The Jackson County Health Department asked the services committee on Dec. 1 to recommend distributing about $300,000 in opioid national settlement funds to community organizations that applied through a recent request-for-proposals process.

Health Department presenter Kristen said the department received five proposals and a scoring committee recommended funding three programs at $100,000 each: Family Services and Children’s Aid for a pilot program described as "Empowering Moms" (not restricted to mothers), Home of New Vision (program name transcribed in materials as "Bridal to Wellness Grama"), and Andy's Place for continued coverage and security needs.

Kristen noted the staff recommendation awards less than some applicants requested and that awards to Home of New Vision and Andy's Place would be contingent on the organizations showing how they could deliver proposed results with the reduced funding. "We would be able to come back to you with alternatives" if an applicant turned down an award, she told the committee.

A motion to adopt the staff recommendation (to make the awards and recommend them to the full board) was made, supported and passed by voice vote.

Kristen also outlined other Health Department work: WIC and immunization staff presented two quality-improvement projects at the Michigan Premier Public Health Conference, the department piloted a hybrid waiver process to make immunization-exemption appointments more efficient, and the type-2 (non-community) water-supply program has begun monthly intake support to reduce state rejections by ensuring sampling paperwork is complete.

Speakers quoted: Kristen, Health Department.

Ending: The committee recommended the award list to the full board; the awards are subject to recipients' acceptance and any conditions the committee or full board imposes.