Center to Help Keep Individuals with Mental Illnesses and Substance Use Disorders Out of Jail System

The Cuyahoga County Diversion Center opened its doors on May 3. It is a first-of-its kind facility in Ohio, working in conjunction with law enforcement to help individuals involved in a low-level offense who are exhibiting signs and symptoms of a mental illness and/or addiction receive the help, care and linkage to community resources they need in a treatment environment rather than going to the County jail. 

Learn About the Diversion Center 

“This is an exciting day for Cuyahoga County,” said County Executive Armond Budish. “The Diversion Center has been a top priority of my administration because it will transform the justice system in Cuyahoga County and enhance the well-being of those in our community. Half of our jail population suffers from mental illness or co- occurring mental health and substance use disorders, and often they should not be locked up. Instead, they could be in a treatment facility receiving the help and care they need, and the Diversion Center will help meet this need.

The Diversion Center, which is overseen by the ADAMHS Board of Cuyahoga County, is located at 1804 East 55th St. in Cleveland. Oriana House, Inc., provides the day-to-day operations and services of the center.

The Diversion Center offers: