Like jails around the country, Ohio’s jails have a drug problem. In some places, as many as 75% of inmates have substance-abuse disorders, often related to opioids, according to various sheriffs.
To help jails fight the scourge, Attorney General Dave Yost is offering $60 million over the next several years to help monitor and treat inmates, and ultimately to break the debilitating and often-fatal cycle of addiction and incarceration.
As of mid-June, 21 Ohio jails — some that serve multiple counties — have received a total of $3.5 million in Opioid Remediation Grants. Thirteen of those jails were just recently awarded money in the second round of funding.
“While a jail is no substitute for a rehab center,” Yost said, “these grants will aid recovery and support better outcomes for inmates struggling with substance abuse.”
The grants are funded with money from opioid settlements negotiated by Yost’s Office.
County jails can apply for grants of $150,000 to $200,000 for calendar year 2025 to hire a full-time addiction-services coordinator or a contractor providing similar services. Grant amounts are based on county population. (These grants cannot be used to replace existing spending on addiction services for inmates.)
In addition, any county that operates a jail can apply for a $50,000 grant to help pay for medications and supplies for inmates experiencing opioid withdrawal.
This year’s application window runs through Dec. 1. Grant payments will be disbursed quarterly, with the next round in September.
To apply, email JailGrants@OhioAGO.gov or download an application at:
https://tinyurl.com/25ksuevh