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Proposed Recipients for Hernando County Opioid Prevention Grant Program
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BRIEF OVERVIEW
At the January 24, 2023, regular meeting, the Board of County Commissioners approved the Hernando County Opioid Prevention Grant Program and associated budget resolution. The Grant Program allocates funds to local agencies with a vested interest in our community from the settlement agreements negotiated through the State of Florida Attorney General’s Office from Allergan Pharmaceutical, Teva, Wal-Mart, and CVS Health Corporation lawsuits.
Proposal submissions deadline was March 24, 2023, and six (6) applications were received and reviewed by County staff for adherence to grant program criteria (see below) and the ability to incorporate reporting procedures.
• Category 1: Abatement strategies (medication-assisted treatment, reverse drugs, NAS treatment, recovery services).
• Category 2: Prevention Programs - youth, guardians/parents, pregnant and postpartum women.
• Category 3: Public Education Campaigns.
• Category 4: Incarcerated Population Treatments - Support of diversion efforts.
• Category 5: Harm Reduction Programs.
• Category 6: Wrap-Around Services or Expansion of Support Systems.
The following agencies submitted proposals:
• NAMI Hernando, Inc.
• Premier Community HealthCare Group, Inc.
• Hernando Community Coalition
• Jericho Road Ministries
• Hernando County Fire Rescue
• BayCare Behavioral Health, Inc.
Staff Recommendations are as follows:
• BayCare Behavioral Health - $45,550
• Premier Community HealthCare Group - $25,000
• Hernando County Fire Rescue - $20,000
• Jericho Road Ministries - $10,000 specifically to support this agency’s partnership with only Drug Court.
• Hernando Community Coalition - $15,000 specifically to support Other Category within their proposal regarding Public Awareness materials, PSAs, Training Institute materials and event space, and safe disposal supplies.
Grant agreements for awarded funds will be placed on a future agenda for approval.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
To date the County has received $322,286 that will be held in the Opioid Settlement Fund 1557-3693000 Settlements Account until time the County determines how to allocate the funds.
LEGAL NOTE
The Board has the authority to take action on this matter pursuant to Chapter 125, Florida Statutes.
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RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the Board review all submitted proposals, allow agencies to provide any additional information on their proposals as necessary, approve the staff recommendations for grant awards, and approve County staff to prepare grant agreements with selected agencies.