Commissioners approve pilot opioid‑fund grant to local recovery ministry for 10 treatment slots

Dade County commissioners approved using opioid settlement funds to sponsor an initial pilot of 10 Phase‑1 treatment slots at Hand Up Ministries, a local residential recovery program.

Rex Mayo, representing the program, requested funding to sponsor 20 individuals annually at a cost of $3,715 per person for the 90‑day Phase 1 program. Commissioners, noting the county’s opioid settlement fund balance (reported around $154,000), expressed a preference to start smaller; several commissioners recommended funding 10 slots as a pilot representing roughly one‑quarter of current available funds. The board placed a 10‑slot award (10 × $3,715 = $37,150) on the consent agenda and approved it unanimously.

Program details: Mayo said the Phase 1 program includes intake, basic costs and initial medical/dental needs when required; Hand Up Ministries does not charge clients during the first 90 days and relies on donations and grants. Mayo told the board his organization operates a 12‑month program overall, with Phase 1 as the initial residential stabilization period; he said roughly 8 out of 10 participants are affected by opioids and claimed a program success rate above 85%.

Funding source and constraints: County staff explained opioid settlement funds flow through state/regional allocations and that local uses must align with the settlement program rules. Commissioners asked about alternate payer sources (insurance, Medicare); Mayo said many applicants lack insurance. The board approved the pilot award and asked the applicant to return with follow‑up outcomes and program details if future funding is requested.

The item was approved as part of the unanimous consent‑agenda vote.