This week, we are proud to spotlight Lori Criss, a distinguished leader in Ohio’s behavioral health field. Originally from Mingo Junction, Ohio, Lori has dedicated over three decades to improving mental health and addiction services, significantly impacting the lives of countless Ohioans.
Appointed Director of the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services by Governor Mike DeWine in 2018, Lori has been at the forefront of transforming the state’s behavioral health landscape. Her tenure has been marked by a steadfast commitment to making mental health services more visible, accessible, and effective.
Lori’s leadership has been instrumental in advancing person-centered prevention, treatment, harm reduction, and recovery support services across Ohio.
Under her direction, the department has achieved remarkable milestones. Lori has championed the expansion of telehealth, increased access to naloxone and medication-assisted treatment for opioid use disorders, and introduced new mental health supports for students and educators.
She has also played a key role in the launch of 988 and the Ohio CareLine, providing round-the-clock emotional support and referrals to Ohioans in need.
Lori’s efforts to erase the stigma surrounding substance use disorders and mental illness, develop a robust and supported workforce, and promote parity in care reflect her deep dedication to advancing behavioral health. Her work has focused on addressing inequities in access to services and improving outcomes for underserved populations.
Her extensive contributions extend beyond her role as Director. Lori is a member of several prestigious boards and councils, including the SAMHSA Center for Mental Health Services National Advisory Council, the National Association of State Alcohol and Drug Addiction Directors Board of Directors, and the National Academy for State Health Policy’s Advisory Group.
She also serves as Vice Chairwoman of Governor DeWine’s RecoveryOhio Advisory Council and holds board positions with the Ohio Commission on Minority Health and Ohio’s Criminal Sentencing Commission.
Before joining the state of Ohio, Lori served as the Chief Executive Officer of the Ohio Council of Behavioral Health & Family Services Providers and contributed significantly to organizations like the Ohio Commission on Minority Health and Amethyst, Inc.
Lori holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in social work from The Ohio State University and graduated from SAMHSA’s Women’s Addiction Services Leadership Institute.
Her remarkable achievements have been recognized with numerous accolades, including the Distinguished Service Award from The Ohio State University Alumni Association and the Distinguished Career Award from the College of Social Work Hall of Fame.
Today, Lori resides in central Ohio with her husband Scott and their two adult daughters. Her unwavering dedication and leadership continue to inspire and drive progress in the field of behavioral health.