Leaders Recognized for Mahoning Valley Campus of Care

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – Mahoning Valley leaders were recently recognized for their efforts in creating positive change.

The Board of Mahoning County Commissioners and the Western Reserve Port Authority, along with the Mahoning County Mental Health and Recovery Board and the Mahoning County Board of Developmental Disabilities, received the Golden Award from the International Economic Development Council for the Mahoning Valley Campus of Care in Austintown. 

The award recognizes the world’s best economic development programs and partnerships, honoring organizations for their efforts in creating positive change in communities, a news release states.

“We are extremely proud to receive the Golden Award from the International Economic Development Council for the repurposing of the former [Youngstown Developmental Center],” Commissioner David Ditzler said. “We are most proud that we have been able to unite government and the private sector to provide the much-needed services for people with disabilities in our Valley.”

The Mahoning Valley Campus of Care includes 10 buildings that sit on 35 acres. It offers mental health treatment, developmental services, education, youth services and job training.

“The port authority is honored to share this international recognition with the Board of Mahoning County Commissioners, the Mahoning County Board of Mental Health and Recovery and the Board of Developmental Disabilities,” said Anthony Trevena, executive director of the WRPA. “The whole effort demonstrates the value we bring by coming together and finding solutions where everyone wins.”

Duane Piccirilli, executive director of the Mahoning County Mental Health and Recovery Board, credited the partnership for the project’s success.

“These agencies were able to come together to take a vacant set of buildings and create one of the most unique partnerships in mental health service delivery in the county,” Piccirilli said. “Now we have beautiful facilities to serve our community. We were able to create new jobs and assist those with disabilities to become self-sufficient citizens.”

Commissioner Carol Rimedio-Righetti said the campus “will be the No. 1 facility for wrap- around services in Ohio,” and she emphasized its importance.

“There’s nothing like this for the people of Mahoning County who are most underserved,” she said.

The International Economic Development Council is a nonprofit, nonpartisan membership organization serving economic developers. With more than 4,500 members, the IEDC works to promote economic well-being and quality of life.

Published by The Business Journal, Youngstown, Ohio.