ADAM H – Alcohol, Drug Addiction, and Mental Health

ADAM H

Alcohol, Drug Addiction, and Mental Health

The Alcohol, Drug Addiction, and Mental Health (ADAMH) Board of Crawford and Marion Counties was established to ensure the availability of addiction and mental health services to all residents of Marion and Crawford counties.

They assess the needs of the community, allocate resources, educate the public, and coordinate and evaluate services. ADAMH partners with local schools, courts, job and family services, law enforcement, and other institutions to connect those in need to the right services, regardless of an individual’s age, financial situation, or other factors. Brad DeCamp is the executive director of Crawford-Marion ADAMH and has worked with addiction programs for over two decades. He grew up in a community in southern Ohio that was heavily impacted by the opioid crisis. He saw devastation from addiction and substance abuse first hand and knew he wanted to make a difference. Brad worked with another ADAMH board in Ohio and then transferred to the Crawford-Marion ADAMH in 2016 to work alongside the previous director, Jody Demo-Hodgins, before she retired and he took over as director.

Executive Director, Brad DeCamp at an event at OSU Marion

ADAMH is more than a service matchmaker. They are a local planning authority of addiction and mental health services. In addition to treatment solutions, ADAMH supports and organizes multiple prevention efforts in the community. Teen Institute (TI) is a high school leadership program funded by ADAMH to educate and encourage teens to make positive decisions and live drug free. Signs of Suicide (SOS) is a prevention program that partners with and is funded by ADAMH to educate students on signs of depression and suicide as well as identifying individuals that would benefit from preventative treatment.

ADAMH sponsors mental health disorder & addiction education & prevention programs.

A large hurdle ADAMH faces is the stigma that comes with addiction and mental health disorders. Brad explains, “So many people don’t want to talk about these things. We want to help those in need and tear down the stigma behind acknowledging a problem and seeking treatment. The stats are inescapable: 1 in 5 Americans will have an addiction or mental health disorder at one point in their lifetime, but 5 in 5 Americans will know someone that is afflicted by it. It’s our responsibility to help not only ourselves, but those around us push through and thrive.” A rise in addiction, suicide, and mental health disorders is impacting communities across the nation, and Marion is no exception. According to the Ohio Alliance for Innovation in Public Health, the Marion community lost 13,000 years of life due to drug overdoses over the last decade and over 3,000 years of life lost from suicides between 2008 and 2017.

Like many with loved ones struggling with addiction, Bobbi didn’t know where to turn to for help. Her son was battling an addiction and she reached out to ADAMH in desperation. With their help, her son got the treatment he needed and their lives are forever changed. She explains, “If it was not for ADAMH intervening, I would have a son that might not be here today and a grandchild that might not have a father. Today, 3 years later and 3 years clean, he’s still doing well and I know it’s because ADAMH took care of him.”

ADAMH recently hosted a free drive through Narcan clinic.

Since the COVID-19 pandemic, ADAMH has seen an even greater need. In a recent study showed a higher amount of symptoms of anxiety and depression, increased substance, stress, and higher rates of suicidal thoughts. ADAMH continues to face these challenges and provide hope to the community in these unprecedented times. Moving forward, ADAMH is committed to focus on prioritizing the needs of Marion County residents.

“If it was not for ADAMH intervening, I would have a son that might not be here today and a grandchild that might not have a father. Today, 3 years later and 3 years clean, he’s still doing well and I know it’s because ADAMH took care of him.”

Bobbi

This includes increased prevention programs in schools, counseling for mental health and addiction, crisis intervention and hotlines, housing for mental health/ addiction patients, and more. If you or a loved one are in need of assistance with mental health or addiction disorders, ADAMH can help, regardless of age or income. You can find more information at www.mcadamh.com or by contacting them directly at 740.387.8531 or contacting the Pathways of Central Ohio crisis hotline at 740.383.2273