Saline County Approves $50,000 in Opioid Grant Funding for Local Recovery Programs

Saline County Commissioners unanimously approved $50,000 in opioid settlement funding for two local recovery programs during their regular meeting on Tuesday.

The funding comes from the annual Municipalities Fight Addiction Fund allocation of approximately $100,000 that Saline County and the City of Salina receive as part of a settlement with opioid manufacturers and distributors, according to Melissa McCoy, Saline County Public Information Officer.

"The city has committed $35,000 of this and the county has committed $15,000 to the community opioid grant program for a total of $50,000 in available grant funding," McCoy told commissioners.

The Opioid Grants Review Committee, consisting of three members appointed by the county commission and four appointed by the city commission, reviewed five applications totaling $136,500 in requests before making their recommendations.

Commissioners approved awarding $16,000 to Build-A-Pro to create a part-time specialist position to assist Saline County employers in becoming "recovery ready" so people in recovery can secure stable employment.

The remaining $34,000 will go to St. Francis Ministries in partnership with Ashby House to provide housing support for first month's rent and place a counselor with limited psychiatric support on-site at Ashby House.

This will provide residents with immediate access to substance use assessments, counseling, and early stabilization services.

McCoy explained that the awarded entities may request up to 25% of their total award upfront, with the remaining amount paid through a reimbursement process.

The City of Salina will be billed for 70% of the grant costs.

The funding priorities were established through an opioid needs assessment that identified four key areas: improving access to treatment and services, expanding prevention, education and awareness, reducing stigma towards people who use drugs, and strengthening support for those in recovery.

County Administrator Philip Smith-Haines clarified that the settlement funding is projected to average about $100,000 annually over the 13-year settlement period, with the county retaining $30,000 for grant administration and immediate response needs such as Naloxone purchases for the Sheriff's Office and community corrections.