Leaders in Cleveland and surrounding Cuyahoga County, Ohio committed opioid settlement proceeds and accrued interest toward expanding local addiction treatment centers and crisis services. The overarching focus is to transition incarcerated individuals and emergency room patients into structured addiction treatment options and recovery services.
Redirecting Opioid Settlement Funds to Addiction Treatment
Brian Kubit is one of many individuals benefiting from this initiative. Kubit was formerly incarcerated, but instead of entering the same old loop—familiar cycle of prison, release, drug use, arrest & repeat—he admitted his issues with addiction.
This led him to the withdrawal and recovery pod, a specialized unit designed to provide comprehensive drug rehab services and supervised detox support. After five months of working with counselors, Kubit was released from jail, totally sober, and ready to rebuild his life through the support of sober living facilities in Ohio.
Besides changing life trajectories, programming has reduced the overall number of emergency transports from jails as well as the overall number of local crises calls. All this came about by Cuyahoga County officials’ decision to redirect state and national opioid settlement money.
Past Spending & Future Plans in Cuyahoga County
Brandy Carney is account manager for the county’s Director of Public Safety and Justice Service. She noted that projects have included updating drug testing equipment, enhanced programs in St. Vincent Charity Medical Center and Stella Maris, and upgraded therapy options at board and care to support opioid-impacted children in foster care.
Investments in the courts have led to increased prosecution of targeted drug dealers. Carney stated that only $5 million of the original funds remain unallocated.
Many have speculated on the county’s next initiatives as the opioid crisis continues. Reports noted that at one point, the opioid crisis claimed over 500 Cuyahoga County residents per year, highlighting the urgent need for expanded addiction treatment centers in Cleveland and surrounding communities. The number peaked in 2017 at 727 overdoses, with many involving fentanyl.
Wherever the remaining funds go, residents hope that officials opt for intentional spending across further prevention and recovery programs to expand capacity throughout the county.
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