Zepf Center has been awarded $319,000 in funding from the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (OhioMHAS) to develop and implement a Women’s Treatment Set-Aside program. Specifically and intentionally designed to support women and families, this program will expand access to evidence-based substance use disorder (SUD) treatment for pregnant and parenting women across Northwest Ohio.
The award is part of a broader announcement from OhioMHAS, which is distributing more than $10 million to 45 providers across 31 counties. Collectively, these programs will expand treatment and support services for an estimated 8,500 Ohio families impacted by substance use disorders.
“These investments are a step forward in addressing the unique challenges women face in addiction and recovery,” said OhioMHAS Director LeeAnne Cornyn. “With these funds, we can expand access to the most compassionate care during a particularly vulnerable time and help thousands of women reclaim their lives, strengthen their families, and build healthier futures.”
Providers will use the funding to deliver family-centered care, which may include behavioral health treatment, medication for substance use disorders, OB/GYN and pediatric care, primary care coordination, and therapeutic services for children. Because Zepf Center offers a wide range of integrated services under one roof, the agency is uniquely positioned to meet the diverse needs of local women and families. This person-centered model helps reduce barriers, improve coordination, and ensure that mothers and children receive consistent, compassionate care throughout every stage of recovery.
In 2023, nearly 76,000 Ohio women, including 7,600 expecting mothers, received treatment for alcohol or drug use. However, an estimated 13,728 women who needed care did not receive it, often due to stigma, fear, or lack of access. The Women’s Treatment Set-Aside program aims to reduce barriers, encourage engagement, and improve health outcomes for both mothers and their children.
“When we provide intentional support for mothers and their children, we strengthen the entire community,” said Zepf Center CEO Deb Flores. “Our team is committed to delivering compassionate, trauma-informed care that helps families heal, grow, and build brighter futures together.”
For more information about Zepf Center’s continuum of care and available services, visit zepfcenter.org or call 419-841-7701.