Three Local Organizations Approved for Opioid Settlement Funding

Dubois County is putting its opioid settlement funds to work in the county to address substance use disorder.

With 2026 barely underway, Dubois County has approved allocations for almost all of their opioid settlement funds. Officials emphasized that this money was never meant to sit in the bank, but put to good use in the community. Approximately $92,750 of the original $300,000 remains in this year’s budget. This week, those funds were approved for distribution between three local organizations: Safe Haven, Community Solutions, and Operation Mind, Body, & Soul. Safe Haven Recovery Engagement Center was the recipient of $18,000 to fully fund their transportation program through the end of the year. The free service is available to anyone currently or previously in the criminal justice system.

Safe Haven is a non-profit organization that has been providing Dubois County with recovery coaching services since 2021, and they added transportation services in 2024. Their coaching and outreach expenses are covered by a regional grant, but other offerings must be county-supported or covered by additional grants. One of the needs expressed by Dubois County was for transportation, and a grant from the Dubois County Community Foundation allowed the program to be launched. From November 2024 to December 2025, Safe Haven provided 1,165 rides to Dubois County residents. The program is funded through Fall 2026, and the $18,000 in opioid settlement funds will fully fund the program through the end of the year.

Community Solutions, an organization focusing on behavioral health and justice system reform, was awarded $20,000. The group was contracted by the local Justice Reinvestment Advisory Council (JRAC) for a collaborative approach to identify funding opportunities and support grant writing. Their partnership helps to address gaps in mental health and substance abuse treatment for the incarcerated population and supports them as they transition back into the community.

Operation Mind, Body & Soul was received $52,000 toward a new 2-year pilot program. The group recently acquired a warehouse that they are converting into a gym space, which these funds will be used to develop. The organization is known for its work with veterans, particularly in regard to mental health. With the new space, in addition to veterans, their target population will be extended to include first responders and law enforcement members. The program will promote physical fitness while reinforcing mental and emotional wellness, as well as creating a community of support.

For more information on these and other updates, visit www.duboiscountyin.org

- Drew Hasselbring