SUBJECT:
Title
Request Approval of Regional Opioid Settlement Committee Recommendation for Funding to Lost & Found Club (Budget Impact - Neutral; not to exceed $158,664.44)
Body
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INITIATOR: |
DEPARTMENT: |
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Cheryl Butler, Director |
Community Services |
DESCRIPTION/BACKGROUND:
On November 5, 2024, the Board approved the Interlocal Agreement to monitor and review the expenditure of opioid settlement funds between Marion County and Marion County Hospital District (MCHD), followed by a First Amendment on December 17, 2024. This Agreement designates MCHD as the disbursement agent responsible for distribution, vetting, monitoring, and reporting of expenditures for regional opioid funds.
On June 16, 2026, the Board approved the 2026-27 Marion County Regional Opioid Abatement Plan, which established five (5) funding priorities recommended by the Opioid Settlement Committee to include:
• Expansion of Warm Handoff Programs and Recovery Services
• Pregnant and Postpartum Women
• Connections to Care
• Support People in Treatment and Recovery
• Address the Needs of Criminal-Justice-Involved Persons
On October 7, 2026, the Opioid Settlement Committee reviewed and recommended approval of six (6) projects consistent with the approved priorities. Of these, two (2) are renewal projects previously funded, and four (4) are new projects. Each project will be presented to the Board for consideration as a separate agenda item.
One of the recommended new projects is the Lost & Found Club, a recovery community center serving individuals affected by opioid use disorder, substance use disorders, and co-occurring mental health conditions. The project aligns with the “Support People in Treatment and Recovery” funding priority by providing a safe, drug-free environment where individuals can access peer support, recovery meetings, family engagement opportunities, and referrals to treatment and community resources. Founded in 1986, the organization reports hosting approximately 25 recovery meetings per week and serving approximately 100 individuals daily through recovery programming and community engagement. The recommended funding of $151,832 will support staffing, facility expenses, outreach, operational costs, and limited facility improvements to maintain access to recovery support services and strengthen the center’s capacity to serve the community.
The recommended award is $151,832, and in accordance with MCDH’s Interlocal Agreement with the County, a 4.5% administrative allocation is required, bringing the total recommended distribution to $158,664.44.
BUDGET/IMPACT:
Neutral; not to exceed $158,664.44
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Recommended action
Motion to approve the recommendation and authorize the Marion County Hospital District to issue Agreements and distribute the approved funds to Lost & Found Club.
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