ADDICTION
& MENTAL WELLNESS
60% of residents identify alcohol & substance abuse as a major community health concern.
why it matters
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Mental health and addiction affect individuals, families, schools, workplaces, and neighborhoods across Greater Akron. Their effects can be seen in overdose, suicide, grief, homelessness, family instability, and other challenges that reach far beyond one person.
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These realities also place pressure on healthcare, emergency response, courts, schools, and community organizations. Prevention, early intervention, treatment, and recovery support can help reduce those pressures while creating stronger pathways toward healing.
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Access to care matters. When people can recognize a mental health or substance-use challenge, know where to turn, and receive support early, individuals and families have a better opportunity to recover and move forward.
by the numbers
Key realities shaping life in Greater Akron.
2/day
There were 739 overdose-related ER visits in 2024.
96
Summit County recorded 96 deaths by suicide across 2023 and 2024
1 in 4
high school students reported living with a parent or guardian with mental-health issues.
3 in 5
Residents identify mental-health conditions as a major community health concern.
4,200+
​More than 4,200 people had been referred to Summit County Quick Response Teams as of January 2025.
1 in 10
Nearly 1 in 10 Akron high school students reported attempting suicide in the previous 12 months
All data presented was obtained from partners and publicly available sources across Greater Akron. Data reflects the most recent information available at the time of collection and may vary by reporting period, geography, or methodology.
local resources
Organizations across Greater Akron are already working to address many of the needs and opportunities reflected above. Explore these local resources to learn more, find support, or connect with organizations serving individuals and families throughout our community.
​If you or someone you know is in crisis, call or text 988 for immediate support.
prayer
Pray for those who are hurting. Ask God to meet people in places of addiction, grief, anxiety, depression, and hopelessness. Pray they would know they are seen, loved, and worthy of help.
Pray for healing and recovery. Ask God to strengthen those taking steps toward recovery and mental wellness. Pray for perseverance, healthy relationships, and people who will walk alongside them.
Pray for communities that respond with compassion. Ask God to replace stigma and judgment with understanding, wisdom, and action. Pray that Greater Akron would become a place where asking for help is met with support.