The Latest Updates: September 2025
Next Grant Cycle Launching December 2025
At its September meeting, OneOhio Executive Director Alisha Nelson announced that Regional Grant Cycle 2 will launch in December 2025. The upcoming grant round will make a game-changing $45.7 million available to support organizations across OneOhio’s 19 Regions. Building on the momentum of our first round, this funding will back bold, evidence-based programs focused on prevention, treatment, and recovery. We’re looking for ideas that make a real difference and reflect local needs, with an emphasis on results that last. Our team is ready to support applicants with clear guidance and hands-on assistance.
Visit OneOhioFoundation.com/Grants to learn more about the upcoming grant cycle and be sure to check back for important updates ahead of the RFP launch in December.
Register Today - New Impact Academy on October 9th
To help potential applicants prepare for the upcoming Regional Grant Cycle 2, a Grant Implementation Readiness Impact Academy webinar will be held on October 9 from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. This session will provide guidance on common readiness gaps, strategies to strengthen your organization’s implementation capacity, and tips for aligning your project plan with funder expectations. Whether you’re a first-time applicant or a seasoned grantee, this webinar will equip you with the insights needed to approach your grant application—and project launch—with confidence. You can register (here).
Executive Director Update
National Recovery Month is a time for all of us to pause, reflect, and celebrate the remarkable resilience and hope that define Ohio’s recovery community. Every day, I am deeply moved by the stories of individuals rebuilding their lives—stories made possible by the tireless dedication of organizations, advocates, and communities who stand alongside them.
At our September board meeting, Region 19 Director Daphne Ayers, who herself has embraced more than 20 years in recovery, introduced two extraordinary leaders for our Mission Moment: Stefanie Robinson and China Darrington. Stefanie, founder of Hope Recovery Community and a valued member of OneOhio’s Expert Panel, and China, Founder & CEO of Summit Recovery Hub and a passionate recovery advocate, shared their experiences that led them to recovery and help others along the way. Their courage and leadership reminded us all of what is possible when lived experience meets purpose.
Following the meeting, we welcomed leaders from across Ohio to a Recovery Month luncheon. These individuals, who generously give their time and wisdom to guide the Foundation’s impact, had an opportunity to discuss how OneOhio grants are strengthening their communities. Stefanie also led a moving Language of Recovery training, which called us to choose words that heal, uplift, and affirm dignity. Together, we reflected on what Recovery Month means to each of us and left with a renewed commitment to walk beside those on the journey of recovery.
This month is more than a recognition. It is a call to action. Working together, we can make this Recovery Month not just a celebration of progress, but a turning point toward even greater impact and lasting change across Ohio.
Alisha Nelson
Executive Director
OneOhio Recovery Foundation
Together, this group of OneOhio staff, volunteers, and grantees represents 205 years in recovery. Their lived experience and work inspire hope and strengthen communities across Ohio.
Pictured from L-R: Stefanie Robinson (Expert Panel Member); Board Member Keith Hochadel (Region 6); China Derrington (Grantee); Board Member Jonathan Lee (Statewide); Board Member Ted St John (Region 13); OneOhio Director of Partnership & Outreach Sarah Anstine; Board Member Tom Gregoire (Statewide); Board Member Daphne Ayers (Region 19).
Spotlighting Key Observances:
Celebrating Recovery Month: Every September, National Recovery Month shines a light on the courage of Ohioans who are in recovery and the loved ones, advocates, and communities who lift them up. Since 1989, this month has been about celebrating the reality of recovery, honoring the people and programs that make it happen, and recommitting to a future where everyone has access to the support they need to heal. At OneOhio, we’re all in on this vital mission, pouring resources into prevention, treatment, and recovery efforts that change lives across our state.
September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month: September also marks Suicide Prevention Awareness Month—a time to come together as a community, raise awareness, and take action. Access the State of Ohio’s Suicide Prevention Month Toolkit (here).
October is National Substance Use & Misuse Prevention Month: October is a time to raise awareness about substance use disorder and promote prevention efforts to help stop SUD before it starts. To learn more about how you can support prevention in your community, visit SAMHSA.gov.
