Mahoning County Mental Health & Recovery Board

01/04/2026

2026 is here. What better way to celebrate than Dry January. Broadway Recovery Services Adam Lonardo talks about the benefits of abstaining from alcohol for a month. From both physical and mental health benefits, starting the new year by not drinking is the perfect way to make 2026 your year.

The big health benefits of Dry January

01/01/2026

Happy New Year from all of us at the Mahoning County Mental Health & Recovery Board 🎉✨

As we step into a new year, we want to thank our community for the care, compassion, and resilience you continue to show one another. Whether you’re welcoming this year with hope, healing, or simply taking things one day at a time, please know you’re not alone — we’re here to support you every step of the way.

Here’s to a year of connection, growth, and prioritizing mental health and recovery together. 💙

12/30/2025

❄️💙 Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is more than just “winter blues.” SAD is a type of depression that follows seasonal patterns, often beginning in late fall or winter when daylight decreases. It can affect mood, energy, sleep, and motivation — and it’s more common than many people realize.

Ways to help manage SAD:
☀️ Get natural light whenever possible or consider light therapy
🚶‍♀️ Stay active, even gentle movement can boost mood
🛌 Maintain a regular sleep routine
🍎 Nourish your body with balanced meals
🤝 Stay connected with friends, family, or community
💬 Reach out for professional support if symptoms feel overwhelming

You’re not alone, and help is available 24/7 - call 988 for help or support.
If seasonal changes are impacting your mental health, support can make a difference.

12/30/2025

When it comes to the mental health of our community, we know we're in good hands with the next generation. Mason Dunlap, a freshman on the Austintown Local Schools Basketball team donated 50 pepperoni rolls to the residents of the Broadway Crisis Stabilization Unit. This unit is located in Mahoning County and provides crisis stabilization for persons experiencing or recovering from a mental health crisis and are in need of an intermediate level of care. Each year the Austintown Boys Basketball Boosters have a fundraiser to raise funds for the Austintown Fitch Boys Basketball Program Initiatives.

12/25/2025

Happy Holidays from the Mahoning County Mental Health & Recovery Board 🎄✨

As we move through this holiday season, we want to extend our warmest wishes to you and your loved ones. Whether your days are filled with celebration, reflection, or a mix of emotions, please know that your mental health and well-being matter.

We are grateful for our community partners, providers, advocates, and residents who continue to support one another and help make Mahoning County a stronger, more compassionate place for all.

May this season bring moments of peace, connection, and hope — and may you remember that support is always here when you need it. 💙

12/23/2025

❄️ Winter Reminder: A Warm, Safe Place Is Available ❄️

As temperatures drop, no one in Mahoning County should have to face the cold alone. Overnight Warming Stations are open nightly to provide warmth, safety, and support throughout the winter season.

🏠 Mahoning County Overnight Warming Station
📅 December 1, 2025 – March 31, 2026
📍 Community Corrections Association (CCA)
1771 Market Street, Youngstown, OH 44507

🕖 Hours:
• Open 7 nights a week
• 7:00 PM – 7:00 AM
• Registration required between 7:00–9:00 PM (no entry after 9 PM)

🛏 What’s provided:
• Cot-style beds with fresh linens
• Water, coffee & bagged lunches
• Safe, monitored environment

👥 Who it serves:
This location serves homeless single men.
For single women, families, or parents with children, please contact:
• Axess Family Services: (330) 306-0136
• Voices of Hope Shelter: (234) 228-9761
• Rescue Mission Mahoning Valley: (330) 744-5486

📞 Need help after 9 PM?
Call 211 to reach the Help Network of Northeast Ohio for immediate assistance or referrals.

💙 If you or someone you know needs a warm place to stay, please share this information. Community care saves lives — especially in the winter.

