COLUMBUS, OH – Ohio is launching a significant initiative to address the opioid crisis within its correctional facilities, allocating $60 million in grant funding over several years to support addiction treatment in county jails. Attorney General Dave Yost announced the initial distribution of over $1.2 million to eight Ohio counties, marking the beginning of a crucial effort to reduce overdose deaths among inmates.
The Opioid Remediation Grant Program, funded by opioid settlement money, aims to equip county jails with the resources necessary to provide effective addiction treatment. This initiative comes in response to the alarming prevalence of substance abuse-related deaths in Ohio jails, with a recent USA Today report indicating at least 70 such deaths since 2020.
“The opioid crisis thrust county jails into the role of de facto addiction-treatment facilities, placing an unfunded burden on Ohio’s sheriffs,” Yost stated. “These grants will provide relief to our jails as they manage the added responsibility of treating substance abuse. I’m grateful to every sheriff and deputy in Ohio, as they have adapted admirably to the evolving challenges of drug addiction.”
The program offers county jails up to $200,000 annually to hire addiction-services coordinators or contract similar services. Additionally, counties can apply for $50,000 grants to fund medications and supplies for inmates experiencing opioid withdrawal.
The eight counties receiving initial grants are:
- Ashland: $114,788
- Erie: $177,516
- Medina: $50,000
- Richland: $250,000
- Summit: $187,200
- Trumbull: $250,000
- Washington: $144,470
- Wyandot: $95,252
Erie County Sheriff Paul Sigsworth emphasized the importance of addressing addiction within jails to reduce crime rates. “Many of those who are incarcerated have substance-abuse issues,” Sigsworth said. “Those who are able to overcome their addiction issues with the assistance of treatment services funded by this grant will – hopefully – not commit future criminal offenses.”
Ashland County Sheriff Kurt Schneider highlighted the program’s potential to help inmates develop long-term recovery plans. “All too often, our inmates are left standing at the exit doors wondering how, where and when they will continue getting help, and now we can assist them by coordinating a plan prior to their release from jail,” Schneider said.
The application window for 2025 grants remains open until December 1, 2025. Interested counties can find application information on the Attorney General’s website. This initiative represents a significant step towards addressing the opioid crisis within Ohio’s correctional system and improving the lives of inmates struggling with addiction.
