STEP Program Extended Through December to Serve Opioid-Affected Reside

Published on June 23, 2026

Franklin County Board of Commissioners I Franklin County Office of Justice Policy and Programs 

A Franklin County program providing prenatal, postpartum, and addiction care to pregnant people affected by opioid use has served more than 150 residents and maintained a 100% program attendance rate. The Board of Commissioners approved an extension this week to keep the work going through the end of the year. 

The Board voted on June 23, 2026, to approve Resolution 0430-26, a no-cost extension of a subgrant award agreement with The Ohio State University through the FY 2024 Local Opioid Settlement Government Fund grant program. The extension carries the grant through December 31, 2026, at no additional cost to the county. The original award totaled $199,942, approved under Resolution 0647-24. Commissioner Kevin L. Boyce abstained from this vote. 

The program, known as STEP (Substance Treatment Education and Prevention), was designed to reach pregnant individuals identified through universal screening in OB/GYN offices, emergency departments, urgent care centers, and addiction treatment facilities across Ohio. The extension allows the university to finalize remaining deliverables under the grant. 

Director Ernest Stockton of the Office of Justice Policy and Programs presented the resolution and reported that the program has shown a consistent decline in positive opioid test results among participants. 

The grant aligns with the county's ongoing commitments to reentry, public health, and reducing harm among vulnerable populations.