the COVID-19 pandemic both personally and as a community.
 
Times of uncertainty can produce a lot of anxiety. The gradual and looming nature of this can make that anxiety worse – fight or flight and cortisol response are meant to be short term.
 
If you or someone you care about is feeling increased anxiety due to COVID-19 there are things you can do that will help.
*Reach out to a trusted friend and utilize mental health warmlines/hotlines and other available resources when you need help. Below are some of those resources that you can use and share.  
Crisis Services
If you or someone you care about is experiencing a mental health or addiction crisis, please utilize these local resources:
 
Netcare (Adults) 614.276.CARE (2273)
 
Nationwide Children’s Hospital (17 and under) 614.722.1800
 
Crisis Text Line
Text the keyword “4hope” to 741 741 to be connected to a trained Crisis Counselor within 5 minutes. The Crisis Text Line is a free, confidential service available 24/7 via text on mobile devices.
Mental Health and Addiction Support Services
The P.E.E.R. Center Warmline – 614.358.TALK (8255)
The PEER Center is currently closed for in-person support. However, the Warmline for non-crisis peer support, has been expanded to 18 hours a day. The Warmline is staffed by individuals in long-term mental health, addiction and trauma recovery.

National Disaster Distress Helpline
You can call the national Disaster Distress Helpline at 1.800.985.5990 or text “TalkWithUs” to 66746.
COVID-19 Resources
Ohio Coronavirus Website and Call Center
1.833.4.ASK.ODH (1.833.427.5634)
Open 7 days a week from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
 
Ohio Department of Health
 
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
 
Franklin County Public Health
 
Columbus Public Health
COTA Bus Rides Are Currently FREE
  1. Enter the buses from the back. The front bus doors will be closed. This is to give drivers some distance from the public.
  2. Don’t sit right next to other people. Put distance between passengers and maintain as much social distancing as possible.
  3. Use the hand sanitizer provided on the bus, both when you get on and off the bus.
STAY CONNECTED
@ADAMHFranklin
Where Better Begins.

Phone: 614.224.1057 | Fax: 614.224.0991 | adamhfranklin.org