Hancock County gets $1.3M to address drug disorders

Hancock County has received a $1.3 million federal grant to continue development of support services and programs for youth and adults with substance abuse problems. The award, from the federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, is being administered statewide by Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, and locally by the Hancock County Board of Alcohol, Drug Addiction and Mental Health Services, over a two-year period. The county previously received funding in the first round of Ohio's State Opioid Response (SOR) project grants. Through SOR, individuals with opioid use disorder or stimulant use disorders will have access to family supports, primary care, recovery supports, treatment, Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) and workforce innovations. In Hancock County, the $1,334,892 grant will allow for the continuing advancement of its recovery-oriented system of care (ROSC) network, which began to take shape in 2013 and addresses both substance abuse and mental health issues. With the latest grant, five entities will receive funding: • Blanchard Valley Health System, $143,505. The new funding will allow for growth of the Maternal Opiate Medical Support program (MOMS) program, which started in 2018, by helping increase engagement in the program through a collaborative effort with the BVHS, ARM and Hancock Public Health. • FOCUS, (Wellness and Recovery Support Center), $127,307. Grant dollars will be applied to costs of a lease at the new location of the LOFT; replace needed furnishings at the recovery home and center locations; and pay to train facilitators for the CRAFT program. • Family Resource Center, $869,430. Funding will be used to pay for MAT; hire a full-time contract prescriber; and purchase the Nurturing Families curriculum and associated program expenses. An additional peer support position will be added to engage and maintain clients in available services. In addition, the agency will subcontract with a local employment service to provide employment assistance to clients in need. A jail-based care coordinator will be hired to help inmates connect to community-based services, including treatment and recovery supports. • A Renewed Mind (ARM), $199,751. The agency will use funds to increase capacity related to peer support, MAT prescribing and residential treatment. • Habitat for Humanity, $50,000. Funds will be used to support the newly established Financial Opportunity Center, which will provide financial coaching through connections to workforce for residents in need. A director has been hired and the Center is beginning to accept clients. Funds from the SOR grant will also assist with staff costs associated with the FOC and provide financial counseling, education and support to individuals struggling with addiction.