Project HOPE awarded $1 million grant to fight substance abuse in Marshall County

In August 2020, the Health Resources & Services Administration under the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services awarded Beacon Health System a 3-year, $1 million grant to assemble and support a collaborative coalition within Marshall County to address opioid and substance abuse, which resulted in Project HOPE. Project HOPE is a consortium of 19 local organizations, led by Beacon Health System’s Community Impact team, with Project Director Donn Yoder.

Project partners will use their collective strength to implement the consortium’s strategic plan and provide prevention, treatment and recovery services for those impacted by opioid and substance abuse.

“Project HOPE welcomes everyone to join its efforts,” says Project HOPE Director Donn Yoder. “We value and need the wisdom and experience of multiple individuals and organizations to provide the best possible outcomes for Marshall County residents and families.”

In June 2019, Project HOPE received an initial $200,000 grant and spent the next 12 months, with the lead of phase one Project Director Dr. Jason Marker, working with partners on a strategic plan for dealing with opioid abuse in Marshall County. The first stage was successful and allowed Beacon Community Impact and other partners to apply for the $1 million Implementation Grant.

“We were able to move forward with this unprecedented opportunity due to the remarkable efforts of Dr. Jason Marker and his team during the initial phase of this project,” adds Yoder. “They laid the groundwork and the foundation. We look forward to expanding on this success and making a real and lasting difference in Marshall County.”

Slated services include monthly education sessions for families, caregivers, children and the public, along with providing an evidence-based prevention strategy in county schools. Project HOPE will also focus on developing an integrated treatment and recovery system across the county and easier access to services through two new navigator-coordinator positions. Additional emphasis will be placed on supporting employers hiring individuals in recovery; collaborating with local law enforcement and first responders; and training and hiring Peer Recovery Coaches to mentor, advocate and motivate those working toward recovery.

Along with Beacon Community Impact, contributing partners include: Bowen Center, Community Hospital of Bremen, David’s Courage, Department of Child Services-Marshall County, Marshall County Community Corrections, Marshall County Community Foundation/United Way, Marshall County Council on Aging, Marshall County Health Department, Marshall County Probation, Marshall County Prosecutor’s Office, Michiana Behavioral Health Center-Plymouth, Michiana Opioid Task Force, Plymouth Community School Corporation, Purdue Extension-Marshall County and Plymouth Medical Center, Saint Joseph Health System.

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