BOARD MISSION & PURPOSE
The Mission of the Ashtabula County Mental Health and Recovery Services Board is to create a community that brings hope and improves the quality of life for persons and their loved ones affected by mental health and/or substance use disorders to promote prevention and recovery for all Ashtabula County residents.
Mental Health and Recovery Boards are authorized by Ohio law to locally plan, develop, fund, manage, and evaluate community-based mental health and substance use services. The Ashtabula County Board does extensive and ongoing work to determine the community mental health and substance use needs of residents. Significant planning occurs to set priorities and evaluate the services provided. The Board values successful partnerships within the community and works collaboratively with many different organizations such as Criminal Justice, Children Services, and Senior Services. The Board is accountable for funds utilized and is successful at obtaining grants and special projects that meet the prevention, treatment, and recovery support needs of Ashtabula County residents.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS APPLICATION
If you are interested in serving on the Mental Health and Recovery Services Board, please complete an application with the County Commissioners or the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services:
County Commissioner application: https://www.ashtabulacounty.us/222/Board-or-Committee-Applications
For OHMHAS application: https://mha.ohio.gov/about-us/rules-and-regulations/statutory-requirements/board-membership
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The MHRS Board is a 14 member volunteer oversight Board. The Ashtabula County Commissioners appoint 8 members and the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services appoints 6. These 6 state appointees include 1 mental health professional, 1 substance abuse professional, 2 consumers of services and 2 family members of individuals who have received services.
Ashtabula County Commissioners’ Appointees
Alan Block
Alan Block joined the Board in 2022. A resident of Ashtabula since 2013, he has served on numerous boards throughout his career in Ohio and Wisconsin. He holds a BA in Literary Studies from Beloit College and an MA in Adult Education from Ball State University. Alan has spent many years as a senior leader, manager, and college instructor in the academic, financial services, and healthcare industries. He has been an active advocate for employee mental health services and benefits throughout his career and has personal experiences receiving and supporting mental health care services. Alan is also a strong believer in the healing power of nature and is an avid gardener, beekeeper, and homesteader.
Megan Burnarski
Ms. Brunarski was admitted to the practice of law in 2013 and has served as a full-time staff attorney for the Ashtabula County Public Defender’s Office since July 2016. Prior to joining the public defender’s office, Ms. Brunarski worked as a solo practitioner focusing on criminal and juvenile law. Ms. Brunarski understands the issues that contribute to her clients becoming involved with the criminal justice system and assists them in obtaining the recovery services that lead to successful behavioral change.
Pat Grippi-DuPuy
Mrs. DuPuy is an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse in Public Health and holds a Masters degree in Community Health Nursing from Case Western Reserve University. Her specialties have been community health, Psychiatric hospital, long term care, and outpatient evaluations with prescribing medications and treatments. She also has extensive experience in individual counseling, group therapy, and educational seminars.
Deborah King
Deborah King earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Criminal Justice from John Jay College of Criminal Justice in New York City, her Master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling from South University in Royal Palm Beach Florida and her Doctorate degree from Trinity International University of Ambassadors in Duluth Georgia. Deborah is a recipient of the Lifetime Achievement |Award from President Donald Trump as well as Humanitarian award from Trinity International University of Ambassadors as an outstanding leader for her visionary guidance, exceptional leadership and world class humanitarian service.
Deborah is the CEO/ Founder of It Takes a Life to Save a Life organization whose primary focus has been to advocate for the sick and suffering, lost or dissuaded victims and or survivors of Mental Health, Addiction, Domestic Violence, Suicide Awareness and Prevention.
Deborah currently serves as a member of the Ashtabula County Community Corrections Board. Deborah’s intense passion and love for people has caused her to dedicate her life to being a change agent for the perseverance of life one person at a time.
Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services Appointees
Matthew Crawford
Matt has been on the board for two years and resides in Conneaut, Ohio. His public service includes being the founder and current director of the Gateway Outdoor Learning Center, 12 years on the Conneaut Cable Advisory Board, and 8 years serving on the Conneaut Convention and Visitors Bureau. He is a Master Gardener of over 12 years and is an accomplished local Videographer.
Susan Deak
Susan Deak has served on the MHRS Board since August 2016. She holds an AA in Human Services from Kent State and a BA in Community Health Education from Youngstown State. Susan was the former Director of CONTACT which was Ashtabula’s Crisis Helpline and the former Director Wellness & Total Learning Center. Although currently retired, she is the Chairperson of NAMI-Ashtabula (National Alliance on Mental Illness). She serves on the Suicide Prevention Coalition as well as the LOSS Team.
Executive Committee
- Megan Brunarski – Board President
- Deborah King – Board Vice-President
- Alan Block – Board Secretary
BOARD MEETING DATES
Ashtabula County Mental Health Recovery Services Board Calender Year 2023
Zoom option available. Email mwalton@ashtabulamhrs.org for a Zoom link and information.
Monday, July 17-Board Search Committee Meeting
Monday, July 17-Board Meeting Cancelled
Monday, August 21-Minutes
Monday, September 18-Cancelled
Monday, October 16-Agenda
Monday, November 27-Cancelled
Monday, December 18-Cancelled
BOARD MEETING DATES
Ashtabula County Mental Health Recovery Services Board Calender Year 2022
- Dates are subject to change based on Board action and proper notification.
- Meetings are held at the MHRS Board office at 4817 State Road, Suite 203 Ashtabula, Ohio at 5:00 p.m. unless otherwise notified.
- Board Meeting Minutes are in pdf format. If you are unable to access this content call (440) 992-3121.
- Public Comment-Opportunities shall be given to interested members of the public to address the MHRS Board at a public meeting. Parties who want to address the MHRS Board shall provide the Board staff with notice 2 calendar weeks prior to the scheduled meeting. The presentation made by the interested member of the public shall be time limited to 10 minutes and/or 3 pages of single-spaced communications if the party wishes to submit the issue in writing.
Community Assessment and Plan (CAP) 2023-2025
View the Ashtabula County Mental Health and Recovery Services Board Community Assessment and Plan 2023-2025.
The guidelines are in pdf format. If you are unable to access this content call (440) 992-3121.
Annual Report
View the Ashtabula County Mental Health and Recovery Services 2022 Annual Report.
View the Ashtabula County Mental Health and Recovery Services 2020 Annual Report.
The report is in PDF format. If you are unable to access this content call (440) 992-3121.