Ashtabula County
Who We Are
Substance Abuse Leadership Team (SALT)
County-Wide Collaboration Makes Strides in
Overcoming Opioid Epidemic
The Ashtabula County Substance Awareness Leadership Team (SALT) was formed in March 2017 to address the complex issues of opioid use, misuse, abuse, and overdose deaths in the County as well as gather information for coordinated responses to all substance abuse problems the County may face now and in the future. The work of the Ashtabula County Substance Awareness Leadership Team includes: reducing the number of drug overdoses; increasing public safety; increasing public education and information; and improving a coordinated response to promote prevention, intervention, treatment and recovery support efforts.
The Leadership Team aims to take a collaborative community-wide approach to combat the drug epidemic plaguing Ashtabula County. The core values agreed upon by the Leadership Team are:
- Addiction is our community’s problem and requires collective and coordinated community solutions.
- Addiction is a major health problem that affects the community at every social-economic level and at every level of community development.
- Through collaboration and the wise use of resources we can make a difference.
The Team works to explore and identify additional needs of the community and responds collectively to service issues and accessibility. This work has led to actions such as expanding treatment option, increasing recovery support services such as employment and housing services, targeting the reduction of unused prescription medication in the community, spearheading the distribution of naloxone in the community to save lives until treatment can be accessed, enhancing prevention efforts and supporting activities that build positive social connections in our community.
Need help in your community?
If this is an emergency, please call 9-1-1. You may also call 2-1-1 or the Mental Health Crisis Hotline at NAMI toll-free at 1-800-950-NAMI (6264). Another option is to text HOME to 741741.
Serving Alcohol at an Event?
This resource describes the numerous reasons someone may choose not to drink alcohol and shares tips on engaging these populations so that everyone can feel welcome.
Miriam Walton
Miriam Walton currently serves as Executive Director of the Ashtabula Mental Health and Recovery Services Board and has held that role since 2009. Prior to that role, she served as Assistant Director of the Board (2001- 2009) and as Coordinator of the Ashtabula County Family and Children First Council (1997-2001). In her role as Executive Director, she works directly with local data, engages in planning efforts, and collaborates with internal and external stakeholders. She has built strong relationships throughout Ashtabula County.
Kaitlin Park
Kaitie Hart has been employed with the Ashtabula County Mental Health & Recovery Services Board since January 2015. She is a 2007 Graduate of The Ohio State University, where she received a Bachelor of Science Degree. She received her Master’s in Public Administration through Kent State University in 2021. Prior to her role with the Board Kaitie was a Probation Officer for the Ashtabula County Courts System. In her role as Assistant Director she assists in the duties and responsibilities necessary to accomplish Board purposes and duties in the areas of general administration for Board operations and staff oversite.
Bridget Sherman
Bridget Sherman has been employed with the Ashtabula County Mental Health and Recovery Services Board since January of 2015. Ms. Sherman is a graduate of Youngstown State University with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology. Ms. Sherman earned her Master of Arts Degree in Forensic Psychology from the John Jay College of Criminal Justice (City Universities of New York). Prior to her employment with the Board, Ms. Sherman was employed with the Ashtabula County Children Services Board for nearly 15 years. Ms. Sherman is a certified instructor of the Mental Health First Aid Adult Curriculum, and QPR, a suicide prevention gatekeeper training. Born and raised in Ashtabula, Ms. Sherman spends much of her spare time performing with local music groups and ensembles.Christy Fisher
Christy Fisher began employment with the Ashtabula County Mental Health & Recovery Services Board in January 2024. She is a 2006 graduate of Kent State University, where she received a Bachelor of Science Degree. Prior to her role with the Board, Christy was a Program Services Coordinator for Ashtabula County Community Action Agency. Christy previously worked at Ashtabula County Children Services Board and other local Behavioral Health agencies. In her role as the Director of Prevention and Community Engagement, Christy will be responsible for planning and implementing activities of the Prevention Coalition as well as working to involve community individuals and organizations in promoting and coordinating Board mental health and substance use initiatives.
