2026 has been a year of growth, connection, and community impact at CHC. From expanding access to care to bringing our community together through events like the Break the Cycle Luncheon and our inaugural Recovery Picnic, we've continued to make meaningful strides in our mission of providing compassionate, comprehensive care.

Looking ahead to 2027, we anticipate continued growth with a strong emphasis on integrated, holistic care. Our focus remains on expanding access to comprehensive services, including primary care, mental health counseling, psychiatry, addiction medicine and treatment, adolescent addiction counseling, and school-based prevention programming.

The opening of our new Primary Care Clinic marks an important step in expanding access to quality, comprehensive healthcare. Open to the entire community, the clinic provides preventive care, treatment for acute illnesses, and management of chronic medical conditions. As community needs evolve, we look forward to expanding our services to better serve individuals and families throughout the region. To learn more or schedule an appointment, call 330-461-9557 or click here for additional information.

CHC was also awarded the SAMHSA Zero Suicide Grant to support the implementation of the Zero Suicide Framework, a comprehensive approach to improving suicide prevention and care. The initiative focuses on seven core elements: Lead, Train, Identify, Engage, Treat, Transition, and Improve. Together, these evidence-based practices aim to reduce suicide attempts and deaths through improved screening, culturally responsive care, coordinated treatment, and ongoing follow-up. As we move into 2027, we look forward to sharing more about this important initiative and its impact on the individuals and communities we serve.

CHC’s Adolescent Addiction Outpatient Program received a fresh start in 2026 with the hiring of a new director, Sarah Dhinojwala-Taylor. Located at 702 E. Market St. in Akron, the program accepts referrals for adolescents ages 13 and older who are at risk for or currently using substances. Minimizing negative consequences, providing education, and identifying how families can best work together to prevent the progression of substance use into more serious problems are essential to achieving better outcomes.

CHC was awarded a $250,000 technology grant from the Ohio Department of Behavioral Health to purchase a Zing Methadone dispensing robot. Nicknamed “Randy,” the robot has allowed our Opioid Treatment Program to automate portions of the medication dispensing process, enabling nursing staff to dedicate more time to direct patient care. This new technology improves efficiency, strengthens regulatory compliance, and reduces patient wait times, helping CHC deliver more timely and effective care.

These highlights represent just some of the growth and accomplishments Community Health Center (CHC) of Summit County experienced in 2026.

I am grateful for the continued support and encouragement we have received throughout the year. As we close out 2026, I encourage you to consider participating in our Adopt-a-Family Program, helping make the holidays brighter for families in need. Through the dedication of our staff, community partners, and generous supporters, we help families experience the joy of celebrating the holidays together in recovery, sometimes for the very first time!

With Blessed Gratitude,



Keith Hochadel

Chief Executive Officer