More than 400 attendees gathered on Monday, May 11 for the 2026 Alcohol, Drug Addiction & Mental Health Services (ADAMHS) Board of Cuyahoga County Annual Meeting. Each year, the event unites public officials, healthcare providers, advocates, clients and community members to reflect on the past year of behavioral health in Cuyahoga County.
The event included addresses by ADAMHS Board Chair Patricia James-Stewart, M.Ed., LSW, and Chief Executive Officer Jason Joyce, LPCC-S, LICDC-CS, acceptance of the 2025 annual report, presentation of the Helping Hands Awards and an art show featuring 78 pieces by Cuyahoga County residents receiving prevention treatment or recovery support services.
This year’s keynote topic, "Behavioral Health as a Civil Right," sparked an important dialogue on the systemic gaps and challenges that create uneven access to behavioral healthcare and how local resources can better fill these gaps. Loren Anthes, MBA, CSSGB, from Health Management Associates, delivered the keynote address.
Helping Hands Awards
The Helping Hands Awards recognize individuals and organizations who have positively impacted the lives of people living with mental illness and/or substance use disorders, and/or helped to alleviate stigma and bring awareness to important behavioral health issues in Cuyahoga County. Click each name below to learn more about each nominee:
Click here to view event photos.
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