April 9, 2025 - OPIOID SETTLEMENT FUND BOARD HOLDS PUBLIC MEETING
Directors of the OneOhio Recovery Foundation, a 501(c)(3) charitable organization charged with shepherding 55% of Ohio’s opioid settlement funds to advance substance-use prevention, treatment, and recovery efforts, held their April board meeting today.
A key highlight of this month’s meeting was the board’s decision to formally apply to the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services for state designation as a Recovery Friendly Workplace, underscoring the Foundation’s unwavering commitment to fostering a supportive environment for individuals in recovery. By actively pursuing this designation, the Foundation not only reinforces its mission to support recovery through community initiatives but also demonstrates a dedication to creating a workplace that understands and respects the challenges of the recovery journey.
“By working to officially become a Recovery Friendly Workplace, we are taking concrete steps to ensure our organization not only acknowledges the challenges of recovery but actively supports our employees on their journey,” said Julie Ehemann, vice chair of the Board of Directors and chair of the Personnel Committee. “Leading from the front on this issue is essential to ensuring that our efforts reflect OneOhio’s core mission to enhance community resilience and support long-term recovery throughout Ohio.”
This initiative aligns with Ohio’s broader Recovery Friendly Workplace movement, which aims to reduce stigma and provide meaningful support to employees impacted by substance use disorders.
Sarah Anstine, the Foundation’s director of outreach and partnership—who is in long-term recovery herself—expressed her enthusiasm for this significant step. “As someone who walks the path of recovery every day, I know firsthand how vital it is to feel supported at work. By taking these steps, OneOhio is not just talking about recovery support—we are living it. I’m confident this commitment will empower our team and set a positive example for other organizations across the state.”
To start the April meeting, Board Chair Don Mason extended a warm welcome to State Representative Monica Robb Blasdel (R-Columbiana), the newest member of the board, and expressed gratitude to Rep. Phil Plummer (R-Dayton) for his dedicated service. Robb Blasdel was recently appointed to succeed Plummer as the Speaker of the House’s representative on the Foundation’s Board of Directors.
In other business, board members:
Completed a virtual exercise to prepare for an upcoming strategic planning session.
Received a report from Executive Director Alisha Nelson, which included an overview of Q1 2025 activities, updates on the grant evaluation process, and work underway to prepare for the Foundation’s next grant cycle.
Received a report from the Audit and Finance Committee, which included an update on the 2024 Grant Cycle payment schedule and board approval of the unaudited financial reports for March.
Received other reports from chairs of standing committees, including the Personnel Committee (Director Julie Ehemann), Executive Committee (Director Don Mason), Investment Committee (Director Jim White), and Grant Oversight Committee (Director Tom Gregoire).
The OneOhio Recovery Foundation Board of Directors will hold its next public meeting on June 11. Further details will be announced at a later date.
