Citizens for Mental Health News

A Replacement Levy for Lake County Mental Health & Recovery Services

WHO: The Lake County ADAMHS Board.

Established by Ohio statute, the ADAMHS (Alcohol, Drug Addiction and Mental Health Services) Board is responsible for planning, funding, and evaluating Lake County's mental health and recovery services. Board members – eighteen Lake County residents who serve without compensation – include medical professionals, mental health experts, consumers (people who need and use services), relatives of consumers, community leaders and business professionals. The resulting blend of expertise and perspectives makes the ADAMHS Board uniquely qualified to handle these important issues effectively and efficiently.

WHAT: A 0.7 mill Replacement Operating Levy.

Voters first approved this 0.7 mill levy in 1989. It was renewed in 1999.

WHEN: November, 2008

SIGNIFICANCE: The 0.7 mill levy represents “lifeblood” funding for our system.

During the nearly two decades since this core funding was first approved, the ADAMHS Board has utilized it wisely and carefully to facilitate emergency, treatment and support services that so many Lake County families rely upon. Among the initiatives this levy makes possible are:

• Lake County’s 24/7 Crisis Hotline

• Lake County Community Crisis Intervention Team

• Emergency and support services for women and children who are victims of domestic violence

• Counseling and treatment for children, teens and senior citizens who have depression or other mental illnesses

• Suicide prevention programs that teach educators, clergy and parents about warning signs, do’s and don’ts, and emergency resources
  

THE NEED: Demand for services is increasing, and waiting lists for services are too long. The average wait time for psychiatric or counseling services in our system is currently six weeks. That’s unacceptable. Recent funding cuts at the Ohio Department of Mental Health are resulting in still more strain on our already stretched-thin system. The passage of this issue will allow our system to continue its support of the most critical emergency, treatment and support services, and to be responsive and responsible as we address Lake County’s growing, changing, and ever more pressing needs.

COST: This is not a new tax. There is no increase in millage associated with this levy. But since the 0.7 mills is currently calculated based on 1989 property values, the replacement levy (updating property values to current levels) will cost the owner of a $100,000 home in Lake County an additional $11.91 per year – roughly 99 cents a month.