Experts Warn of Dangers in Drugs Used to Treat Opioid Addiction amid Ohio's Opioid Settlement

Since 2021, Ohio has been working on agreements to distribute millions of dollars in opioid settlement money to various organizations. Following the agreements, the OneOhio Recovery Foundation, responsible for allocating over $860 million in settlements, is preparing to issue a formal request for proposals.

Settlement Details

The settlements reached with drugmakers and companies are set to provide more than $50 billion to state, local, and tribal governments. The funds are intended to address the overdose epidemic caused by opioids.

Distribution Plans

The OneOhio Recovery Foundation plans to allocate up to $51 million in its 2024 grant cycle for Ohio-based non-profits, for-profits, and government entities involved in the state's opioid battle. It emphasizes that all proposed programs and services must be evidence-based and forward-looking strategies for prevention, treatment, and recovery support services.

Application Process

Organizations interested in applying for the funds need to follow specific parameters outlined by OneOhio. Eligible projects may be one, two, or three years in duration and must be regionally-focused. Registration for the application process starts on Monday, and the deadline for submissions is set for May 3.

Foundation's Perspective

Alisha Nelson, the executive director of OneOhio, expressed the foundation's understanding of the urgency to disperse the settlement money as the state continues to feel the impact of the opioid epidemic. She highlighted the foundation's eagerness to see innovative ideas presented to combat the epidemic across the state.

OneOhio Recovery Foundation

The foundation, established as a private non-profit organization, is governed by a 29-member statewide board. This board includes state lawmakers, appointees of state officials, and addiction experts from across Ohio.

Leadership and Vision

The foundation's first permanent executive director, Alisha Nelson, was appointed last summer by Republican Gov. Mike DeWine. Governor DeWine expressed his confidence in Alisha's vision to use the settlement funds to help Ohioans struggling with substance use disorder for years to come.