An official website of the Cuyahoga County government. Here’s how you know
Diversion Center
The Diversion Center is a first-of-its kind facility in Ohio, working in conjunction with law enforcement to help individuals who are exhibiting signs and symptoms of a mental illness and/or addiction. These individuals receive the help, care and linkage to community resources they need in a treatment environment rather than going to the County jail. The Center has also expanded eligibility beyond law enforcement referrals to include calls from friends, family members and individuals in need of and wanting care for a mental illness and/or substance use disorder.
“Half of our jail population suffers from mental illness or co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders, and nine times out of ten 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.”
Cuyahoga County Executive Armond Budish
Read: Solving our Behavioral Health Crisis through Diversion
How does it work?
The Center accepts calls from law enforcement, public safety personnel, and friends, family members or individuals who are seeking assistance for a mental health or substance use issue.
For example, a law enforcement officer may encounter an individual who is showing signs of mental illness or substance use disorder. The officer is then able to call a Help Line to get support for interacting with an individual and assist in determining if they would be a good fit for the Diversion Center.
Also, friends, family members and individuals in need of and wanting care for a mental illness and/or substance use disorder can call the 24/7 Help Line at 216-623-6888 to determine if the Diversion Center or another treatment option is best for an individual. The Diversion Center is unable to accept walk-ins. Admission to the Diversion Center is completely voluntary.
Services
Diversion Center services include:- Beds for 50 individuals, staffed 24/7 by clinical and support professionals
- Diversion beds for serious mental illness (SMI) and substance use disorders (SUD) while appropriate referrals are made
- Withdrawal management services (detox)
- Mental health and substance use assessments
- Psychiatric evaluation and medication management
- Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT)
- Individual and group counseling
- Peer support services
- Case management
- Help enrolling in benefit programs such as Disability and Medicaid
- Coordination and linking to community services after onsite care
Location
The Diversion Center is located at 1804 E. 55 St. in Cleveland.
The Diversion Center is overseen by the ADAMHS Board of Cuyahoga County. Oriana House, Inc., provides the day-to-day operations and services of the center.
Why is the Diversion Center necessary?
The Diversion Center ensures those who need treatment receive it.
The Diversion Center works with law enforcement and the justice system to redirect individuals better off in the care and environment of community health professionals where they can best receive treatment.
The Diversion Center works with individuals to help people from further escalating into a psychiatric situation and hospitalization, while reducing the burden on our jails.
Contact Information
1804 East 55th St.Cleveland, OH 44103
24/7 Help Line: 216-626-6888
Calling the Help Line is required for screening; the Diversion Center is unable to accept walk-ins.
By the Numbers
63%Percentage of sentenced jail population who suffer from a substance use disorder.
20%
Approximate number of jail inmates with a severe mental illness.
$21.9 million
Annual savings due to directing individuals to a diversion center instead of an emergency room.
$13.9 million
Annual savings on construction of a new and smaller jail.
$1.8 million
Annual savings due to jail stays diverted.