Huber Heights to partner with Dayton Children’s for pediatric EMDR therapy using OneOhio funds

Huber Heights City Council on June 2 reviewed a proposed partnership with Dayton Children’s Medical Center that would use OneOhio opioid settlement funds to expand outpatient behavioral‑health services for children affected by substance abuse. City staff said the partnership would pay for additional therapists and training in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR).

The proposal, presented by Alex Zaharieff, would cost‑share a licensed therapist position placed within Dayton Children’s existing outpatient infrastructure. Zaharieff told council the Law Director approved the use of OneOhio funds for eligible programming and staff plan to pursue additional regional pools because Huber Heights spans Montgomery and Miami counties.

Jeremy Hayworth, a representative from Dayton Children’s Medical Center, described EMDR as an evidence‑based trauma therapy and said expanding trained clinicians would both shorten treatment timelines for affected youth and increase clinic throughput. "EMDR has been shown to cut the necessary time for progress in typical therapy in half, leading to faster recovery and freeing up therapists to treat more patients," Hayworth said.

Staff provided the following fiscal context: the city’s OneOhio fund balance is $126,273.46 and the estimated annual benchmark for a full‑time equivalent therapist is $104,174; final cost‑share details will be negotiated with Dayton Children’s and included in next year’s budget process. City materials note Dayton Children’s operates multiple outpatient locations including Huber Heights and said referrals and coordinated outreach to schools and social‑service providers would support access.

Council members asked about client eligibility and program outreach. Hayworth said the funding would allow Huber Heights residents to be fast‑tracked for services and that the target age range is roughly six to 18 years; Dayton Children’s staff said they are exploring services for younger children (ages three to five) and transitional help for youth aging out of pediatric care. Councilmember Nancy Byrge said she had observed strong results from EMDR in practice.

After discussion, Council agreed to place a resolution authorizing an agreement or partnership with Dayton Children’s on the June 8 City Council meeting agenda for first reading and adoption. That resolution (drafted and presented in staff materials) would formally authorize the city manager to enter an agreement subject to law director review and explicitly conditions use of OneOhio settlement monies for eligible services under the OneOhio Memorandum of Understanding.

The council’s action on June 8 will determine whether the partnership advances to an executed agreement and funds begin flowing to Dayton Children’s for the Huber Heights‑focused therapist position.