Legal Aid of Southeast and Central Ohio (LASCO) has been awarded $700,000 in grant funding from the OneOhio Recovery Foundation to provide legal services to Ohioans affected by Opioid Use Disorder (OUD). The funding will support initiatives across Knox County and several other areas within LASCO’s 36-county service region.
The grant is part of the Foundation’s inaugural funding cycle, which distributed approximately $51 million statewide to address the opioid epidemic. The funds, derived from 55% of Ohio's settlement with the pharmaceutical industry over its role in the opioid crisis, are aimed at supporting prevention, treatment, and recovery services.
Kate McGarvey, Executive Director of LASCO, emphasized the transformative potential of the grant.
"We are honored to receive this critical funding from the OneOhio Recovery Foundation," McGarvey said. "These funds will allow us to address the legal needs of those impacted by the opioid crisis, helping individuals and families navigate challenges, rebuild their lives, and move toward brighter futures."
The grant will enable LASCO to expand free legal services, enhance partnerships with OUD treatment and prevention providers, and offer specialized training for staff to better address the unique needs of clients impacted by addiction. By tackling social determinants of health—such as access to safe housing and economic stability—LASCO aims to create pathways toward recovery and stability for affected individuals.
Alisha Nelson, Executive Director of the OneOhio Recovery Foundation, praised LASCO’s work.
"Organizations like LASCO are strengthening communities affected by the opioid epidemic every day," Nelson said. "We’re pleased to partner with them to save lives, rebuild families, and foster strong and resilient communities."
Grant recipients were selected following a rigorous review process, including evaluations by the OneOhio Regional Board, an expert panel, and the Foundation’s Board of Directors.
This funding underscores Ohio’s ongoing commitment to combat the opioid crisis by addressing the root causes of addiction and supporting recovery efforts across the state.
