Poland Township has become the first township to partner with Boardman Township in financially supporting the Clarence R. Smith, Mahoning Valley First Responders Wellness Center, officials announced Thursday.

 The partnership, revealed by Poland Township Board of Trustees Chairman Eric Ungaro, underscores the township’s commitment to the well-being of first responders and their families by ensuring access to crucial wellness resources.

The Mahoning Valley First Responders Wellness Center, located on a 4-acre property on Raupp Avenue in Boardman Township, aims to provide mental health support, stress management programs, and wellness initiatives tailored to the unique challenges faced by law enforcement officers, firefighters, paramedics, and dispatchers in the region. The property was donated by the family of Clarence R. Smith, a longtime supporter of first responders.

Ungaro, who also serves as chairman of the Mahoning County Mental Health and Recovery Board, noted that all three Poland Township Trustees have consistently prioritized the mental health, addiction support, and overall well-being of first responders and their families.

Poland Township’s financial contribution will help the center expand its services, enhance outreach efforts, and ensure first responders have access to specialized care. Boardman Township previously dedicated $253,000 to improve the property, and Mahoning County Commissioners added $464,000 in opioid settlement funds for the project’s first phase.

“This partnership reflects our deep appreciation for the sacrifices made by first responders and their families,” said Poland Township Police Chief Greg Wilson. “By joining forces with Boardman Township, we are taking a proactive step in ensuring that those who protect and serve our communities receive the support they deserve.”

Boardman Police Chief Todd Werth previously announced the creation of the center, emphasizing that it would serve as a proactive wellness resource for first responders and their families, not replacing existing services. A roadblock often faced by first responders seeking help is a reluctance to reach out or visit facilities where they might encounter individuals they’ve interacted with professionally. The Smith Center aims to provide a safe and confidential space.

Duane Piccirilli, executive director of the Mahoning County Mental Health and Recovery Board, said the center will create a “safe space” for first responders who regularly deal with trauma.

A nonprofit agency in the name of Clarence R. Smith is being formed to operate the wellness center, coordinating training, education, and services. The center is expected to open in October.