Hartford City Approves $50,000 for Jail Recovery Program from Opioid Funds

From the Hartford City Common Council meeting on July 6, 2026

Hartford City approved $50,000 from opioid settlement restricted funds for the IRAC (Integrated Reentry and Correctional Support) program operating at the Blackford County Jail. The vote was 4-0, matching last year's allocation.

Blackford County was one of two pilot sites for the IRAC program. A presenter identified as Kim shared program results: the recidivism rate for IRAC participants from 2022 to 2025 was 22%, compared to the 38.2% state average. An independent University of Massachusetts study across all five pilot sites found a 33% reduction in jail bookings, a 7% reduction in EMS contacts, and a 25% reduction in emergency department visits.

The program was recently awarded a FORE grant — one of only 26 nationally — covering Jay, Blackford, and Delaware counties for transportation assistance. Indiana House Bill 1296 now requires certification of all IRAC programs based on pilot outcomes.

The city holds $81,000 in restricted opioid settlement funds and $28,000 in unrestricted funds. The only other expenditure from these funds has been fireworks. No 2026 allocation has been received yet.

IRAC representatives are scheduled to present to the Blackford County Council on Wednesday, July 8.

Source: YouTube transcript — Hartford City Common Council Meeting, July 6, 2026

Some information may be inaccurate due to video audio quality.