Harvey County approves $87,036 from opioid-settlement funds for Waymaker Academy peer-mentor services

Harvey County commissioners voted Dec. 23 to provide $87,036 from the county n opioid-settlement fund to continue Waymaker Academy peer-mentor services in the detention center and the community for 2026.

Lynette Redington of the Harvey County Health Department and representatives from the Community Crisis Response Team described the program's work in the jail and the community and urged continued funding. Magario Houdini, a Kansas-certified peer mentor, described recent overdose deaths and the program's role in recovery, saying the work is "life and death for these people." Commissioners and staff discussed program metrics, sustainability and other funding sources before approving the request.

Health department staff said the requested $87,036 would cover two peer mentors and a supervisory/substitute mentor for 50 weeks of services and that the funds come from the county's opioid-settlement account. Commissioners asked for program participation data and reporting; staff said those metrics exist and that a more detailed report could be provided at a future meeting.

The commission approved the full-year funding in a recorded motion and the measure passed. County staff noted Waymaker and partner organizations will continue applying for grants and soliciting donations to reduce reliance on county funds in future years.

The program's immediate next steps are implementation of the contract for services in January and continued reporting to the county on outcomes and expenditures.