12/19/2025

Congratulations on a much deserved retirement to WKBN 27 Youngstown OH Community Affairs Director Dee Crawford. Dee has dedicated most of her career to serving our community.
Thank you, Dee, for decades of integrity, compassion, and showing up for the people of the Valley. Your voice helped normalize conversations around tough topics, including mental health, reminding us that people come first. Your legacy will continue to inspire students at Youngstown State University as they enter the Delores E Crawford Production Studio.

Earlier this week, we shared that WKBN Community Affairs Director Dee Crawford is retiring after 20 years with the station.

12/18/2025

If the holidays feel heavy, you’re not alone.🎄💙
This season can be beautiful — twinkling lights, cozy moments, familiar traditions — but it can also bring pressure, memories, and moments that feel anything but peaceful. And that’s okay. Your feelings are valid.

When the season starts to feel overwhelming, try giving yourself a little space to breathe:

🌟 Find your quiet moments — a warm drink, a soft blanket, a few deep breaths.
🕯️ Let go of perfection — the best memories often happen in the imperfect.
💬 Share what’s on your heart — talking can ease the weight you’re carrying.
🚶‍♀️ Step outside — even a quick walk in the cool brisk air can bring clarity and calm.
🎁 Give yourself grace — you don’t have to do it all.
🤝 Reach out for support — you deserve connection, not exhaustion.

This season, may you find pockets of peace, people who understand, and moments that remind you to care for yourself, too.

You are doing your best — and that is enough. 💙

12/16/2025

💙 Grief during the holidays can feel heavier — especially after losing a loved one to su***de. If you’re navigating this kind of loss, you deserve a space where your pain is understood, your story is honored, and your healing is supported.

Youngstown’s Jewish Family and Community Services offers a Survivors of Su***de Support Group designed for those coping with the deep and complex grief that follows su***de loss.

This group provides a safe, compassionate environment led by facilitators who truly understand the unique challenges survivors face. Here, you can share your experiences, express your emotions, and connect with others who have walked a similar path — especially meaningful during a season that can amplify feelings of loneliness and heartbreak.

📅 When: Tuesdays, 5:30–6:30 p.m.
📍 Where: JCC of Youngstown
📞 More info: Contact Laura Haas at 330-746-7929 ext. 243
📧 Email: lhaas@jewishyoungstown.org

You don’t have to navigate this grief alone — support is here, especially when the holidays feel difficult. 💙

***de

12/12/2025

The holidays should bring warmth, connection, and joy — not added pressure to drink or use substances. As celebrations pick up, let’s make space for healthier choices and intentional moments that support our well-being.

Here are a few ways to stay grounded this season:
🍵 Bring your favorite non-alcoholic drink to gatherings
🎁 Create an “exit plan” if a situation feels overwhelming
💬 Let a trusted friend know you’re staying substance-free
❄️ Take breaks from the noise — a short walk can reset your mind
❤️ Choose events and people who support your goals

Remember: you can celebrate fully without substances — the holiday magic is still yours.

If you or someone you love needs support this season, help is always available.

📞 Call 211 for local resources
🧭 Find AA meetings in the area at: aayaig.org/meetings

Stay safe, stay grounded, and enjoy the season on your own terms. 💙

12/11/2025

CIT Training in Action! 🚓 This fall, our CIT class put their skills to the test through real-world role-playing scenarios. Our CIT team stepped into the roles of individuals in crisis, giving officers the chance to practice de-escalation, communication, and compassion in a realistic, hands-on way.

These scenarios help prepare officers to respond safely, calmly, and effectively when it matters most — strengthening the bridge between law enforcement and mental health support in Mahoning County. 💙

👏 Thank you to our incredible CIT team for bringing these scenarios to life, and congratulations to our officers again for their dedication and commitment throughout this training. Your work makes our community safer and more understanding.

12/04/2025

Congratulations to SV Michael Malleske of the Adult Parole Authority for successfully completing the October 2025 Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) Training!
Your dedication to understanding mental health and improving responses during crises strengthens our community’s safety and compassion.

Thank you for your commitment to helping others and making a difference every day. 👏