Ms. Janice Bourda Mercier, MA, OCPS II
Chief Executive Officer
Our Mission
The Akron Urban Minority Alcoholism Drug Abuse Outreach Program, Inc. utilizes a holistic approach to provide multifaceted substance abuse education, prevention, treatment and other services, which promote health and wellness within our communities, with emphasis on African Americans and other minorities. These services are rendered in a manner that is reflective and responsive to the cultural essence of the individuals, families and communities we serve.
The Akron-Urban Minority Alcoholism Drug Abuse Outreach Program provides prevention and treatment services to children, teens, and adults, in the greater Akron area. On July 1, 1993, Akron-UMADAOP became a separate and independent 501C-3 organization, as required by State Legislation.
The agency is funded through a variety of sources including the Ohio Department of Alcohol and Drug Addiction Services, County of Summit Alcohol Drug Addiction and Mental Health Services Board, and other grants. Akron's initial goal was to provide prevention information and opportunities but that goal was broadened to include a treatment component in July of 1996 and Computer Learning Centers in 1998. In the past eight years, the agency has not only grown from a staff of five to a staff of more than thirty, but also has increased its' scope of services. This growth is reflected in the mission statement adopted in 1999 by the Board of Trustees.
Prevention
The Akron-UMADAOP offers a variety of services to the members of the Akron community. We do so with one goal in mind. We seek to improve the quality of life not only for our participants, but also for our community. Akron-UMADAOP provides prevention programs that teach self-worth. We believe that a young person whose self-esteem is intact, who is aware and proud of their heritage, and whose leadership skills are strong, is better able to resist difficult situations or temptations that may be presented to them. When young people are comfortable with themselves and confident of their worth and abilities, they can better understand and avoid the resulting devastation that results from substance abuse.
Prevention programs are not only for the young. Adults also need to learn or re-learn what can happen through the misuse of drugs, alcohol and tobacco. Akron-UMADAOP offers activities geared to assist young people (ages six to seventeen) develop healthy drug-free lives. Programs include: Kids With A Vision , Teens On The Move , Focus on Life and Summer Youth Activities . The various programs provide education, information dissemination, problem identification techniques, and other alternative activities. It is our hope that these programs will promote better life choices and eliminate the need to abuse drugs. In addition, the youth are provided with personal development, leadership skills, training and other recreational events.
Akron-UMADAOP provides Information Dissemination Services to many groups and agencies in the metropolitan area and has developed a close working relationship with organizations such as: Summit County Correctional Facilities, Akron Metropolitan Housing Authority, and Akron Public Schools to name a few. Additionally, workshops are available in the areas of Alcohol, Tobacco, and other Drugs, Computer Training, HIV/AIDS, Prevention Education, and Self-Esteem and Skill Building.
Treatment
There are times, of course, when prevention programs come too late or just don't work. In July 1996, the Akron-UMADAOP's Addiction Treatment Services Component was established. Adults of any age can find professional guidance from experienced, Certified Counselors who will help them with the problems caused by alcohol and other drugs. This program is available to all who need it, regardless of any factors, including the ability to pay. The Treatment Component includes: Case Management; Day and Evening Intensive Outpatient Programs; Group Counseling; Individual Counseling; After Care/Continuing Care; and Assessment.
Annual Conference
To supplement ongoing programs, and to assist professionals with their continuing education, Akron-UMADAOP sponsors a yearly conference. This conference offers nationally prominent presenters and exciting educational opportunities. This conference affords the agency an opportunity to assist in the educational development of professionals not only in Summit County but throughout the State of Ohio and other areas of the country.
Certification/Joint Accreditation
In 1996 the agency received its Certification through the Ohio Department of Alcohol and Drug Addiction Services to provide Treatment Services. Through the leadership of the agency's Board of Trustees and Executive Director , in 1999 the agency was awarded full Accreditation from the Joint Commission on Accreditation of HealthCare Organizations. This demonstrates the Joint Commission's approval of Akron-UMADAOP's policies and procedures and also permits Akron-UMADAOP to provide services to private companies and bill employees' health insurance companies for these services.
It is important to understand that Akron UMADAOP is only able to provide a wide diversity of services and activities to the community because of the professionalism and competence of the staff. We believe that the greatest gift that we can give our participants is Hope and Faith for a better today because tomorrow is not promised.
For more information about Akron UMADAOP please click here.
Funded by the Ohio Department of Alcohol and Drug Addiction Services via the County of Summit Alcohol and Drug Addiction and Mental Health Services Board
UMADAOP of Akron
665 West Market Street, Suite 2-D
Akron, Ohio 44303
Phone: (330) 379-3467
Fax: (330) 379-3465