LIMA, Ohio (WLIO) – The Allen County Commissioners are fulfilling their commitment to funding programs aimed at addressing the opioid crisis affecting area residents.
The Mental Health and Recovery Services Board recently received "One Ohio" funds to support two programs designed to assist individuals struggling with opioid addiction. Commissioners have allocated just over $50,000 to the Allen-Auglaize County Peer Center, operated by Lighthouse Behavioral Health Solutions, and to a dedicated intervention specialist for the juvenile court system.
"These projects that were funded today through an agreement we have with the Mental Health and Recovery Services Board will go a long way in helping people in recovery and young people who are dealing with substance use disorder themselves or within their families," said Allen County Commissioner Beth Seibert.
Traci Thurmond, a substance abuse intervention specialist at the Juvenile Detention Center, noted the positive impact of the program on local youth.
"The group is going wonderful. I'm having good feedback from the kids. They're very open, honest and really diving into the program—opening up, giving me good feedback, and working very hard," Thurmond said.
In addition to the funding for these initiatives, four other programs in the region received independent grants from the "One Ohio" Region 15 2024 grant cycle. These include Lighthouse Behavioral Health Solutions, Mercy Health-St. Rita’s, SAFY (Specialized Alternatives for Families and Youth), and The WORTH Center.
The funding is part of ongoing efforts to provide critical resources to those affected by opioid addiction and to support recovery and intervention programs throughout the region.
