WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-OH) announced the U.S. Department of Justice’s (DOJ) Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) has awarded a $421,126 grant to the City of Columbus through its Justice and Mental Health Collaboration Program. Grant funding will go toward a project to aid individuals with mental illness or substance use disorders who come into contact with the justice system in Franklin County. Franklin County Municipal Court and Ohio Guidestone will collaborate on the project.
“This much needed investment will help ensure individuals with mental illness or substance use disorder receive the treatment and support they need to help protect their mental health and prevent future substance misuse,” said Brown.
BJA funding will add an additional coordinator position to the program; retain and expand Peer Support Services to 40 hours per week, contract group sessions facilitated by Ohio Guidestone; and add trauma-informed yoga classes. Approximately 350-400 participants will benefit from these programs.
BJA’s Justice and Mental Health Collaboration Program was authorized through the Mentally Ill Offender Treatment and Crime Reduction Act of 2004. Grant funding is awarded to support cross-system collaboration for individuals with mental illnesses or substance use disorders who come into contact with the justice system.
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