$8 million to help workers, companies, affected by opioids

COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) - Ohio is spending $8 million over the next two years to help employers and unemployed workers overcome problems related to opioid addiction.

The Department of Job and Family Services says the agency will use federal Labor Department dollars to help companies that hire people recovering from addiction.

The grant will also create an addiction services apprenticeship at community colleges and provide job training and other services to help unemployed workers overcome addictions and find jobs.

The money goes to employers and unemployed workers in 16 counties: Adams, Brown, Butler, Clark, Clermont, Clinton, Fayette, Hamilton, Lawrence, Mahoning, Montgomery, Pike, Preble, Ross, Scioto and Trumbull counties.

A record 4,854 people died last year in Ohio from unintended heroin, fentanyl and painkiller overdoses. Many employers say finding drug-free workers is difficult.