AKRON, OHIO — On Thursday, October 3, 2024, at 11:00 am, the County of Summit Alcohol, Drug Addiction and Mental Health Services (ADM) Board held a groundbreaking to begin the construction of a 16-bed residential step-down center on the grounds of Northcoast Behavioral Healthcare. This facility will serve as transitional housing for individuals departing from inpatient psychiatric hospitalization and will help address the need for additional mental health supports as they transition from the hospital back to the community.

“This facility will provide an additional level of care for persons with mental illness exiting the acute care of hospitalization,” said Aimee Wade, Executive Director of the County of Summit ADM Board. “This state-of-the-art facility will include spaces that encourage mental, spiritual and physical well-being. The goal of this facility is to promote resiliency, self-sufficiency and hope for those who need these additional supports after a hospitalization.”

Named in memory of Dr. Frederick J. Frese III, renowned psychologist and person living with schizophrenia, the center is possible through a collaboration between the ADM Board and the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (OhioMHAS). “Under Governor Mike DeWine’s leadership, OhioMHAS is committed to completing a community behavioral health system which was never fully built. Today’s groundbreaking is yet another step forward in realizing that goal,” said LeeAnne Cornyn, Director of OhioMHAS.

“We are honored that Dr. Frese’s family has permitted us to use his name and likeness to welcome individuals and their loved ones into this facility,” said Wade. “Our hope is that here, they will find the tools and support they need to thrive. Dr. Frese was a true inspiration to anyone who was privileged enough to know him.”

The facility is scheduled to open Fall 2025.