WFMJ: Local Meeting Highlights Opportunity for Ohio
OneOhio Recovery Foundation Executive Director Alisha Nelson traveled to Youngstown to join the Region 7 local recovery board meeting and help educate Ohio organizations about the opportunity to apply for grant funding. Read more and watch the story from WFMJ below:
"We knew we had problems and we knew we needed solutions," says Alisha Nelson, executive director of the OneOhio Recovery Foundation.
But finding solutions for a problem like substance abuse is easier said than done.
That's why dozens of recovery professionals, advocates, city and county leaders and healthcare professionals gathered Monday to learn about one possibility.
OneOhio will soon be giving grant money to these organizations and governments.
It's part of that landmark settlement reached last year between several states and major drug manufacturers.
Monday's webinar gave a cram course in how to apply.
"So they'll understand what types of projects and programs are eligible to apply for these funds, as well as how to do it," explained Nelson. "Where to go when the application goes live on April 2, and what that process will look like."
Nelson came all the way from Columbus to help guide applicants - many of which she says don't know they're even eligible.
Experts believe that as many as 200,000 Ohioans are struggling with an opioid addiction.
Linda Spies shared the story of one of them - her son.
"But it's still one day at a time," she said. "It is their journey. And never shame them. Make them feel what decisions they're making...those are their decisions, not ours."
Monday's webinar is one of several OneOhio Recovery is hosting.
The hope is that the millions in grant money will help save something priceless - a life."
