LANCASTER, Ohio — Fairfield County Job and Family Services (FCJFS) has been awarded a $200,000 grant to launch an innovative pilot program tackling a quiet but growing crisis: substance use and opioid abuse among residents aged 60 and older.
The funding, secured through an Opioid Innovation Grant from the medical and social services consulting firm WRMA, will be directly integrated into the county’s Adult Protective Services (APS) division. The money is earmarked for specialized staff training, expanding local health partnerships, and implementing early intervention strategies.
A Growing Threat to Vulnerable Seniors
Frontline social workers report that the deadly influx of synthetic drugs increasingly impacts the county’s older population, frequently compounding existing vulnerabilities.
“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.
According to agency leadership, elder substance abuse rarely occurs in a vacuum. It is deeply intertwined with severe secondary risks, including housing instability, self-neglect, and sudden barriers to critical medical and behavioral health care. The grant aims to position APS workers to identify these issues early and bridge the gap between vulnerable seniors and treatment resources.
Implementing the “SBIRT” Framework
The centerpiece of the new pilot program is the implementation of SBIRT—which stands for Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment.
Instead of waiting for an overdose or a severe medical emergency to occur, APS professionals will use the evidence-based SBIRT model to screen older adults during routine wellness checks or existing care evaluations. If a substance use issue is identified, staff are trained to step in immediately with a brief, non-judgmental intervention and seamlessly connect the individual to specialized community treatment options.
The initiative arrives at a pivotal moment for regional healthcare. Data from the 2025 Fairfield County Health Assessment indicates that local efforts are moving in the right direction: the county’s preliminary drug overdose rate dropped to 22.5% in 2024, down significantly from a devastating record high of 40.3% in 2021. Officials emphasize that proactive programs like this senior-focused pilot are vital to keeping those numbers trending downward.
Local Leadership Commends the Expansion
County leaders praised the protective services team for securing the competitive grant, noting that the program targets a demographic whose battles with addiction are frequently overlooked.
“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.”
Residents seeking more information about senior resources, county services, or public assistance programs can visit the official county portal at co.fairfield.oh.us.
Need Help? If you or an older loved one are experiencing a substance use crisis or need connection to resources, you can reach out directly to the Fairfield County Job & Family Services Protective Services division at 740-652-7730.
