Local organizations receive funds for opioid, stimulant disorders

TIFFIN — Back in November, two local organizations received federal grant funding through State Opioid and Stimulant Response funds, as announced by the governor's office and the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (OhioMHAS). The funds are for approved prevention, treatment and recovery support services to address opioid and stimulant use disorders. The Mental Health and Recovery Services Board of Seneca, Ottawa, Sandusky and Wyandot Counties received $355,911.01. Executive Director Mircea Handru noted that the grant was competitive and that the board had requested $647,110.92. Through the grant, the board could contract with four agencies, Handru said. HOPE in Fostoria will be providing prevention and recovery housing services, Sandusky County Public Health will provide prevention services, Connections Recovery Services will provide crisis support services through the local Mobile Crisis Response Team and Oak House will provide peer support services. "Through the previous grant, we funded the same services plus medication-assisted treatment at the Ottawa County jail, local mentoring programs and Narcan distribution through the Wyandot County Health Department," he said. Handru said that while the board didn't receive the entire amount, "these funds are very valuable to sustain some critical behavioral health services in the board's district." "We want to thank the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services for awarding this grant to our organization," he concluded. To contact the board, visit its website at mhsosw.org and 419-448-0640. Dress Right Dress, a local non-profit that serves service members and veterans, also received $48,750. Founder, President and Executive Director Jeremy Parkins discussed the grant with the A-T. "The grant is being utilized to implement our Justice Involved Veteran curriculum in a multitude of ways," he said. "The curriculum is written by me and approved by the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Corrections (ODRC). The coursework is a seven-module course taught to veteran offenders within the state prison system that brings awareness and prevention education related to Substance Use Disorders, including self-medicating and opioid use, Mental Health Disorders associated with PTSD and other veteran-associated disorders, becoming self-aware and self-accountability, effective goal planning associated with re-entry planning (life after incarceration), and workforce development." The program is used to "reduce recidivism among the veteran population" and the grant Dress Right Dress received will serve "up to 10 ODRC state facilities and up to 200 veterans." After a veteran completes the course work, they receive a resource guide related to the county of conviction and will provide "up to three months of wrap-around services" to ensure the veteran's re-entry plan is implemented and practical to "the best of their abilities." "In order to ensure that we approach our goal of 200 Veterans, we have also implemented a plan to serve the communities within Seneca and Sandusky counties," he said. "Veterans who are on probation will be eligible to take the course, receive resource guides and, depending on criminal history may be eligible for case management services." Dress Right Dress has received these funds for the past three years. The process for applying for the funds has changed into a competitive grant cycle, according to Parkins. He shared that he wrote a 10-page proposal and implementation plan that was submitted to OhioMHAS. This grant cycle is the first time fund will be applied to a specific program within Dress Right Dress. "The organization has expanded its efforts in the region and costs have increased beyond what available funding we had/have," Parkins explained. "Had we been denied the grant, the organization would have suffered losses." To donate to Dress Right Dress, visit the organization's website at www.dressrightdress.org, utilize the 'donate' button on the website or visit the office at 643 Miami St. Suite #4 in Tiffin. "We have limited merchandise remaining as we are expanding our Veteran Employment program hopefully in 2025, but the remaining merchandise is for immediate purchase both in the office or online," Parkins concluded. "Additionally, they can provide items for raffles or sponsor an event." The organization has planned four major events in 2025: Relive the Night (adult prom at the Chandelier in Tiffin); Feb. 14, 2025 Armed Force Day Car Show (Wood County Fairgrounds); May 17, 2025 VetFest (Belmar Boat Landing in Tiffin); June 14, 2025 Coming Home Stakeholders Dinner and Silent Auction; TBD