Fairfield County Job and Family Services Awarded $200,000 to Address Substance Use Among Older Adults

For Immediate Release: May 29, 2026
 

LANCASTER, Ohio -- Fairfield County Job and Family Services (FCJFS) was awarded a $200,000 grant to fund a pilot program aimed at addressing the growing impact of opioid and substance use among adults 60 and older in Fairfield County.

The funding, provided through an Opioid Innovation Grant from medical and social services consulting group WRMA, will support the implementation of Screening, Brief Intervention and Referral to Treatment (SBIRT) within the Adult Protective Services (APS) division of FCJFS. The grant will also help fund staffing, training, and expansion of community partnerships focused on prevention, intervention, and treatment support.

“Fairfield County Adult Protective Services employees are seeing a growing need among adults 60 and older involving substance use, especially fentanyl, methamphetamine, and cocaine,” said FCJFS Director Corey Clark. “This funding will allow our Adult Protective Services professionals to connect with vulnerable individuals and intervene in situations often linked to substance use, including self-neglect, housing instability, and barriers to medical and behavioral health care.”

The pilot program comes at a critical time for Fairfield County residents. According to the 2025 Fairfield County Health Assessment, Fairfield County experienced a preliminary drug overdose rate of 22.5 percent in 2024. While the rate decreased from a record high 40.3 percent in 2021, ongoing programs and support will be vital to continued reductions.

“We are incredibly proud of our Adult Protective Services team for recognizing this growing challenge, pursuing innovative solutions, and securing this funding,” said Fairfield County Commissioner Jeff Fix. “Their work is helping ensure that older adults facing complex challenges receive the support, care, and resources they need to remain safe and healthy.”

The initiative reflects FCJFS’s continued commitment to strengthening protective services and expanding access to care for vulnerable populations throughout Fairfield County.

Founded in 1800 (three years before Ohio became a State), Fairfield County was the 8th county formed in the Northwest Territory. Today, more than 900 employees serve, connect, and protect the more than 158,000 citizens of Fairfield County, providing high quality services and outstanding customer service at exceptional value to taxpayers. Fairfield County fosters economic and fiscal sustainability and works to enhance the County's reputation as a high performing, learning, and caring organization. For more information about the county, its services and employment opportunities, please visit https://www.co.fairfield.oh.us/