The Mercer County Commission will soon open applications for local organizations working to combat the county’s opioid crisis. The funding—totaling $300,000—comes from several statewide opioid lawsuit settlements and must be used for projects that create long-term community benefits.
Michelle Stewart, Executive Director of the Mercer County Day Report Center, said the settlement money cannot be used for short-term expenses such as jail bills, despite common misconceptions.
“Renovations, those would be a good example of long-term benefits,” Stewart explained. “A lot of people think the money should be spent on the jail bill, but that is not providing a long-term solution.”
The Day Report Center is currently renovating its basement to expand recovery services. Plans include a new kitchen for life-skills training and a large classroom to support continuing education.
Stewart said she hopes the funding will help reverse long-standing challenges in Mercer County.
“I think Mercer County… we have been known for a lot of bad things. We’re number one for a lot of CPS cases and number three for domestic violence, and a lot of that goes hand in hand with generational substance use disorder,” she said. “So I think this money is a light — a light at the end of the tunnel.”
Additional details on how to apply for the funds are expected to be released by the county in the coming weeks.