COLUMBUS, Ohio (November 12, 2024) – Governor Mike DeWine, alongside Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (OhioMHAS) Director LeeAnne Cornyn, announced today that Ohio will receive $100 million in federal grant funding to advance efforts to combat opioid use disorder and reduce overdose deaths across the state.
This funding comes as part of the fourth round of State Opioid and Stimulant Response (SOS 4.0) grants, which are awarded through the federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). The grants will be allocated to local organizations and community-based providers offering prevention, harm reduction, treatment, and long-term recovery services for Ohioans struggling with opioid and stimulant use disorders.
“Our state is taking one of the most comprehensive and aggressive approaches in the nation to address substance use and prevent overdose deaths, and these SOS grants are an essential part of that strategy,” Governor DeWine said. “With the support of these funds, we are empowering local organizations to continue their vital work in protecting Ohio families and communities from the ravages of addiction. Overdose deaths in Ohio have already decreased significantly, and these funds will help us keep that momentum going.”
Governor DeWine highlighted that Ohio’s overdose deaths have declined two years in a row, with a notable 9% decrease in 2023, far surpassing the national average decrease of 2%. The SOS 4.0 funding aims to sustain and build upon this progress by supporting initiatives that reduce unintentional overdose deaths, expand access to treatment, prevent youth substance use, and increase recovery support services.
A significant portion of the SOS 4.0 funding—over $68.7 million—will be distributed to Ohio’s county Alcohol, Drug Addiction, and Mental Health Services (ADAMHS) boards, along with other community-based providers. These funds will help enhance local services and provide resources for those battling addiction.
In addition to local funding, OhioMHAS will collaborate with state agencies to ensure that life-saving resources, including naloxone, remain widely available to communities across Ohio.
Key priorities for the SOS 4.0 funding include:
Reducing unintentional overdose deaths
Expanding access to substance use disorder treatment services
Preventing youth substance use
Enhancing recovery support services
Promoting responsible prescribing practices and statewide education efforts
Supporting integrated harm reduction practices
“While we are seeing encouraging trends, we are far from out of the woods,” said OhioMHAS Director LeeAnne Cornyn. “Fentanyl remains a serious threat to Ohio’s communities, and this funding will be strategically invested in programs that can make a real difference and save lives.”
The SOS 4.0 grants, formerly known as State Opioid Response (SOR) grants, reflect Ohio’s commitment to using targeted resources to address the opioid crisis. With these funds, Governor DeWine and OhioMHAS are working toward a healthier, safer future for Ohioans.
To see a full list of SOS 4.0 grant awardees, here
