WHERE TO TURN
Faith leaders are often the first to know when someone is having trouble with their mental health and addiction. People trust faith leaders to offer guidance and look to them for help on where they should turn when they are struggling with hard times in their lives. Summit County has valuable resources that are ready to help when people are asking where to turn. Here is a list of phone numbers for those resources.
- ADM Addiction Helpline - When someone is ready to get treatment for an addiction, they can call 330-940-1133. (Monday - Friday 8:30am-4:00pm)
- Crisis Text Line - A free, 24/7 text line for people in crisis. Text 4HOPE to 741741
- ADM Crisis Center - When someone is in crisis with alcohol or other drugs, the crisis hotline is available 24/7 by calling 330-996-7730.
- Support Hotline - Adults seeking help for a mental health crisis can call 330-434-9144 any time 24/7 for crisis intervention services.
- Youth in Crisis - Akron Children's Hospital operates the Psychiatric Intake Response Center (PIRC) 24/7 for children or adolescents with emotional or behavioral health problems. 1-866-443-7472 or 330-543-7472
- SMI Adviser - COVID-19 guidance to evidence-based resources for clinicians who serve people with serious mental illness (SMI)
MENTAL HEALTH
Change Direction: The Change Direction Faith Committee is a network of faith leaders coming together to change stigma associated with mental health. Leaders of the Faith Committee engage in collaborations between churches and the community to strengthen mental health knowledge and get help for those who need it.
988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: Available 24 hours, toll-free at 9-8-8 or 1-800-273-TALK(8255)
Summit County Mental Health Services Directory (PDF) - A guide to mental health resources in Summit County.
Mental Health Sermon Starters - Start a Mental Health Ministry with this online library of sermon starters.
Mental Health, Relevant Verses - These verses from the bible focus on the topic of mental health.
Sermon Outline - Changing a hopeless perspective. A sample outline with an introduction, sermon points, a biblical story, and a summary are available on this site along with a video sermon.
Ohio Department of Mental Health & Addiction Services - A list of resources by county for mental health service providers and addiction services providers.
National Alliance on Mental Health (NAMI) FaithNet - NAMI FaithNet is not a religious network but includes an effort to outreach to all religious organizations.
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) - Community-based Faith Initiatives
SUICIDE PREVENTION
People contemplating ending their lives do so out of an overwhelming sense of hopelessness and despair. Suicide is not about wanting to die, but is seen by the person suffering as the only way to end their unbearable physical or emotional pain.
There is hope and help is available in our community. Having an open and honest conversation about suicide can offer hope to the hopeless and help for those feeling helpless.
Learn more about Suicide Prevention Resources...
The Role of Faith Communities in Suicide Prevention (PDF) - A Guidebook for Faith Leaders
Mental Health Ministries - Resources for clergy on preventing suicide
Increasing Collaboration, Cultural Competence and Quality of Care (PDF) - A presentation from the Community & Faith Leaders Summit
Fierce Goodbye: Living in the Shadow of Suicide - A movie produced by Menno Media looks at the role of faith and suicide: Where does my loved one go now? Can they be forgiven?
ADDICTION PREVENTION & EDUCATION
The Summit County Opiate & Addiction Task Force Speaker's Bureau can present to your church, civic, or other community group. Contact Lucky Tisch at tischl@admboard.org or 330-564-0457 for more information.
StartTalking.Ohio.Gov - Tips for talking with your congregation about drugs and building drug-free communities.
ADM Mental Health & Addiction Resource Guide (PDF) - Read more about addiction, local resources, stories, and learn what you can do to help.