Ohio County council approves $2,500 opioid-settlement grant for Celebrate Recovery

Ohio County Council voted to allocate $2,500 in restricted opioid-settlement funds to Celebrate Recovery, a faith-based local program the presenter said helps reduce repeat overdoses.

Mark Olison, who identified himself as a pastor affiliated with the Rising Sun/“Rise” Church of Christ, told the joint session that Celebrate Recovery is “a Christ centered community-based recovery program that is free and open to anyone,” and that the program addresses “the root issues behind addiction” including trauma, anxiety, grief and broken relationships.

Olison said the program is established nationally and locally and argued local support could expand outreach: “With the opioid funding, Celebrate Recovery in Ohio County could expand outreach through targeted advertising, including local print, radio, and digital campaigns … and equip and train leaders with updated leader guides ensuring safe, effective and sustainable recovery groups.”

Council members discussed whether the request met the opioid-settlement eligibility buckets and staff said it did; a motion to award $2,500 from restricted opioid-settlement funds was moved, seconded and approved by voice vote. The chair announced the vote as unanimous.

Why it matters: County officials noted that, while Indiana’s statewide overdose numbers have shown declines from recent peaks, rural communities often see higher severity in overdose outcomes and limited long-term recovery supports. Council members framed the small grant as a low-cost, targeted investment in local recovery capacity.

What’s next: Staff and the presenter agreed to follow up on distribution details and paperwork so the funds can be disbursed to Celebrate Recovery.