Mental Health Awareness Week—October 6-12: During the first full week of October, we recognize Mental Health Awareness Week to promote mental health education and fight stigma. The theme for 2025 is “My Mental Health at Work”. Visit NAMI.org to learn more.
National Prescription Drug Take Back Day—October 25: The National Prescription Drug Take Back Day aims to provide a safe, convenient, and responsible means of disposing of prescription drugs, while also educating the general public about the potential for abuse of medications. Learn more (here) and find a Rx drug disposal location near you.
Meet the Team
Our OneOhio staff is dedicated to advancing the Foundation’s mission, bringing diverse perspectives and a shared commitment to making Ohio a healthier place to live and thrive. In our Meet the Team series, we’re excited to introduce the individuals behind our work - each playing a vital role in driving our mission forward. As they travel the state to meet with community partners, we hope this series helps you get to know them, their stories, and the impactful work they do each day to support those on the frontlines of the fight against addiction.
Atsede Getahune, Grants & Database Associate
Atsede Getahune has built a career centered on humanitarian work and social impact. As OneOhio’s Grants and Database Associate, she continues that work by helping to ensure opioid settlement dollars are making an impact in communities across Ohio.
Atsede’s journey to OneOhio started with her work at the Danish Refugee Council, where she witnessed both the challenges and the resilience of communities facing extreme hardship in some of the world’s most underserved regions. Those experiences continue to shape how she approaches her work today, grounded in empathy and a deep belief in the transformative power of recovery. Read more (here).
OneOhio Welcomes Mackenzie Betts!
Mackenzie Betts has joined OneOhio as the new Partnership and Outreach Manager, bringing extensive experience in association management, community relations, and public relations to the position. In this new role, Mackenzie will lead engagement with the 19 OneOhio Regions and their volunteer boards, supporting them with tools, resources, and guidance to carry out their work, particularly during grantmaking rounds. Mackenzie will also collaborate closely with the grants team to coordinate funding cycles, share grantee updates, and maintain relationships with grantees. Mackenzie looks forward to meeting you as she travels the state. Please help us welcome her to the team!
Grantee Spotlight: Greene County Public Health’s Mobile Health Unit
At the August board meeting, Casey Warren from Greene County Public Health shared a powerful Mission Moment about their $329,000 OneOhio grant, which is expanding harm reduction services in Greene and Clinton counties. One important step forward is a new mobile health unit, launched in May, that’s bringing critical services such as HIV, hepatitis, and syphilis testing, naloxone distribution, and fentanyl test strips directly to underserved areas in the region. From partnering with Sugar Tree Ministries in Clinton County to offering evening hours at the Fairborn Hotel in Greene County, the unit is meeting people where they are. Casey also highlighted their OD MAP program, which tracks overdoses in near real-time to guide outreach, and a quick response team providing wraparound services like treatment referrals and peer support. Despite challenges with partner funding, Greene County’s work shows how OneOhio grants are turning innovative ideas into real-world impact, saving lives and strengthening communities.
Grantees In the News
OneOhio In the News
OneOhio Leaders Recognize Recovery Month: OneOhio Executive Director Alisha Nelson and Board Member Ted St John recently authored opinion pieces in Ohio newspapers highlighting the significance of Recovery Month. Read their op-eds:
Alisha Nelson Receives Columbus Business First Women of Influence Award: Alisha Nelson was recently honored with Columbus Business First’s Women of Influence Award! Read more (here).
Reminder: Region Resources Page
Don’t forget to visit the Region Resources page on our website, created to support the 19 Regional Boards and regional volunteers across the state. This page provides important information to help regional volunteers fulfill their roles and will be updated regularly to ensure the most current resources are available. Visit: OneOhioFoundation.com/RegionResources to learn more.
In Case You Missed It
September Board Meeting RecapThe next OneOhio Recovery Foundation board meeting will be held on Wednesday, October 8 at 10:30 a.m. at the County Commissioners Association of Ohio offices in Columbus. More information about all OneOhio meetings can be found (here).
Stay Informed
Follow OneOhio on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, YouTube and LinkedIn and 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.
