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Chaffee is new mental-health board director
LISBON
Kathleen Chaffee is the new executive director of the Columbiana County Mental Health and Recovery Services Board.
Chaffee took over April 1. She has a bachelor’s degree in corrections, a master’s degree in counseling, and is licensed by the state of Ohio as a professional clinical counselor.
The agency has seen its state funding cut by $1.3 million since 2009. Chaffee said that the agency expects the state will cut even more money.
Funding also includes two levies: a 1.3-mill levy approved in 2000 that raised $1.3 a year and was renewed in 2010. A 0.3-mill levy that was approved in 2006 for 10 years brings in $437,000 a year.
Still, she said, “Our goal is to continue to provide the best possible system for prevention of mental illness and substance abuse and for treatment.”
The program has tightened its belt. Among other cuts, her former position will not be filled. She had been the associate director since 2005.
A number of programs are under the umbrella of the board that deal with preventing substance abuse and preventing and treating mental illnesses. Those programs range from Big Brothers/Big Sisters to drug and alcohol counseling to the Help Hotline.
The board also helps people with mental and other problems on how to get and keep a job.
“Our services are beneficial to the entire community,” Chaffee said.