Rep. Sykes Announces Portage Path Behavioral Health Awarded Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic Grant

Rep. Sykes Announces Portage Path Behavioral Health Awarded Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic Grant

AKRON, OH - U.S. Representative Emilia Sykes (OH-13) announced that Portage Path Behavioral Health received a Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) grant award from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). The four-year grant will support Portage Path in establishing a CCBHC to expand access to comprehensive, coordinated mental health and substance use disorder care for adults in Summit County.

Portage Path first received the grant in September 2023 and was fully accredited by SAMHSA as a CCBHC in December 2025. The organization will now provide nine core CCBHC services, including 24/7 crisis mental health care through the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, outpatient care, case management, peer and family support, primary care screening, psychiatrist rehabilitation, treatment planning, and services for veterans.

"I am proud to congratulate Portage Path Behavioral Health on this significant grant award," said Rep. Sykes. "This investment will strengthen access to critical mental health and substance use disorder services for families across Summit County, and I look forward to seeing the positive impact this will have on our community."

Portage Path Behavioral Health President and CEO Tracy D. Yaeger, Ph.D. offered the following statement:

"This grant will allow more adults in Summit County to access the personalized and comprehensive care that they need," said Dr. Yaeger. "CCBHCs have proved to enhance health and overall quality of life. The care model also helps to reduce mental health hospitalizations, lessen emergency room visits, and decrease homelessness. The lasting impact of this grant will prove to be immeasurable for our community. We look forward to serving the community with this comprehensive, high-quality model of care."

The CCBHC model requires clinics to provide 24/7 crisis care, timely outpatient services, and access to a comprehensive range of services with care coordination, while incorporating evidence-based practices informed by community needs assessments. CCBHCs serve anyone seeking mental health or substance use disorder care, regardless of their ability to pay, residence, or age.

For more than 50 years, Portage Path Behavioral Health has worked to expand access to quality mental health and substance use disorder treatment in Summit County. Portage Path has served as the local call center for the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline for Summit and Lake Counties since 2022, providing residents with 24/7/365 connection to care and resources.