COLUMBUS, Ohio - The Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (OhioMHAS) has awarded grant funds to two healthcare providers in the Mahoning Valley to support pregnant women and mothers of young children with substance abuse disorders.

Family Recovery Center in Columbiana County and Meridian Healthcare in Mahoning County received $133,262 and $287,184 respectively to expand access to treatment and support services for mothers and expecting mothers dealing with these disorders.

This is part of $10 million in grant funds from OhioMHAS awarded to 45 healthcare providers across 31 counties. These grants are funded through the Women's Treatment portion of the federal Substance Use Block Grant (SUBG).

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine is quoted in a press release saying this allows mothers to start a new chapter in their lives, and in turn gives their kids the chance to live up to their full potential.

According to the release, nearly 76,000 Ohio women including 7,600 expecting mothers received treatment for alcohol or drug use in 2023. However, an estimated 13,728 woemn who needed that treatment did not get it.

These funds aim to reduce the barriers to get help, encourage engagement and improve outcomes for both mothers and babies.