Op-Ed: Education and Prevention- The Twin Pillars of Ohio’s Fight Against Addiction

On Thursday, April 17, 2025, The Clermont Sun published the op-ed below by OneOhio Board Member and State Senator Terry Johnson. In it, Johnson underscores the critical role of education and prevention in combating addiction and highlights how OneOhio’s grant investments are helping to strengthen efforts in these areas.

Education and Prevention: The Twin Pillars of Ohio’s Fight Against Addiction

As a physician, a state senator representing Ohio’s 14th District, and a board member of the OneOhio Recovery Foundation, I am committed to combating the scourge of substance use disorders that have devastated Southern Ohio. Central to this commitment is a focus on prevention—empowering our youth with the knowledge and resilience to make healthy choices. Two recent efforts that advance these goals are legislation I introduced to strengthen prevention education and the Foundation’s strategic investments in prevention programs across our region and Ohio.

In January 2025, I introduced Senate Bill 7, which would require Ohio’s schools to provide instruction on the harmful effects of substance use. Research underscores the importance of students receiving comprehensive, age-appropriate education about the risks associated with substance misuse. If we want them to make informed decisions, this education is essential. By integrating this critical information into our school curriculum, we can help raise a generation that is both resilient and well-informed about the dangers of substance misuse.

I’m proud to share that the bill recently passed the Senate with unanimous support. With strong bipartisan momentum, I’m optimistic we can get SB 7 signed into law—marking a meaningful step forward in protecting the health and well-being of Ohio’s youth.

A crucial complement to education is a robust network of community programs that provide evidence-based support for prevention, addiction treatment, and recovery. In its inaugural 2024 Regional Grant Cycle, the Foundation—a nonprofit charitable organization created to manage 55% of Ohio’s opioid settlement funds—awarded approximately $45 million to programs statewide. Notably, over $7.7 million was allocated to initiatives in and around my senate district, underscoring the Foundation’s dedication to addressing the unique challenges faced in our region. Just some of the projects funded in my senate district include:

• OSU Foundation’s Ohio Youth Resilience Collaborative: Receiving $627,000, this collaborative serves Scioto, Highland, Pike, and Ross counties, focusing on building youth resilience and equipping them with skills to navigate challenges without resorting to substance use. A multi-level approach will engage youth, caregivers, and young adults, strengthening substance use resilience at school, family, and community levels. The initiative will also provide critical life skills to young adults and at-risk families. Over the project period, the partnership will reach more than 3,075 individuals, including 500 middle- and high-school students, 25 families, and 500 community members each year.

• IMPACT Youth-Led Prevention: With a $90,000 grant, this program will recruit high school students and adult facilitators from Adams, Pike, and Ross counties to attend youth summits, where young people share challenges and learn constructive, substance-free coping strategies. Successful programs in Lawrence and Scioto counties will serve as models, with volunteers helping launch this new initiative. Follow-up quarterly meetings will provide continued training for adult facilitators and support for youth groups. An end-of-year celebration will bring teams together to share their experiences and successes.

Another round of grant awards will begin soon. With input from regional partners, the Foundation will continue supporting innovative programs across our state and region to advance the fight against addiction. With the two-pronged approach of SB 7’s educational resources for young people and Ohio’s strong network of professionals and programs on the epidemic’s frontlines, our state’s resilience against substance abuse has never been stronger.

One person and one community at a time, Ohio recovers. Together, we can do this.

Dr. Terry Johnson (R-Portsmouth) represents Ohio’s 14th Senate District and serves as a board member of the OneOhio Recovery Foundation. He is a retired physician, medical educator, retired military officer, and former four-term State Representative.