The Mental Health & Recovery Board of Portage County received $1,365,871 to invest in local treatment, prevention, and recovery supports to advance ongoing efforts to fight substance use disorders and prevent overdose deaths.
These funds are part of the State Opioid and Stimulant Response (SOS) grant funds awarded throughout Ohio. These SOS 4.0 grants were received by the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services through the federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration to support local organizations that offer prevention, harm reduction, treatment, and long-term recovery services for Ohioans struggling with an opioid or stimulant use disorder.
John Garrity, PhD, executive director of the Mental Health & Recovery Board of Portage County, shared, “The board has been receiving State Opioid & Stimulant Response grant funds for several years. We are thankful for the additional $334,000 in funding this year, which will help strengthen and support our community’s system of care.”
The funding will continue to support medication-assisted treatment in Portage County, expanding the services to Ravenna as well as expanding the types of medications available through Townhall II and Axess Family Services. Hope Town will utilize the funds to increase its transportation capabilities to ensure that individuals in recovery have reliable transportation to necessary appointments. Prevention services will be provided to youth who may show some signs of early exposure and potential risk for developing a substance use disorder. They will be able to receive help in the school setting from Children’s Advantage clinicians.
Despite a slight decline in overdose deaths in Portage County, the issue remains a significant concern. The number of overdoses continues to rise, largely due to fentanyl being mixed with cocaine, methamphetamine, and counterfeit pills. In recent years, many individuals who switched from fentanyl to cocaine to avoid opioid overdose have found that the drug supply on the streets is now contaminated with fentanyl.
“Fentanyl and methamphetamine continue to be readily available in Portage County,” stated Garrity. “That’s why this funding is crucial — it allows us to maintain the progress we’ve made in reducing overdoses and extend treatment and positive outcomes to even more of our residents.”
For information about resources and connection to treatment services, residents can contact the Addiction Helpline at 330-678-3006.
