$1 Million grant announced for Kosciusko Opioid Use Disorder response
Bowen Center in partnership with four other community partnershas been awarded a $1 million Opioid Response Implementation Grant from the Health Resource & Services Administration (HRSA) though the U. S. Department of Health and Human Services. The goal for this community-driven grant is to create a unified community response to those seeking addiction recovery treatment and will support several addiction recovery efforts in Kosciusko County.
“This is a huge success for Kosciusko County and its efforts to promote recovery and wellness within this community,” said Wayne Peterson Stephan, Bowen Center Director of Addiction Recovery Services. “This grant will go to fund a number of community initiatives and roles that will help create and maintain a community of recovery here in Kosciusko County.” The consortium for the grant includes Bowen Center, Warsaw Wayne Township Fire Territory, Fellowship Missions, Live Well Kosciusko and K21 Health Foundation.
The grant is designed to assist individuals in finding recovery, with a primary focus on those with Opioid Use Disorder, but not exclusive to that addiction and will specifically target homeless, and justice involved persons. "I'm very excited for this collaborative grant that will help so many in the recovery community in Kosciusko County," said Eric Lane, Fellowship Missions Executive Director. The grant will fund the following initiatives:
-Funding to offset the costs of Sublocade (injectable Suboxone) which is used for the treatment of moderate to severe Opioid Use Disorder which can be cost prohibitive for some individuals, especially the uninsured.
-Hire/train 3 Peer Recovery Coaches - 2 through Bowen Center, 1 through Fellowship Missions.
-Hire a Workforce Recovery Coordinator through Live Well Kosciusko who will work with area employers on employee education, development of second chance programs, creation of
workplace practices that support recovery and provide those in recovery a chance for employment.
-Hire a Recovery Coordinator stationed at Fellowship Missions to assist with expansion services and additional beds.
-Warsaw Wayne Township Fire Territory will provide community training on Naloxone use and distribution. Its C.A.R.E.S. Coordinator will help connect individuals who have overdosed and had emergency response to community treatment and recovery resources.
"Live Well Kosciusko is pleased to expand the well-being services that we offer our community,” said Lisa Harman, Live Well Kosciusko President & CEO. “Our workforce recovery coordinator will provide assistance to employers to implement legally sound policies and best practices that will help current employees who are struggling with substance misuse. In addition, our coordinator will be a bridge between employers and those in recovery who have been in the criminal justice system. Our goal is to help our family, friends and neighbors who have struggled to discover their purpose and pursue employment, even in fields that might have been closed to them in the past," said Ms. Harman.
“Obtaining a grant like this is no small effort and it took a dedicated team of community leaders to identify and quantify gaps in addiction recovery services to secure this funding. I truly believe that recovery requires community, and this grant is an example of what can be accomplished when a community responds as a united force and takes real action to support recovery,” said Mr. Peterson Stephan.
About K21 Health Foundation
K21 Health Foundation focuses on improving health and wellness for the residents of Kosciusko County. The organization seeks to ensure that health care services are provided and to advance prevention and healthy living. K21 accomplishes this by maintaining an endowment, which funds community projects and needs through investments and grants. K21HealthFoundation.org
About Live Well Kosciusko
Live Well Kosciusko is a health and wellness non-profit dedicated to transforming Kosciusko County, Indiana into a thriving place to live, learn, work, play, and visit. Learn more at: Livewellkosciusko.org.
About Fellowship Missions Fellowship Missions provides those struggling with homelessness and addiction with the hope of transformation. Their three core programs focus on the transformation that comes through the love and hope found in Jesus Christ. Their emergency shelter, addiction recovery hub, and Catalyst program each provide essential services to those in need. FellowshipMissions.net
About Warsaw Wayne Township Fire Territory The Warsaw-Wayne Fire Territory provides fire protection and emergency response services for the City of Warsaw and Wayne Township with a total population of 38,000. The department provides fire and rescue coverage for 48 square miles and has mutual aid agreements with 12 area departments that serve 78,000 people. Warsaw.in.gov/116/Fire-Territory