In response to the opioid crisis the community is facing, the Alcohol, Drug and Mental Health (ADAMH) Board has been awarded a second State Opioid Response (SOR) grant in the amount of $148,732.

These funds will be utilized in Fayette, Highland, Pickaway and Pike counties to expand the already existing SOR Treatment Navigator projects within the local court system. This funding will allow the current projects to include peer support for persons in recovery from opioid use disorder, according to officials.

Pickaway Area Recovery Services, Family Recovery Services and The Recovery Council will all receive funding to assist in hiring a peer support specialist to work with these court systems.

Executive director Penny Dehner said, “Utilizing Peer Recovery Support Specialists to engage and help individuals sustain recovery has proven successful and we are thrilled to add this component to the SOR local court system. Through shared understanding, respect and mutual empowerment, peer support workers help people become and stay engaged in the recovery process and reduce the likelihood of relapse. Peer support services can effectively extend the reach of treatment beyond the clinical setting into the everyday environment of those seeking a successful, sustained recovery process.”

An additional $140,600 was also awarded to Fayette County Community Action Coalition to expand its existing Peer Support Program. Peer support specialists engage in a wide range of activities. These include advocating for people in recovery, sharing resources and building skills, building community and relationships, leading recovery groups, mentoring and setting goals.

The Paint Valley ADAMH Board was created in 1967 to ensure the availability of community-based alcohol, drug addiction and mental health services for the residents of Fayette, Highland, Pickaway, Pike and Ross counties.