The Latest Updates: December 2024
Save the Date:
In partnership with experts around the state, the OneOhio Impact Academy Webinar Series provides FREE webinars to support organizations that share our mission of combatting addiction and saving lives. Join us for our next Impact Academy on January 16, featuring a 90-minute Grant Writing Workshop designed to help Ohio-based organizations identify and apply for available grant funding. RSVP and learn more here.
Supporting Mental and Behavioral Health During the Holiday Season
The holiday season can be a joyful time, but can also bring unique challenges for those navigating mental and behavioral health struggles. The stress of holiday preparations, the pressure of social obligations, and the emotions tied to personal loss or family dynamics can feel overwhelming. It’s a time when it’s important to remember the need reach out to those in need, as well as to reach out ourselves if we need help—for support, connection, and understanding. Whether through a kind word, a listening ear, or simply letting someone know they are not alone, small actions can make a big difference in helping others find strength and hope during the holidays. To learn more and access helpful resources, please visit the SAMHSA website (here).
Executive Director Update
As we reflect on 2024 and our collective work combatting the addiction epidemic, I’m filled with optimism for 2025. Thanks to our partnership, millions in new grant funds are reaching community organizations across Ohio who are launching evidence-based and innovative projects that strengthen the infrastructure for substance-use prevention, treatment and recovery. Read the full update (here).
Grant Funding Distribution Update
The OneOhio Recovery Foundation is committed to ensuring all Foundation funding awards support evidence-based, forward-looking strategies for the purposes of prevention, treatment, recovery, and abatement of substance use and co-occurring disorders. Funding continues to be awarded and announced on a rolling basis (on this page), so please check back for updates and sign up to receive future grant announcements from the Foundation (here).
As of December 11, the OneOhio Recovery Foundation has announced 173 grants totaling $30 million. The Board of Directors has approved more than 60 additional grant awards, authorizing Foundation staff to negotiate grant agreements with recipient organizations. All awards are publicly announced once grantee organizations complete the grant verification process.
Grant Funding Recap:
OneOhio In the News
Spectrum News 1: How to Help Those with Addiction Struggles During the Holidays (Watch Interview)
WOSU All Sides Interview with Executive Director Alisha Nelson (Listen to Interview)
WKYC: Judge David Matia's “Break the Cycle” Ride (Read Story)
Toledo Blade: OneOhio Region 4 Board Chair Matt Bell's Important Work (Read Story)
OneOhio Grantees In the News
OneOhio regional grant awards announced thus far have generated a lot of positive news coverage around the state. Below are just a few of the stories that have run in outlets across Ohio over the past three months.
WCPO - How Cincinnati's NeighborHub Health brings care directly to people who need it most
Salem News - Recovery service receives nearly $389K in funding
Herald Star - Grant to fuel health department’s opioid prevention education
WFMJ - More than $500K granted to Valley organizations fighting substance misuse
WDTN: Good Shepherd Ministries receives $75K to support local program
Executive Director Speaks at the Ohio Municipal League Annual Conference
Alisha Nelson, Executive Director of the OneOhio Recovery Foundation, delivered an presentation at the Ohio Municipal League Annual Conference on "Building More Resilient Communities." She highlighted the importance of collaboration among local governments, nonprofits, and stakeholders to address the challenges of addiction and mental health.
Ohio Chamber of Commerce Event
Thank you to the Ohio Chamber of Commerce for including OneOhio Board Members, Rep. Rachel Baker and Ted St John, in the 2024 Healthcare Summit panel discussions around challenges and potential solutions related to social determinants of health and workforce issues.
Pictured L-R: Luke Russell, NAMI Ohio; Amy Riegel, Coalition on Homelessness and Housing in Ohio (COHHIO); Representative Adam Matthews, Ohio House District 56; Trish Rayner, The Freestore Foodbank; Ted St John, Hope Town, Inc. / OneOhio Board Member
OneOhio Mission Moment
As they reflect on their service and mission, the OneOhio Recovery Foundation’s Board of Directors take a moment at the beginning of each meeting to recognize Ohioans impacted by the opioid epidemic.
September: Tony Dible
As an individual in recovery who now works in the public health space, Tony is passionate about expanding treatment and recovery services for others experiencing addiction, recognizing he is fortunate to have the opportunities he did to enter and sustain long-term recovery. Read Tony’s story (here).
October: Nationwide Foundation Board Briefing
Chad Jester and Kristen Rost from the Nationwide Foundation attended the October Board of Directors meeting to speak about their important work with the Ohio Opioid Education Alliance on the #BeatTheStigma campaign!
November: Thanking the Expert Panel
At its November meeting, the OneOhio Recovery Foundation Board of Directors recognized the invaluable contributions of the OneOhio Expert Panel, a dedicated group of professionals who played a critical role in the Foundation’s inaugural grant cycle. Meeting bi-monthly throughout the year, the Expert Panel provided essential guidance to ensure that grants awarded were evidence-based and aligned with effective abatement strategies. Each member reviewed approximately 100 grants recommended by OneOhio’s 19 regions, demonstrating extraordinary commitment to advancing the Foundation’s mission. The Board expressed its heartfelt gratitude to this passionate and talented group of volunteers—Lovell Custard, Deb Flores, Dr. Jon Sprague, Stefanie Robinson, Dr. Zili Sloboda, Dr. Kim Sperber, and Dr. Christine Wilder—for their work to support life-saving initiatives and build stronger, healthier communities across Ohio.
Three New Members Join OneOhio Recovery Foundation Board
The OneOhio Recovery Foundation welcomes four new Board members: Jonathan Lee, Alicia Bruce and Jim White. Their expertise in housing, public health, finance, and behavioral health strengthens the Foundation’s efforts to combat Ohio’s opioid crisis.
2024 Board Meeting Schedule
The next public meeting of the OneOhio Recovery Foundation Board of Directors will be held virtually on Wednesday, February 12, 2025, at 10:30 a.m. To watch the virtual meeting or access related documents, visit: OneOhioFoundation.com/Meetings.
The full 2025 Board of Directors meeting calendar will be added to our website in the coming weeks.
Upcoming Committee Meetings
No additional committee meetings are currently scheduled for 2024. As they are scheduled, 2025 committee meetings will be posted at: OneOhioFoundation.com/Meetings.
Stay Informed
Follow OneOhio on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, YouTube and LinkedIn and help us share the latest Foundation news with others across the state.
Tune into the Foundation’s Board of Directors and committee meetings, which are always open to the public and posted on our website.
