Akron, OH — January 5, 2026 — IBH Addiction Recovery has been awarded a $1.1 million grant from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) through its Targeted Capacity Expansion: Special Projects (TCE-Special Projects) program. Paid over three years, the funding will allow IBH Addiction Recovery to launch Integrated Pathways to Recovery, an initiative designed to increase access to recovery housing and wraparound supports for individuals living with substance use disorder (SUD) and co-occurring mental health disorders (COD).
“IBH Addiction Recovery is deeply grateful for the generous support of SAMHSA and is humbled to be a recipient of this award. This is a monumental win for recovery efforts in Northeast Ohio and an even bigger victory for the people we serve,” said Jess Rist, Chief Executive Officer of IBH Addiction Recovery.
This funding comes at a critical time. Like many treatment agencies, IBH Addiction Recovery has been navigating a difficult and unpredictable financial landscape that includes local budget cuts, the rising costs of delivering high-quality care, and uncertainty surrounding Medicaid funding. The SAMHSA grant provides essential support to sustain recovery housing programs and protects access to care, helping IBH Addiction Recovery continue its mission without interruption.
“Programs that treat individuals struggling with addiction and mental illness are critical to improving local public health and our national efforts to combat substance abuse. Investing federal dollars into programs like IBH Addiction Recovery creates a more compassionate and humane society that prioritizes lasting rehabilitation and purposeful reintegration into society,” said U.S. Representative Emilia Sykes (OH-13).
The grant does not erase the broader financial challenges facing addiction treatment providers. “While this award fills a critical gap, the reality is the uncertainty of future funding remains. We are committed to demonstrating the same flexibility and resilience our clients show every day to ensure the sustained availability of essential treatment,” Rist said.
Research shows that individuals with SUD/COD achieve better outcomes when both disorders are treated concurrently. Unfortunately, one of the greatest challenges individuals face after treatment is the lack of stable, affordable recovery housing. Without safe housing and ongoing supports, the risk of relapse significantly increases.
Through the Integrated Pathways to Recovery initiative, IBH Addiction Recovery will expand services that combine clinical interventions, safe and supportive housing, case management, peer recovery support, and access to essential resources. This comprehensive approach aims to ensure long-term stability and improved health outcomes for individuals re-entering society after treatment.
“IBH Addiction Recovery provides essential care to many in our community struggling with substance abuse and mental health issues,” said Akron Mayor Shammas Malik. “These federal dollars will go a long way in helping support the individuals they serve with critical wraparound services and support. I look forward to seeing the impact of this grant in Akron.”
The project underscores IBH Addiction Recovery’s commitment to delivering innovative, community-focused solutions for individuals struggling with addiction and co-occurring mental health disorders. By strengthening recovery housing and providing ongoing support, IBH Addiction Recovery will help ensure that individuals in Summit County and beyond have the tools they need to sustain recovery and achieve long-term well-being.
“Substance use disorder is a complex disease, and our model is built on the belief that a comprehensive and holistic approach leads to healthier communities,” said Rist. “By addressing housing as a critical social determinant of health and integrating it with evidence-based treatment and vital peer support, we are creating the stability necessary for Ohioans to achieve lasting recovery.”