By 1808Delaware
The Delaware County Jail is receiving a major boost in its efforts to treat addiction among inmates, thanks to a $249,891 grant from the Ohio Attorney General’s Office.
Announced as part of the third round of funding through the Opioid Remediation Grant Program, the award will allow the county to expand its medication-assisted treatment (MAT) services. Sheriff Jeffrey Balzer says the funds will help address a pressing need: in 2024 alone, nearly two-thirds of inmates at the jail required care for detox or withdrawal.
“This grant is a game-changer,” Balzer said. “It allows us to offer MAT services in the jail and link people to treatment providers in the community when they’re released.” Research shows that MAT, when combined with therapy, improves the chances of long-term recovery and helps reduce the likelihood of repeat offenses.
The funding comes as part of a $2 million package awarded to 11 county jails across Ohio. Attorney General Dave Yost launched the program using funds from opioid lawsuit settlements. So far, more than $5.6 million has been distributed, with $60 million allocated for jail-based addiction treatment over the next several years.
Yost emphasized the life-saving potential of these investments. “These grants are supplying the tools and support for addicted inmates to overcome withdrawal, get clean, and improve their lives upon release,” he said.
Inmates in Delaware County will now have more consistent access to evidence-based addiction care, making the jail one of 37 across Ohio using state dollars to better serve individuals struggling with substance use while behind bars. Applications for the next round of funding are open through December 1.
Source: Ohio Attorney General press release
