“While the state has a role to play in the fight against the drug epidemic, real change happens at the local level”, said Douglas Huntsinger, executive director for Drug Prevention, Treatment and Enforcement for the State of Indiana. “Any time we have an opportunity to infuse more dollars into a community for the benefit of Hoosiers, we take advantage of it. These funds will go a long way toward building out the care continuum and improving outcomes for Hoosiers with substance use disorders and mental health needs.”

In 2019, CFPC released a report called “Conversations with Our Community” which noted that Pulaski County wanted a safe and drug-free community. CFPC, in partnership with Pulaski County Drug-Free Council, developed a “Community Action Plan” to address substance misuse in the community. This plan was developed based on the core activities outlined in the National Opioid Settlement distribution. Indiana is a part of the $26 billion national settlement and the state received approximately $507 million, which is distributed to all cities, towns, and counties in the state who are participating in the settlement. Pulaski County received its first distribution earlier this year and will continue to receive funds through 2037 (approximate).

During the Joint Council sessions in February, CFPC and the Pulaski County Drug-Free Council presented the “Community Action Plan” to the council members as a recommendation on how to utilize the opioid settlement funds. At that time, the request was made, and granted, to apply for the FSSA matching grant. DMHA received 78 proposals requesting a total of $93 million in response to the grant. However, Pulaski County was a successful applicant and was awarded $402,800 for the community to address substance misuse in the county.

Pulaski County Drug-Free Council has started implementing the “Community Action Plan.” Council president Andrea Keller said of the FSSA grant, “This award will enable the Drug-Free Council to move forward with initiatives faster than we anticipated.” Funds from the FSSA grant are restricted to three key areas of the Community Action Plan: hiring a Prevention Coordinator, establishing a Drug Treatment Court, and expanding the services of Intrepid Phoenix. Keller added, “We will continue to collaborate with community stakeholders, including our school systems, judicial system, and local organizations, as we work toward reducing and preventing substance misuse in our community.”

Leeann Wright, CFPC executive director, noted, “Through this grant, FSSA has signaled to Hoosiers across the state that Pulaski County has a thoughtful plan to address substance misuse and is worthy of support.” This grant will accelerate the efforts of the Drug-Free Council. Wright added, “The Community Foundation is proud to support these initiatives and will serve as the administrator for the grant. The Foundation will take on the responsibilities of reporting to the state, which will enable the Drug-Free Council to concentrate on delivering the funded initiatives.” The FSSA grant will be funded July 1, 2023, through June 30, 2025.

About the Community Foundation of Pulaski County

CFPC is the philanthropic leader serving Pulaski County. Recognizing over two decades of experience, CFPC encourages the growth of endowed funds to serve and enrich our community today and tomorrow. CFPC is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. For more information, visit www.cfopc.org.

About Pulaski County Drug-Free Council

The Pulaski County Drug Free Council is the Local Coordinating Council of the Governor’s Commission for a Drug-Free Indiana. The LCC’s mission is to bring together community stakeholders to provide optimal resources to address substance misuse Pulaski County. The LCC funds initiatives and programs through competitive grants. For more information, visit https://www.drugfreepulaski.org/.

About Intrepid Phoenix

Intrepid Phoenix provides a wholistic fitness approach for recovery from Substance Use Disorder (SUD). Improving the mental, emotional, and physical health of those struggling with SUD increases their chances of long-term recovery. For more information, visit https://www.theintrepidphoenix.com/.