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Next step in the process is up to Mahoning County commissioners
YOUNGSTOWN
Consolidation of the Mahoning County Mental Health and Alcohol & Drug Addiction Services boards could come as early as July 1, 2015.
The respective boards of directors have approved resolutions to establish a consolidation committee and to write to the Mahoning County commissioners requesting authorization to move forward with a consolidation plan.
The Alcohol & Drug Addiction Services board passed its resolution to consolidate Sept. 18 and the Mental Health board approved its consolidation resolution Sept. 25.
Both votes were unanimous.
The consensus of comments is that consolidation of the two boards is in the best interest of residents, agencies and taxpayers.
The ADAS board approved consolidation believing it would be in the best interests of county residents who need mental- health and addiction treatment services, said Brenda Heidinger, ADAS executive director.
“We’ve been wanting to do this. I’m thrilled we are finally taking steps to accomplish consolidation. It’s long overdue,” said Nina Hanna, chairwoman of the ADAS board.
“The main reason for the merger is that it is in the best interest of the clients,” said Edgar Manning, chairman of the Mental Health board.
It also will make for a more efficient care plan with less duplication of services, Manning said.
Duane Piccirilli, mental-health board executive director, said he is “very excited about the blending of the staffs. We’re hoping this happens by July 1, 2015,” he said.
The next step is for county commissioners to act on requests from the Mental Health and ADAS board requesting authorization to move forward.
One of the first tasks for the respective board’s reorganization committees will to establish board size (the maximum is 18), and recommend individuals for board membership to county commissioners and the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services.
Piccirilli said the committee will also examine personnel policies and bylaws and establish a table of organization.
The new blended board, with an equal number from each existing board, will select a new director and other personnel, he said.