Marion County Approves $765,000 for Recovery Services

The Marion County Board of County Commissioners approved six funding requests recommended by the Regional Opioid Settlement Committee to support recovery housing, family services, community-based recovery programs, and treatment-focused alternatives within the criminal justice system.

The approved funding of up to $764,868.94 supports six programs aligned with Marion County's 2026-27 Regional Opioid Abatement Plan. The plan prioritizes expanding recovery services, supporting pregnant and postpartum women, connecting people to care, assisting people in treatment and recovery, and addressing the needs of people involved in the criminal justice system.

The approved funding includes:

• Wear Gloves Dignity House: Up to $261,250 to expand staffing and operating capacity for transitional recovery housing for men with substance use disorders. Since June 2025, the program has served 40 men and provided 557 supportive services. It expanded from 12 to 19 residents in May 2026 and anticipates serving 50 clients in fiscal year 2026-27.

• Open Arms Village-Women's Village: Up to $147,449.50 to support the initial operations of a 12-bed transitional recovery housing program for women. Renovations are underway, with completion anticipated in late 2026. Once operational, the facility is expected to serve approximately 40 to 50 women annually through housing, case management, and connections to treatment and recovery services.

• WellFlorida Council's Nurse-Family Partnership: Up to $93,005 to continue a nurse position serving Marion County families affected by substance use. The program provides home visits, health education, care coordination, treatment referrals, and recovery support to pregnant individuals and their families through the child's second birthday. The Marion County Hospital District will contribute an additional $89,000 toward the program's annual budget.

• Lost & Found Club: Up to $158,664.44 to support staffing, facility expenses, outreach, operating costs, and limited facility improvements at the recovery community center. The organization reports hosting approximately 25 recovery meetings each week and serving about 100 people daily through recovery programming and community engagement.

• Fifth Judicial Circuit State Attorney's Office: Up to $52,250 to support an assistant state attorney position serving Marion County's diversion court programs. Responsibilities include participant screening, court staffing, compliance monitoring, and court participation to help connect individuals with treatment, reduce repeat offenses, and support long-term recovery.

• Fifth Judicial Circuit Public Defender's Office: Up to $52,250 to support an assistant public defender position providing legal representation and advocacy for participants in diversion court programs. The position will help individuals access treatment and recovery services while supporting efforts to reduce repeat offenses.

The approved awards include a 4.5% administrative allocation for the Marion County Hospital District, which administers the regional opioid settlement funds under an agreement with the county. The Hospital District is responsible for distributing funds, reviewing expenditures, monitoring program progress, and reporting on the use of funds.

Together, the six programs support people affected by substance-use disorders at different stages of recovery, from housing and family support to community recovery resources and treatment-focused court programs.