Perry council votes to apply for opioid-abatement grant to fund outreach team
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Summary
The Perry City Council unanimously approved Resolution 2026-03 to apply for opioid-settlement grant funding to place two outreach workers in Noble County/Perry through Grand Mental Health. The three-year program would be managed by Grand Mental Health; staff will return with reimbursement and contract details.
The Perry City Council voted unanimously to apply for opioid-abatement funds for a three-year outreach program that would place two mental-health outreach workers serving Noble County and the city of Perry.
City Manager Nate introduced Resolution No. 2026-03 on Feb. — noting the funding comes from opioid-settlement payouts and can be used for narrowly defined programs, including outreach and substance-use recovery work. Council discussed how the program could reduce calls for police and emergency services by providing trained, community-based responders.
Thomas Comstock of Grand Mental Health, who later presented to the council, described the outreach model his agency runs in Tulsa and other counties: two-person teams composed largely of people in recovery who build relationships, provide case management, help clients access benefits and arrange transport to treatment. Comstock said the outreach approach relies on repeated contacts — "we're always looking for number nine," he said — meaning engagement often requires multiple attempts before a person accepts services.
Council members pressed staff on program mechanics. Comstock said Grand Mental Health would employ the outreach workers, lease and wrap the vehicle, provide training and submit required quarterly reports and statistics to the city. He confirmed the two positions funded by the grant would be dedicated to Noble County and the City of Perry. He said final reimbursement and payment timing for this grant round had not yet been released; Grand Mental Health will provide that information as it becomes available.
Mayor/Presiding comments and a motion to approve the application passed on a roll-call vote, with council members recorded in favor. City staff said they will prepare the grant application and follow up with contract terms and the agency's reporting framework.
The council’s vote authorizes staff to apply for the grant; final program scope and any ongoing city costs will depend on grant terms and subsequent agreements with Grand Mental Health.
The council plans to report back when more details on reimbursement schedules and contractual obligations are available.