Critical Funding Challenges Spark Reevaluation of Cuyahoga County’s Mental Health and Addiction Crisis Center

Cuyahoga County Council is currently holding back $7 million slated for a new mental health and addiction crisis center on the former St. Vincent Charity Hospital site. This funding is crucial for the project’s start-up and construction, which involves significant renovations to an existing building.

Concerns have emerged regarding the center’s ongoing operating costs, prompting council members to seek more information about the financial plan after a recent meeting. The Alcohol, Drug Addiction & Mental Health Services (ADAMHS) Board, local behavioral health provider The Centers, and the county’s Department of Public Safety & Justice Services are collaborating on the project. The council is expected to vote on the funding on September 9.

In a joint statement, the project partners expressed their dedication to addressing the council’s questions. They emphasized the importance of this center, stating, “We remain committed to advancing the project to ensure this vital resource meets our community’s mental health and addiction recovery needs.”

The center aims to open doors in September 2026, with an estimated renovation cost of $30.9 million. So far, they’ve secured $18.6 million, but if the council approves the $7 million, an additional $5.3 million will still be needed.

Brandy Carney, the county’s director of public safety, reassured council members that they’re confident about closing the funding gap. “We’ve been very clear from the beginning… there are multiple funding providers,” she said.

This facility will offer 24/7 services for people facing mental health or addiction crises. It aims to relieve the pressure on emergency rooms and jails, which frequently handle these cases. Eric Morse, CEO of The Centers, highlighted the urgent need for such a resource, noting how emergency rooms are overwhelmed with behavioral health issues.

Despite a committee’s recommendation to support the funding, concerns about the center’s long-term financial sustainability linger. Carney mentioned that future requests for $12 million in operational funds for the initial three years may be necessary.

The center’s uniqueness lies in its staff. It will employ “peer” support workers—individuals who have successfully navigated their own mental health and addiction challenges. According to Scott Osiecki, former CEO of the ADAMHS Board, this approach is gaining traction nationwide. Research from the U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration indicates that peer support improves patient engagement and outcomes.

In fact, communities with similar facilities have seen up to 83% of their patients discharged quickly and safely. Cuyahoga County expects around 17,000 residents will utilize this center annually, addressing a pressing need after the pandemic highlighted the importance of mental health.

The design of the center includes a walk-in urgent care wing, an inpatient unit for longer-term care, and an outpatient department. With its strategic location—near highways and in a familiar area where psychiatric emergencies were historically managed—the center aims to be easily accessible to those in need.

As funding discussions unfold, Carney remains optimistic, calling this center a “great opportunity for the county.” Investing in mental health infrastructure not only fosters immediate care but also strengthens community resilience overall.



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