The Fairfield County Alcohol, Drug Addiction and Mental Health Board (ADAMH) announced the STARLight Center will be located at 336 E. Locust Street in Lancaster and will house facilities able to treat eight mental health patients and 12 people battling substance use. The STARLight will be the first of its kind in Fairfield County and will be staffed with nurse practitioners, clinicians, and counselors. The creation of the STARLight Center fulfills a promise made to the community in the 2019 ADAMH Levy.
Community Pledge
The Fairfield County Starlight Center is committed to the health and well-being of every member of the community, and pledges to extend exceptional resources and care to those in need of immediate support.
- We recognize healthy communities are the foundation of healthy lives and that we can only be as successful as the community and neighborhoods in which we operate.
- We pledge to offer healing in a superior facility operated by superior staff, while remaining cognizant of our neighbors, our stakeholders, and the families of those who are healing.
We also pledge to be socially responsible and exemplary in following health and safety guidelines while protecting the rights and privacy of those we support.
We will remain good stewards of Fairfield County and good friends to our neighbors.
STARLight Center Media
- Lisa on the STARLight Center
Video - A Recovery Story
– Joe shares his thoughts on why a recovery center is needed
– John shares the importance of helping others through recovery - 2022 STARLight Groundbreaking Highlights [August 31, 2022]
- Advancing Mental Health Awareness [May 8, 2022]
- Fairfield County ADAMH breaks ground on STARLight Center [May 31, 2022]
The STARLight Center will stand at 336 E. Locust Street in Lancaster on land designated for commercial use. The site is close to Lancaster Public Transit (approximately one block away) and partnering agencies.
STARLight Center FAQ
- What is Fairfield County ADAMH Board building on Locust St.?
The STARLight Center, located at 336 E. Locust Street, will fulfill a promise to our community to provide a safe, welcoming place where residents can receive immediate help for mental health and substance use crises.
- What will the STARLight Center do?
The STARLight Center, lighting the journey to stabilization, treatment and recovery, will provide a safe and welcoming environment with 24-7, fully staffed medical professionals. It will be able to treat eight individuals struggling with mental health issues and 12 people battling substance use who need immediate help.
- Who will use the STARLight Center?
Fairfield County adults who are struggling with an immediate and urgent mental health or substance use concern that is not able to be resolved through outpatient services but is not severe enough to need hospitalization or involuntary level of care. The treatment is voluntary so participants who desire help will be the ones utilizing the center.
- What is the expected length of stay for individuals seeking help?
For individuals seeking help with mental health issues, we anticipate a three to five day stay. For individuals needing help with substance use, the stay could be up to 30 days. Individuals will not come and go throughout the day. They will be there throughout their stay.
- Why is Fairfield County ADAMH Board building a new facility?
Voters indicated in 2019 that they recognized a need for more mental health and substance use care in Fairfield County and overwhelming supported the ADAMH tax levy to build a stabilization center. ADAMH recognizes that healthy communities are the foundation of healthy lives and that an organization can only be as successful as the community and neighborhood in which it operates.
- Does Fairfield County already have a facility like this?
This is the only facility of its kind in Fairfield County.
- Who is providing care at the new facility?
The STARLight Center is working with a couple providers including OhioGuidestone.
- What makes the new facility different?
In the past, individuals struggling with mental health or substance use issues might be arrested, hospitalized or taken to a facility outside of Fairfield County that often the ADAMH board must pay for. We understand that our law enforcement and health care workers can be overwhelmed by these situations. We also realize taking people away from their support network can be especially difficult. The STARLight Center will be able to keep residents near family while being treated.
- When will the STARLight Center open?
Fall 2023
- Who will pay for the operations of the STARLight Center once it is open?
The provider agencies (OhioGuidestone) will bill appropriate insurance sources, including Medicaid for services. The Fairfield County ADAMH Board will fund remaining expenses.
- Is the STARLight Center being built in a residential neighborhood?
The area in which the STARLight Center is being constructed is zoned commercial-general use. You can see the map on our website. Several businesses are within a block of the location. In fact, three sides of our building surround commercial property including railroad tracks directly behind us.
- How was this location chosen?
An extensive search was done to find the best possible location. This location was ultimately chosen because the county sold it at an affordable price, it is near several of the providers and agencies we work with daily and has available transportation.
