Founded in 1968 as the Board of Mental Health and Mental Retardation the Board had two local service providers. In 1989 mental health and mental retardation split and alcohol and drug addiction services were added resulting in what is now know as the Alcohol, Drug Addiction and Mental Health (or ADAMH) Board. With a newly formed Board and six service providers, the Board set out to reinvent itself to address a new population with dedication toward recovery and stability of all Richland County residents in need. Currently, the Board has partner agencies that offer services to those suffering from mental illness and substance dependence. The Mission of the Richland County Mental Health and Recovery Services Board is to secure sufficient funds to plan, establish and maintain unified services primarily for the mentally ill, drug or alcohol dependent individuals, their families and the general population. Toward these ends, the Board shall: encourage the development of high quality, cost effective, and comprehensive services; adapt to the changing needs, especially for severely mentally disabled children, adolescents and adults; fulfill the mandates of the Ohio Revised Code; and promote the integrity and individuality of consumers of mental health and drug and alcohol services. Going forward, the Board will continue its dedication to the recovery of Richland County residents by seeking and managing Federal, State and Local funds to address the ever changing needs of this community.
