Advisory board ends meeting without quorum as staff report rising demand at local providers

The ATOD/MH/DD/CYS advisory board met at noon July 7, 2026, at the Human Services office in Warren but did not have a quorum, so no nominations or votes occurred, and minutes from April 7, May 5 and June 2 were not approved. Mark Rhoads called the meeting to order and later dismissed the meeting for lack of quorum.

Staff reviewed finances and system capacity: the ATOD/MH/DD fund balance was reported as $831.97 and the Children & Youth Services (CYS) balance as $2,515.52. Staff also said Warren State Hospital is seeing increased admissions and that three people were on its waitlist; BeaconLight referrals were reported as steady. Jamestown Psych has seen more therapy referrals, will add a new therapist, and plans to offer Spravato for treatment-resistant depression at its Warren office.

On substance-use services, staff reported 13 Level of Care assessments in May (12 in Warren, 1 in Forest): seven at the office, six at the jail and none at the hospital. Of those assessments, staff recorded recommendations of two "no treatment," one "intervention," six outpatient, one intensive outpatient and three inpatient placements. Staff said new fiscal-year contracts have been distributed, provider monitoring was completed and Parts 1 and 2 of a Treatment Needs Assessment were submitted to DDAP; consultants will complete the remaining parts.

Mental-health updates included distribution of new fiscal-year contracts and work on the Human Services plan due Aug. 1, 2026. Lindsey Brown, Family Navigator, shared a handout and survey results gathered from providers and individuals. Staff said hiring a third Administrative Case Manager should eliminate an existing wait list for that function.

Developmental Disabilities and Early Intervention staff reported that DD plan renewals are complete and that DD's QAI self-assessment is due Aug. 3, 2026. Early Intervention staff are pursuing a contract partner to provide vision and hearing services and said a clerical vacancy remains open.

Children & Youth Services staff said most contracts for the new fiscal year are nearly finished, though one older contract remains outstanding because of lingering contract language. Staff reviewed results of the IV-E audit conducted in February, a licensing audit, and Needs Based budget data. CYS staff said they are pursuing a contract with Preventative Aftercare to address truancy, plan to hire a fourth intake worker devoted to truancy, and will work with Career Link on an apprenticeship program to bolster staffing. The minutes also note that "George Junior" has added some female programs.

On managed care, staff said an Adult Member meeting will be held July 22 at the C.O.P.E. Drop In Center in Ridgeway and that CCBH.com displays a banner advising consumers how to maintain benefits amid changes. Lisa Babo asked to be notified of Recovery Month events in September so Community Behavioral Health (CCBH) can compile a calendar.

Staff noted that a recent Rainbow Family gathering had no adverse impact on local mental-health or child-welfare services. Lander Hope Clinic has hired a pediatrician who staff said may be a good candidate for the board and who is involved in some mental-health work.

Because the group lacked a quorum, the advisory board could not take formal action on nominations or approve minutes. The meeting was dismissed and the next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, Aug. 4, 2026.