Columbus Chamber of Commerce Endorses Issue #1 to Strengthen Mental Health and Addiction Services in Franklin County

The Columbus Chamber of Commerce (Columbus Chamber) is pleased to endorse Ohio’s Issue #1 on the November 4, 2025, ballot. Issue #1 proposes renewing and moderately increasing the property tax levy to fund Alcohol, Drug and Mental Health (ADAMH) Board of Franklin County.

If approved, Issue #1 will combine the existing 2.85-mill levy with a 0.5-mill increase, for a total of 3.35 mills over ten years. The measure is projected to generate nearly $116 million in 2027 to sustain and expand essential mental health and addiction services for Franklin County residents.

The ADAMH Board funds a broad network of mental health and addiction services delivered by more than 30 local nonprofit partner agencies. These services are available to everyone, with a particular focus on helping the uninsured and underinsured. 

“The health and well-being of our residents directly impact the strength of our workforce and the vitality of our economy,” said Derrick R. Clay, President and CEO of the Columbus Chamber. “By supporting Issue #1, we’re investing in stability for families, support for those facing mental health or addiction challenges, and a stronger foundation for the business community.”

Key services funded by ADAMH include: 

• Crisis Response: Funding supports the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, which receives approximately 90,000 calls per year in Franklin County, and mobile crisis teams that respond to nonviolent mental health incidents. ADAMH also supports the new Franklin County Crisis Care Center, a facility for adults experiencing mental health or addiction crises.
• Prevention and Early Intervention: ADAMH funds programs in 16 Franklin County school districts to support youth mental wellness and substance abuse prevention.
• Treatment Access: A network of community agencies provides inpatient, residential, and outpatient treatment for both mental health and substance use disorders. This includes access to counseling, psychiatric services, and medication-assisted treatment.
• Recovery Support: Services that help individuals on their recovery journey, such as vocational training and peer support.
• Housing Programs: ADAMH supports programs that provide safe, affordable, and supportive housing options for individuals at various stages of treatment and recovery.
• Family and Caregiver Support: This category includes resources for family members and caregivers, such as support groups, educational workshops, and respite care.
• Specialized Services: ADAMH also supports specific, targeted services like programs for justice-involved individuals, partnerships with the construction industry to address worker mental health, and outreach to diverse communities.

The Columbus Chamber supports Issue #1 because a healthy, resilient workforce is vital to a thriving business community. Renewing and expanding this levy will strengthen the network of care that supports residents, families, and employers across Franklin County.

About the Columbus Chamber of Commerce: The Columbus Chamber of Commerce is a mission-driven nonprofit organization that serves more than 2,500 organizations. Founded in 1884, the Columbus Chamber is dedicated to fostering prosperity and growth in the Columbus Region Business Community through connections, resources, and advocacy. Serving as the epicenter of the Columbus Region’s business community, the Columbus Chamber provides an interconnected ecosystem where businesses collaborate to eliminate barriers to prosperity, creating a vibrant environment for enterprises throughout the Columbus Region. Together, we make our region an exceptional business destination. Learn more: www.columbus.org.  

For media inquiries, please contact: 

Hope V. Cotter 
Vice President of Marketing & Communications
hopecotter@columbus.org  
614-225-6062