800-671-4304Ohio to Fund $2.3M in Addiction Treatment for Inmates
Jails across the state of Ohio have received a second round of grants totaling $2.3 million to prioritize addiction treatment for inmates. Substance abuse is among the leading causes of death for prisoners.
Preventing Overdose in Ohio Jails
Since Attorney General Dave Yost announced the grants earlier in March, he has awarded more than $3.5 million to jails statewide. This current grant expands the program’s reach to 26 counties, awarding 13 jails in 18 counties. County recipients included Hamilton, Lorain, Monroe, Seneca, Shelby, Ottawa, and more.
Yost and County Sheriffs recognize the need for improved recovery and support approaches for inmates battling addiction. Over the next several years, Yost’s office will award $60 million in opioid settlement money to reduce fatal overdoses in Ohio jails.
His Opioid Remediation Grant Program will also support addiction treatment for inmates of county jails. These facilities will receive up to $200,000 yearly. These grants will allow county jails to hire a full-time addiction services coordinator or contract with an addiction treatment services company. They strive to help inmates complete detox and achieve lasting recovery. This program also invites jails to apply for a $50,000 grant for opioid withdrawal medication and supplies.
Challenge of Dual Diagnosis Addiction Treatment for Inmates
County Sheriffs provided insight into how substance abuse and mental illness have affected inmates. In Ottawa County, Sheriff Stephen Levorchick discussed how about 75% of inmates at his jail battle addiction or mental health conditions. The grant helped Ottawa County jail implement medication-assisted treatment (MAT) for inmates. It also created space for a full-time position for their mental health coordinator.
Sheriff Derek Norman also shared how his jail will use grant funding in Monroe County. They plan to launch the Monroe County Recovery Program. This strategy will identify and assist inmates struggling with substance abuse at the booking stage. Inmates can access ongoing recovery services during their incarceration and up to 60 days post-release. The 2025 grant funding application window runs through December 1st.
If you or someone you love is battling addiction, there is help. Call 800-996-6135 today.