Mental health, addiction services consolidation could come next summer

YOUNGSTOWN

Consolidation of the Mahoning County Mental Health and Alcohol & Drug Addiction Services boards could come as early at July 1, 2015.

The respective boards of directors have approved resolutions to establish a consolidation committee and to write to the Mahoning County Board of Commissioners requesting authorization to move forward with a consolidation plan.

The Alcohol & Drug Addiction Services (ADAS) board passed its resolution to consolidate on Sept. 18 and the Mental Health board approved its consolidation resolution Thursday. Both votes were unanimous.

The consensus of comments is that consolidation of the two boards is in the best interest of Mahoning County residents, agencies and taxpayers.

"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 will also make for a more efficient care plan with less duplication of services, Manning said.

Read more about the plan in Friday's Vindicator or on Vindy.com.