Advocacy is active support of an idea, issue or cause that directly affects people’s lives. Various methods of advocacy, including letter writing, personal visits, rallies, etc., are used to persuade decision makers on a variety of issues such as laws and budget allocations. An advocate openly speaks out on issues of concern in order to educate decision makers about a specific issue on behalf of the people that are affected by the decision.

As the government agency that plans, funds and monitors public mental health and alcohol and other drug addiction treatment services provided to the residents of Cuyahoga County, the ADAMHS Board takes its advocacy efforts very seriously. We are committed to combating the stigma of seeking treatment for addiction and mental illness and ensuring funding for behavioral health programs & services. Our advocacy efforts include:

• Arranging consumer/client bus trips to Columbus for rallies and legislative visits,
• Providing testimony during budget and legislative hearings,
• Organizing postcard campaigns,
• Making personal contact with our legislators, and
• Issuing advocacy action alerts to engage the community.

2024 Advocacy Action Agenda

The Alcohol, Drug Addiction and Mental Health Services (ADAMHS) Board of Cuyahoga County developed this Advocacy Action Agenda and updates it each year to guide its advocacy efforts. This agenda was developed with the overarching goal of promoting recovery of individuals living with mental illness and substance use disorders by adopting and acting on the six 2021-2025 Strategic Plan Goals, which align with the Recovery Oriented System of Care principles and are overlaid in the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Strategic Implementation Plan:
1. Strengthening Service Delivery System.
2. Measuring Impact.
3. Maximizing Available Funding.
4. Maintaining a High-Performing Organization.
5. Strengthening Behavioral Health Workforce.
6. Sharing Information.

The ADAMHS Board uses the Advocacy Action Agenda to develop messages to legislators, state agencies, policy makers, clients, families, providers and the general public to advance important behavioral health issues.

Items on this agenda are in addition to the advocacy that the Board provides on a daily basis through its work of ensuring that mental health, addiction treatment and prevention services and supports are available to help children and adults reach recovery.

Click here to view the 2023 Advocacy Action Agenda review.

The Board also collaborates with other groups, such as the Mental Health Advocacy Coalition, NAMI and the Ohio Association of County Behavioral Health Authorities in promoting other advocacy efforts. Some items on the Advocacy Action Agenda may take higher priority at different times throughout the year.

Stay Informed About Advocacy Efforts

The ADAMHS Board of Cuyahoga County offers Cuyahoga County residents an opportunity to stay informed and become involved as advocates for mental health and alcohol and other drug addiction issues.

Clients, family members, providers and the community may request placement on the ADAMHS Board's e-mail distribution list. Being on our distribution list allows you to stay informed by receiving the latest news and action alerts about legislation and other issues impacting mental health and alcohol and other drug addiction in Cuyahoga County, the state of Ohio and the United States.

To have your name placed on our email distribution list, or to obtain more information about the Advocacy Action Agenda, contact Clare Rosser, Chief Strategy and Performance Officer via email, or at (216) 241-3400, ext. 735.

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