The city received notification it was again awarded funds through the Ohio Attorney General’s Law Enforcement Diversion Program Grant. The city was awarded the maximum grant amount of $35,000.
Funding received through this program is used to address the opioid epidemic in Ohio by providing necessary assistance and/or referrals to treatment options, recovery support, counseling and mental health treatment services. In Sidney, these funds are used to continue the work of the Sidney Addiction Assistance Team (S.A.A.T.), a quick response team that meets with persons struggling with addiction to help reduce the number of local overdose deaths and opioid overdoses.
The funding will allow the S.A.A.T. to expand its visibility by increased involvement with community groups and organizations. In addition, events similar to the Recovery and Remembrance event that was held prior to the pandemic will be held to remember those who have lost their battle with addiction and to celebrate those who are in recovery.
The S.A.A.T. is a unit within the community resource division of the police department that has been in operation since 2016. Since its inception, the group has received grant funding for the program through the Ohio Attorney General's office. The Tri-County Board of Recovery and Mental Health has also supported the team by providing several hours of service of a certified drug/alcohol counselor each week from the Family Resource Center.
If you have questions or know an individual that the team should contact, the S.A.A.T. can be reached at 937-498-8722 or 937-498-8190 Resources are also available on Shelby County Drug Task Force website.