CUYAHOGA COUNTY, Ohio — Cuyahoga County Council has approved a $7 million investment in a new behavioral health center in Cleveland's Central neighborhood aimed at handling mental health emergencies and diverting people from jails and hospitals. Supporters say the center will streamline care and reduce long-term costs.

Council Vice President Yvonne Conwell, who supported the plan, said the county committed to using opioid funds to help cover construction costs.

"The county made a contribution and gave their word, so to speak, that they were going to utilize the opioid (settlement) funds to help them through (the) construction phase," Conwell said.

The vice president described the investment as bold, but necessary.

"We've had tougher decisions that we've had to face, and it's time t

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