On October 3, the County of Summit Alcohol, Drug Addiction, and Mental Health Services (ADM) Board held a groundbreaking ceremony for a new residential mental health center at the Northcoast Behavioral Healthcare site in Northfield, northern Summit County. The Frese Residential Step-Down Center is slated to open in November 2025 and will provide transitional housing for individuals transitioning from inpatient psychiatric hospitalization back into the community.
The ADM Board is a governmental entity dedicated to planning, funding, monitoring, and evaluating mental health services for Summit County residents. During their meeting on October 22, board members discussed the significance of this new facility, which has a budget of $9.9 million and will feature 16 beds.
“This facility will provide an additional level of care for persons with mental illness exiting acute care hospitalization,” stated Aimee Wade, executive director of the County of Summit ADM Board, in a press release. “Our state-of-the-art facility will include spaces that encourage mental, spiritual, and physical well-being, promoting resilience, self-sufficiency, and hope for those needing support after hospitalization.”
Comprehensive Services Offered
According to an ADM report, the Frese Center will offer a variety of services to support residents, including:
- Clinical assistance
- Medical resources
- Case management
- Daily living skills training
- Arts programs
- Physical wellness activities
- Employment assistance
- Housing support
- Peer support resources
The center is named in honor of Dr. Frederick J. Frese III, a distinguished psychologist who lived with schizophrenia and served as the director of Ohio’s largest psychiatric hospital. Dr. Frese, who passed away in 2018, directed the Western Reserve Psychiatric Rehabilitation Center from 1980 to 1993.
“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,” Wade expressed. “Our hope is that here, they will find the tools and support they need to thrive. Dr. Frese was a true inspiration to anyone privileged enough to know him.”
Updates on Prescription Drug Developments
In addition to the groundbreaking discussion, Chief Clinical Officer Dr. Doug Smith provided updates on recent developments in the medical and pharmaceutical fields at the ADM Board meeting.
Dr. Smith reported that federal efforts are underway to simplify the prescription process for Clozapine, known as the “gold standard antipsychotic.” Due to previously unclear regulations surrounding its effects, prescribing Clozapine for schizophrenia and suicidal ideation has been challenging.
He also highlighted an October report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which revealed that nearly 95% of websites offering prescription-only medications online operate illegally. Smith emphasized the need for caution when utilizing online pharmacies to ensure they are properly licensed.
Additionally, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Cobenfy, a new antipsychotic aimed at treating negative symptoms of schizophrenia, such as social withdrawal and decreased motivation. The FDA also authorized an at-home nasal swab rapid test from Healgen, which can determine whether symptoms are caused by flu or COVID-19.
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