Letter to Editor: Ohio’s Next Chapter in the Fight Against Addiction

As someone who has spent my career helping individuals and families overcome the challenges of mental illness and addiction, I’ve seen firsthand both the pain this crisis inflicts and the hope that comes when communities unite to help one another heal. That is why I am proud to serve on the OneOhio Recovery Foundation Board and to share news of its next major milestone, the launch of Regional Grant Cycle 2, which will invest up to $45.7 million into prevention, treatment, and recovery efforts across Ohio.

After years of efforts battling the opioid epidemic, this is an exciting time for our state. Last year, through a collaborative process with our 19 regional boards, the Foundation awarded approximately $45 million to 245 projects in our first grantmaking cycle. Those grants are now funding recovery housing, mobile crisis response teams, prevention programs in schools, and community-based treatment initiatives that are changing lives in real time.

In Region 7, which includes Mahoning and Trumbull counties, the impact of this money can already be seen. Among the nearly $2.8 million in grants the region received are $851,085 to First Step Recovery for its program, “Eagle’s Nest Housing for Women & Children”; $400,000 to Mercy Health Youngstown for its peer recovery support expansion program; and $271,857 to Thrive Behavior Health Center for its “Peer Empowerment” recovery initiative.

Continuing the good news, Cadence Care Network received $247,678 for its “Project AWARE Expansion” prevention program; Ohio Recovery Housing received $170,000 for repairs to its houses; and Community Legal Aid Services received $150,000 for record sealing and expungement support efforts. All of these projects reflect the range and depth of work underway to strengthen families and save lives in our region.

These awards represent more than financial support. They show Ohio’s long-term commitment to turning opioid settlement dollars into life-changing investments. The Foundation is not just distributing money. It is building the foundation for a stronger and more resilient Ohio.

The upcoming grant cycle reflects that same commitment to fairness, transparency, and local leadership. With the Request for Proposals released in December, funding inquiries opened in January 2026, and reviews will begin the following month. This process ensures that resources are directed toward the projects that will have the most lasting impact. The focus will be on ideas that are forward-thinking, data-driven, and responsive to local needs.

From my perspective in Mahoning County, this regional approach is critical. Addiction looks different in every community. The needs of an urban neighborhood in Youngstown differ from those of a rural township in Columbiana County. OneOhio’s structure recognizes that reality by ensuring that local leaders have a strong voice in identifying priorities and recommending projects that reflect their communities’ needs. Those local insights guide the entire OneOhio Recovery Foundation Board in making final funding decisions that balance regional priorities with statewide impact. That is the spirit of OneOhio. We are all in this together, working locally and collectively to create a healthier, more resilient Ohio.

The Foundation’s careful stewardship of funds is equally important. The timing and amount of national settlement payments vary from year to year, so the Foundation’s Board is exploring a term endowment model to ensure sustainability. This approach would balance immediate needs with long-term planning, allowing Ohio to invest settlement funds now while keeping resources available for future generations. It is a fiscally responsible model built on the same principle that guides our daily work — saving lives.

At every level — local, regional, and statewide — Ohioans are working together to transform the opioid epidemic tragedy into an opportunity for renewal. I call my service on this board a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to create a safety net for people living in Ohio. That is exactly what this next phase of funding is about.

We have much work ahead, but also tremendous momentum. Through collaboration, accountability, and compassion, we are proving that recovery is possible and that Ohio is moving forward together.