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Cuyahoga County Diversion Center Reaches One Year, 530+ Calls
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Back to all News ReleasesMay 05, 2022 (Cleveland, OH)Cuyahoga County Diversion Center Reaches One Year, 530+ Calls
One year ago this week, the Cuyahoga County Diversion Center provided services to its first client. In the days since, it has received more than 530 calls and completed more than 260 admissions. A first-of-its kind facility in Ohio, the Diversion Center works with law enforcement to help individuals who are exhibiting signs and symptoms of a mental illness or addiction by providing the help, care and linkage to community resources they need in a treatment environment rather than going to the county jail.
The 50-bed facility is for adults who need a short stay – usually four to five days – to help stabilize symptoms and connect to behavioral health treatment. Onsite services can include assessment, medical evaluation, case management, counseling, medication management, medication-assisted treatment (MAT), withdrawal management (detox), referral and linkage to other community services.
Initially designed to receive calls exclusively from law enforcement, in October 2021 eligibility expanded to include referrals from fire and emergency medical services (EMS), and then again in November to include calls from friends, family members and individuals in need of and wanting care for a mental illness or substance use disorder. Following the eligibility expansion, the Diversion Center received a 212% increase in calls in November and December over the prior months.
Located at Oriana House, the Diversion Center does not accept walk-ins; rather, all potential clients are screened through FrontLine by calling 216.623.6888.
The Alcohol, Drug Addiction and Mental Health Services (ADAMHS) Board of Cuyahoga County was awarded oversight and management of the Diversion Center by County Council in December 2020. In addition, the ADAMHS Board expanded the crisis intervention team (CIT) education it provides for law enforcement. Since the Diversion Center opened, a total of 767 people have been trained.
For more information, visit the Diversion Center online or download a flyer.