Stark County 2-1-1 transitions to STARKHELPCENTRAL.COM January 1, 2023
(Stark County, OH) December 7, 2022. United Way of Greater Stark County is pleased to join the partnership that supports StarkHelpCentral.com, a searchable community resource website supported by Stark County Mental Health & Addiction Recovery (StarkMHAR), Stark County Job & Family Services, Stark Educational Service Center, Stark County Board of Developmental Disabilities, Stark County Family Court and Stark County Family Council.
The site launched in 2018, made possible by a System of Care grant awarded to StarkMHAR by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). StarkMHAR’s System of Care team initiated the project and worked with a local vendor to launch the site, make ongoing plans for maintenance and updates and execute an awareness plan that continues through this transition. The site currently houses more than 700 resources.
“It’s a great way for us to continue to partner with area organizations and provide support to those in need,” explained Angela Perisic, chief executive officer, United Way of Greater Stark County. “Anytime we can work together and collaborate on a service, it has great community impact.”
With this partnership, Stark County 2-1-1 will close its 2-1-1 information line and online database. This move will establish StarkHelpCentral.com as the primary source of information about community resources in Stark County.
“StarkHelpCentral.com was forward-thinking when it launched several years back and continues to be relevant as it’s routine for most people to do an online search when they need help today,” said John Aller, executive director of Stark County Mental Health & Addiction Recovery. And United Way is the ideal partner to expand on that with due to the addition of their resources, so now people can visit one site quickly and easily,” Aller continued.
Recently, UWGSC began the internal transition to StarkHelpCentral.com website. Stark County 211 callers can now automatically transfer to programs addressing top needs like rent, utility and homeless services. To raise awareness about the transition, recent and current 211 callers will receive text messages and hear announcements when they call. “Another part of the plan is to educate the broader community via local organizations, schools, health systems and libraries,” said Adrianne Price, VP of Community Impact for UWGSC. A brief resource guide containing contact information for the most requested resources in our community will be mailed to residents of ZIP codes where most of 211’s calls originated.
For more information about the Stark County 2-1-1 transition, contact (330) 491-0445.
About United Way of Greater Stark County: For 100 years, United Way of Greater Stark County has served Stark and Carroll Counties. During that time, we have continued to build a better, equitable community where every person has the potential for a healthier life, a better education and more financial stability. We look to the future through our investment priorities, which ensure our community will have the foundation it needs to thrive: Access to Health, Childhood Success, Youth Success, Economic Mobility and Basic Housing Needs. With the support of volunteers, community partners and donors, we invest donor dollars efficiently and effectively into local community programs serving the most critical needs. Learn more at uwstark.org.
About Stark County Mental Health & Addiction Recovery: Stark County Mental Health & Addiction Recovery is a multi-faceted organization of expert professionals, dedicated volunteers and concerned community leaders close to mental health and addiction needs right here at home. StarkMHAR is responsible for planning, funding and monitoring public mental health and addiction prevention and early intervention and treatment services delivered to the residents of Stark County. It is one of approximately 50 boards coordinating the public behavioral health system across Ohio. StarkMHAR also advocates for residents with behavioral health issues at both the local and state levels and provides educational opportunities for local providers and other community stakeholders. For more information online about the work of StarkMHAR, visit www.StarkMHAR.org.
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CANTON, Ohio (May, 30, 2018) — Recently, Stark County has been the subject of some difficult headlines. From concerns about school safety to teen substance use and mental health, our young people need support now more than ever.
To help address these complex challenges, several Stark County agencies have joined forces to create Stark Help Central, a digital resource navigation tool. This interactive website guides young people, parents, educators, clinical professionals and other members of our community to the resources they need to overcome life’s challenges.
This initiative is funded by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) as part of a broader System of Care program. The four-year, $4 million grant will be distributed by Stark County Mental Health & Addiction Recovery (StarkMHAR) to help develop new systems, services and infrastructure throughout the area.
“Based on findings and recommendations from local stakeholders, community partners, funded-providers and resource organizations, Stark Help Central was designed to reflect trauma-informed, culturally-competent practices,” said John Aller, Chief Executive Officer of Stark County Mental Health & Addiction Recovery. “It maximizes technology in order to effectively market to and make a difference in lives of children, young people and their families.”
The goal of Stark Help Central is to improve behavioral health outcomes for young people with serious emotional disturbances under the age of 25. Topics addressed by this initiative include basic needs, abuse and neglect, emergencies, mental health, education and much more.
“Stark Help Central will improve local infrastructure and provide a comprehensive catalog of community-based services and supports,” said Aller. “It will positively impact the ability of youth and families to identify and access appropriate resources to meet their needs.”
Stark Help Central is made possible through the partnership of Stark County Board of Developmental Disabilities, Stark County Educational Service Center, Stark County Family Council, Stark County Family Court, Stark County Job & Family Services and Stark County Mental Health & Addiction Recovery.
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About Stark Help Central
While support for family challenges has always been available, Stark Help Central is a simpler way to search for resources. This online navigation tool brings education, treatment and recovery services to the forefront, so Stark County residents can get the help they need quickly, easily and close to home.
