ONEOHIO RECOVERY FOUNDATION BOARD HOLDS AUGUST MEETING
Directors Approve First Slate of Grantees for Regional Grant Cycle 2, Receive Update on New Statewide Cannabis Public Education Campaign
COLUMBUS, OH – The OneOhio Recovery Foundation, a 501(c)(3) charitable nonprofit responsible for distributing 55% of Ohio’s opioid settlement funds, held its public board meeting Wednesday at the County Commissioners Association of Ohio offices. During the meeting, the Board of Directors approved the first slate of Regional Grant Cycle 2 awards and received an update on the Foundation’s statewide public education campaign addressing the risks of cannabis use. Both initiatives advance the Foundation’s efforts to strengthen substance misuse prevention, treatment, recovery, and long-term community health throughout the state.
Presiding over her first meeting as Chair, Director Julie Ehemann (Region 15) emphasized the Foundation’s commitment to investing in effective, community-driven solutions.
“It is an honor to lead my first meeting as chair and work alongside my fellow board members to advance OneOhio’s mission,” Ehemann said. “As chair, I’m committed to ensuring our board remains focused on supporting proven solutions that prevent substance misuse, strengthen recovery, and make a meaningful difference in our communities.”
To open the meeting, Chair Ehemann recognized former board members, Senator Terry Johnson, Evan Kleymeyer, and Mircea Handru, for their service. Dr. Jon Sprague was also recognized for his service on OneOhio’s Expert Panel. The Board then welcomed three new members whose terms began in July:
Mark Stahl, Region 17 appointee
William Cox, Senate President appointee
Monica Moran, Senate Minority Leader appointee
OneOhio staff then briefed the Board on the statewide cannabis public education campaign targeting pregnant women, formally launched in July at a press conference with state and local public health partners. The initiative is the first of three cannabis-focused education efforts, which were first announced in May. The campaign comes as cannabis use and public acceptance continue to rise. OneOhio polling found that 41% of Ohioans currently use cannabis, compared with 35% in 2024.
Following discussion of recommendations resulting from an extensive, multi-phase review process driven by regional priorities and local input, the Board approved the first slate of Regional Grant Cycle 2 awards, investing more than $40.5 million in 206 projects serving communities across Ohio. These investments will expand prevention, treatment, and recovery services while addressing the distinct needs of communities statewide.
“The approval of these grants marks the culmination of an extensive, thoughtful review process grounded in regional priorities, community input, and careful evaluation,” said OneOhio Executive Director Alisha Nelson. “We are excited to begin awarding our second round of grants and to support organizations that are delivering meaningful, community-driven solutions to expand prevention, treatment, and recovery services across Ohio.”
Additional details about individual grant awards will be announced in the coming weeks, with announcements continuing on a rolling basis.
The Board then received committee reports and approved several items, including an updated investment policy, as well as the April and May financial reports. Directors also reappointed three members of the Expert Panel and removed the two-consecutive-term limit from the Foundation’s Code of Regulations.
The next board meeting is scheduled for 10 a.m. on Wednesday, September 23, 2026, at the offices of the County Commissioners Association of Ohio, 209 E. State St., Columbus.
To learn more about the Foundation’s work and sign up for important updates, visit the OneOhio Recovery Foundation website.
