THE LATEST UPDATES FROM ONEOHIO RECOVERY FOUNDATION: Q1 2026
A MESSAGE FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
As we advance in 2026, OneOhio is building on the momentum of its initial investments, continuing to promote efforts that ensure opioid settlement funds are used strategically, responsibly, and with lasting impact. Across the state, early grant funding is already supporting critical prevention, treatment, and recovery initiatives, while our staff is working through Regional Grant Cycle 2 funding inquiries.
GRANT CYCLE 2 PROGRESS
We are currently reviewing funding inquiries for the second regional grant cycle, with strong interest from communities all across Ohio. This next phase of funding reflects both the continued need for resources and the growing network of organizations committed to addressing substance use disorders. We are working to ensure that the review process prioritizes initiatives that will deliver meaningful outcomes.
BUILDING ON EARLY IMPACT
As first-round grantees begin implementation, we are closely tracking progress and learning from early successes. These insights will help inform future funding decisions and ensure that investments continue to support evidence-based, community-driven solutions. By strengthening partnerships and sharing best practices, OneOhio is working to maximize the effectiveness of every dollar invested.
LOOKING AHEAD
In the months ahead, OneOhio will continue advancing our grantmaking strategy, supporting grantees, and identifying opportunities to further enhance the impact of grants statewide. With a focus on accountability, collaboration, and long-term sustainability, OneOhio remains committed to helping communities across Ohio prevent substance use disorders, expand access to treatment, and support lasting recovery.
Warm regards,
Alisha Nelson
Executive Director
OneOhio Recovery Foundation
REGIONAL GRANT CYCLE 2 UPDATE
Since its launch, OneOhio’s Regional Grant Cycle 2 has experienced strong engagement, underscoring the demand for solutions that support substance use prevention, treatment, and recovery across Ohio.
The OneOhio Recovery Foundation has made $45.7 million available across OneOhio’s 19 Regions, and there have been nearly 1,300 funding inquiries seeking about $355 million.
More than half of Regional Grant Cycle 1 grantees reapplied, with most applications for Regional Grant Cycle 2 coming from nonprofit organizations—a trend reflecting continued demand for resources to address substance use and support recovery efforts. Proposals span all abatement strategies, with a focus on prevention, treatment, recovery services, and support for children and families affected by substance use.
OneOhio staff and the OneOhio Regions are beginning the review process, working diligently to ensure that it is both efficient and rigorous. The goal, as always, is guaranteeing that funding is directed to the initiatives best positioned to deliver meaningful, measurable impact in communities across Ohio.
SPOTLIGHTING KEY OBSERVANCES
March highlighted several important observances, including Self-Harm Awareness Month, National Social Work Month, and World Teen Mental Wellness Day, each drawing attention to the importance of awareness, compassion, and access to support. As we look ahead, upcoming observances continue to serve as important reminders of the work still needed to support health and wellbeing.
Minority Health Month: Since 1989, Ohio has celebrated Minority Health Month in April. The 30-day, high-visibility wellness campaign is designed to promote inclusion, disease prevention, and healthy lifestyles.
Recognizing the Role of Counselors in Recovery: Counseling Awareness Month, observed in April, highlights the critical role counselors play in addressing mental health and substance use disorders. These professionals are often on the front lines, helping individuals navigate recovery, build coping skills, and access critical services.
Preventing Prescription Drug Misuse: April 25 is National Rx Drug Take Back Day. Find a location near you to safely dispose of unused medications and help prevent misuse.
Promoting Mental Health and Recovery: May is Mental Health Awareness Month, an observance that highlights the strong connection between mental health and substance use disorders. Raising awareness helps reduce stigma and encourages individuals to seek support.
Strengthening Prevention Efforts Nationwide: National Prevention Week—May 10 through May 16—promotes strategies that prevent substance misuse and support mental health before challenges escalate. Community-based prevention efforts are key to building healthier, more resilient populations.
GRANTEE SPOTLIGHT
Addiction Services Council, Cincinnati
Earlier this year, OneOhio Executive Director Alisha Nelson visited the Addiction Services Council, whose Afterhours Individualized Mobile-Engagement (AIM) Team was featured in the March Board Meeting’s Mission Moment.
The AIM Team is a peer-led, mobile crisis response program that provides critical support for individuals experiencing substance use disorders and co-occurring mental health crises—especially during after-hours and overnight periods when most other services are unavailable. Previously, these off-hour crises meant that emergency departments and first responders were the default response for individuals, with no immediate peer support or transportation to treatment. Through rapid phone response, in-person engagement, and direct transport, the AIM Team ensures timely access to care. By bridging the gap between crisis and recovery, the program also serves as a trusted resource for hospitals, first responders, families, and individuals in need.
Support from OneOhio grant funding enabled the expansion of the AIM Team, significantly increasing its ability to deliver timely, life-saving support to individuals in crisis.
MEET THE TEAM: MACKENZIE BETTS
Mackenzie has spent two decades helping people and organizations find their voice, work she now channels into advancing recovery efforts across Ohio. As Partnership and Outreach Manager for the OneOhio Recovery Foundation, she collaborates with leaders across the state to break down barriers to treatment and support long-term recovery. Her experience helping individuals share their recovery stories continues to shape her approach, reinforcing both the challenges and the real possibility of recovery. Today, she’s focused on turning that perspective into meaningful impact for communities statewide.
You can read more about Mackenzie’s path to OneOhio here.
TOM GREGOIRE: HOW ONEOHIO GRANTS ARE CHANGING LIVES
Ohio is at a pivotal moment in its fight against addiction. As early OneOhio grant investments begin to take hold in communities across the state, momentum is building to expand what’s working. In a recent blog, OneOhio Recovery Foundation Board Member Tom Gregoire highlighted the impact of the first round of grants and what comes next, showing how continued investment is driving real progress in prevention, treatment, and long-term recovery across the state.
ONEOHIO IN THE NEWS
OneOhio’s second grant cycle has generated significant attention statewide, with widespread media coverage highlighting its impact and opportunity. This includes thought leadership through op-eds from Board of Directors members Jeanette Wierzbicki, Alicia Bruce, Duane Piccirilli, and Daphne Ayers, all of whom helped elevate awareness of Regional Grant Cycle 2 and underscore the importance of continued investment in prevention, treatment, and recovery efforts.
KEY COVERAGE:
BOARD OF DIRECTOR OP-EDS:
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
The OneOhio Recovery Foundation Board of Directors’ biennial meeting will be held on Wednesday, May 13 at 10:00 AM at the County Commissioners Association of Ohio offices in Columbus.
STAY INFORMED
Follow OneOhio on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram,YouTubeand LinkedInand help us share the latest Foundation news with others across the state.
Tune into the Foundation’s Board of Directors and committee meetings, which are always open to the public and posted on our website.
