A Note from MHARS Board Executive Director Michael Doud
The below letter appeared in the July 7, 2021 MHARS Board eNewsletter. If you’re not subscribed, sign up for our updates by clicking here.
Dear MHARS Board Supporter,
Hello. I wanted to take a moment to introduce myself as the new Executive Director of the Mental Health, Addiction and Recovery Services (MHARS) Board of Lorain County. As a native of Lorain, I am thrilled to be serving the people of Lorain County.
Prior to joining the MHARS Board, I worked in behavioral health throughout Northeast Ohio for more than 30 years. Most recently, I was the Chief Operating Officer of the Emerald Development & Economic Network Inc. (EDEN), a non-profit community housing development agency in Cleveland. Before that, I was the Director of Adult Behavioral Health Services at the Alcohol, Drug Addiction & Mental Health Services (ADAMHS Board) of Cuyahoga County for 20 years. I have also worked at The Nord Center and St. Joseph/Community Health Partners in Lorain as well as Alternative Paths BHC in Medina. I’m a graduate of Cleveland State University, where I earned my B.A. I also hold a Master of Science degree in Social Administration from Case Western Reserve University and am a Social Worker licensed by the Ohio Counselor, Social Worker and Marriage & Family Therapist Board.
After the merger of the mental and behavioral health boards of Lorain County about two years ago, there have been great strides to unite the services and mission of both under the leadership of former interim executive director Elaine Georgas. I thank her for her leadership and assisting me during my transition to this new role.
There are a number of challenges facing this community and I’m confident we will be able to face them. My goal is to see the continued enhancement of our crisis response system for both children and adults. There is a need for further investment in prevention and early intervention services. We must support the development of a continuum of housing and recovery support services to support the crisis system for those individuals exiting the most expensive service to be made available in this community. All of this is not an easy task but I’m very optimistic, as I see the enthusiasm shared by many of the key stakeholders in this community to support change. We want this to be the community of choice. I’m honored to lead this organization of talented professionals as we work in collaboration with the broader community in Lorain County.
I look forward to continuing the invaluable work of this Board and meeting with community leaders, supporters, the faith community and all those we serve. Very soon, you’ll see a number of important announcements about the MHARS Board and opportunities for you to support our various initiatives, programs and partners. We hope you’ll join us in promoting our good work and services.
Thank you,
Michael Doud
Executive Director
MHARS Board of Lorain County
