Culturally grounded care, by and for our community
UMADAOP stands for Urban Minority Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Outreach Program.
Our vision
A future where all African American and marginalized youth, adults, families, and communities have the knowledge, resources, and support to achieve mental well-being and overcome substance use challenges.
Our mission
To empower and equip youth, adults, and families in African American and marginalized communities to effectively address and overcome the disparities associated with mental health and substance use.
Our history
The Urban Minority Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Outreach Programs of Ohio were established in 1980 through legislation led by former State Representative William L. Mallory. He was prompted by Don Turner, a substance abuse professional, to address the unmet cultural needs of African Americans. Jacqueline P. Butler, an advocate for underserved populations, highlighted available state funding for a targeted substance abuse service delivery system. That collaboration, which included former Senator William F. Bowen, led to a statewide network focused on preventing alcohol abuse among African and Hispanic Americans.
The early emphasis was community outreach and education, breaking down cultural barriers to promote substance-free living. Over the years, every UMADAOP in Ohio became an independent agency, expanding its services to reach youth, adults, and seniors.
Advocates including Jewel E. Neely-Smith and former Representative Ray Miller have been instrumental in championing culturally appropriate programs and increasing state funding for UMADAOP.
Today, UMADAOP remains committed to serving Ohio’s underserved communities with culturally relevant prevention, treatment, and outreach services.
“None of us is free until all of us are free.”
- 1979House Bill 204 appropriates an initial $200,000.
- 1980The first Urban Minority Alcoholism Outreach Programs (UMAOP) open in Akron, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Columbus, Dayton, Toledo, and Youngstown.
- Mid-1980sAs the crack cocaine crisis emerges, the name changes to UMADAOP to reflect a broader focus on drug abuse.
- Today11 independent UMADAOP agencies serve communities across Ohio.
Hear it from our founder
William L. Mallory Sr. shared the story of UMADAOP’s beginnings in a StoryCorps interview.
The Ohio UMADAOP network
We’re proud to work alongside UMADAOP agencies across the state.
- UMADAOP of Akron
- UMADAOP of Cincinnati
- Cleveland UMADAOP
- Hispanic UMADAOP of Cleveland
- UMADAOP of Franklin County
- UMADAOP of Dayton
- Lima UMADAOP
- Lorain UMADAOP
- UMADAOP of Lucas County
- Mansfield UMADAOP
- Youngstown UMADAOP
Help reduce the stigma
Your gift helps provide mental health and addiction services to at-risk youth and adults across Cincinnati.