ECHD Receives $1 Million Grant to Expand Reentry Support Services

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Erie County Health Department Receives $1 Million Grant to Expand Reentry Support
Services

[Sandusky, OH] – November 20, 2024 – The Erie County Health Department/Erie County
Community Health Center is proud to announce they have been awarded $1,000,000 in
federal funding from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) Quality
Improvement Fund – Transitions in Care for Justice Involved Populations (QIF-TJI). This
funding will be used to implement comprehensive care coordination and wrap-around
services for individuals transitioning from jail back into the community.

ECHD/ECCHC is one of only two Health Centers in Ohio and only 52 in the United States to
receive this funding. The project goal is to improve health outcomes and reduce recidivism
rates among individuals released from jail. By providing a range of support services,
including:

• Healthcare access: Connecting individuals to primary care, mental health, and
  substance use disorder treatment.
• Case Management: Providing individualized support and guidance to help individuals
  navigate the complexities of reentry and achieve their goals.
• Housing assistance: Helping individuals find stable housing and connect to housing
  resources.
• Employment support: Assisting individuals with job training, job placement, and
  employment retention.
• Social services: Providing support for basic needs such as food, transportation, and
  childcare.

“This grant will allow us to enhance reentry support services and provide critical assistance
to individuals who are often overlooked and underserved,” said Peter T. Schade, Health
Commissioner, Erie County Health Department. “By connecting justice-involved adults with
essential health and community services, we are taking a significant step towards ensuring
all Erie Countians receive top quality health, dental, and mental health services that respond
to their individual needs. Helping these individuals as they begin building a strong foundation for their future will benefit our entire community.”

The Erie County Health Department is committed to working with community partners to
ensure the success of this initiative. For more information about Health Department or
Health Center services, visit www.ErieCoHealthOhio.com.