The Knox County Board of Commissioners has approved $100,000 in grants to four local organizations as part of its One Ohio Opioid funding grant program. This decision was made during the board's meeting on November 4.
"Each one of them has its own unique way of approaching the same issue, similar sorts of outcomes, which are to stabilize families and children and to assist with the impact that addiction has had on kids and families," said Kay Spergel, executive director of Mental Health and Recovery for Licking and Knox Counties.
According to a video recording of the meeting, Lisa Lloyd, senior program director for the Knox County Foundation, explained that the commissioners opted for an initial round of grants focusing on children and family supports. In August, a grant cycle was opened to county organizations through the Knox County Foundation's portal due to its availability and familiarity among applicants. Four organizations were deemed qualified after completing the application process.
Spergel said that the Mental Health and Recovery board collaborated with these organizations: TouchPointe, a faith-based non-profit aiming for community health; Knox Health Planning Partnership, which seeks to improve health and quality of life through strategic partnerships in Knox County; Knox Public Health; and Knox County Head Start. Each organization will receive a $25,000 grant.
Spergel emphasized that these organizations have demonstrated an understanding of community needs through their data and evidence-based practices proven successful elsewhere.
County Administrator Jason Booth noted that setting each grant at $25,000 was intended as a trial to assess outcomes. This allocation represents about one-third of available funds. Organizations showing positive results may receive additional funding in future rounds or new organizations might be considered.
