Madison County hears Turning Point plan for opioid-settlement prevention funds; board asks for contract, tables funding vote

Turning Point and Wildwood Hills Ranch outlined a multi-part prevention program proposed to run in Madison County schools and community settings using opioid-settlement money, but the Board of Supervisors declined to approve full funding without a contract and more detail. Turning Point representative JC said the program combines a six-week evidence-informed K–12 curriculum with equine-assisted therapy and family supports and would include third‑party pre/post analysis. “We would like to meet with schools, provide curriculum, partner with Wildwood and evaluate outcomes with a pre and post test,” JC said.

County staff and supervisors pressed presenters on the application’s budget and local evidence. The presenters said their initial application totaled $196,976, while the opioid task committee recommended an initial allocation of $100,000 to start. JC and partners said Turning Point will contribute in‑kind services — Turning Point pledged $105,000 in in‑kind support — and that Drake University will assist with evaluation; they also cited Wright State University’s curriculum as the evidence base. “This funding is not county taxpayer money,” a presenter said, noting the money comes from settlement funds and the attorney general’s materials justify prevention and mental‑health programming.

Supervisors sought assurances on scope, timing and accountability. Board members asked for a detailed budget, a contract or memorandum of understanding that spells out deliverables and milestones, and assurances the program can be sustained as settlement receipts decline. One supervisor said the county needed to avoid setting expectations the money would continue indefinitely. Presenters agreed the program would run only as long as settlement funds were available and described plans to collect regular data and adjust delivery every six weeks.

Rather than vote on the full request immediately, the board instructed staff to place the proposed resolution back on the agenda with a draft contract and more complete budget documents at the next meeting in two weeks. The board’s action leaves an initial $100,000 commitment on the table as the starting figure discussed by the opioid task committee, but no formal county disbursement was approved at this meeting.