COLUMBUS, Ohio — The state of Ohio received $100 million in federal funding to fight the opioid epidemic. Several of the organizations receiving the money are based in Franklin County.
The Columbus Chapter of Links Incorporated is one of the organizations receiving the money. The organization is receiving $650,000. Links Incorporated partners with groups across central Ohio to do service and give back to the community.
“It's very important for folks who struggle with addiction to have a safe space to do that, to do the healing and to get their services,” said Tasha Booker Fowler, who is with Links Incorporated.
One of the groups they partner with is Arizona Counseling & Consultation Services on the west side. Links will be giving Arizona Counseling some of the federal funding.
For the last nine years, Arizona Counseling has been helping those who struggle with substance abuse. They provide a range of services from mental healthcare, crisis intervention, counseling and medical treatment.
CEO and founder Deborah Pounds has made it her mission for almost 30 years to help those who struggle with drug addiction.
“A lot of people we serve are going through opioid use disorders, different disorders like substance abuse, mental health disorder. (A lot of clients) are living in unsafe environments or are homeless,” said Pounds.
The grant money will help Arizona Counseling grow its housing program.
Pounds said the need in central Ohio is great for housing because of the rising cost of living. She said housing is a big barrier for those who are in recovery.
“You also have those who have criminal backgrounds or evictions because of their substance use. So, its difficult for them to get housing,” said Pounds.
Right now, Arizona Counseling provides 45 people with housing on mostly the west side. Soon, they will be able to triple their housing program.
“You have those who have criminal backgrounds or evictions and its because of their substance use. So, its difficult for them to get housing,” said Pounds.
Both Pounds and Booker Fowler said the money will make a difference for people in central Ohio.
“People do recover, and small agencies do work,” said Pounds. “We need the entire community to join with us in this fight against the opioid addiction,” said Booker Fowler.
The Links Incorporated Columbus Chapter has received $2.2 million in state and federal funding since 2020 to fight the opioid epidemic.