Montpelier Council Approves $10,000 for Jail Recovery Program From Opioid Settlement Funds

From the Montpelier Common City Council meeting on June 8, 2026

The Montpelier City Council voted unanimously to allocate $10,000 from the city's restricted opioid settlement funds to Mental Health America of Indiana's IRAX (Integrated Reentry Professional Support) program, which provides jail-based recovery services in Blackford County.

Kimber Reynolds presented the program's 2025 outcomes: 295 participants, 1,338 brief check-in sessions, 149 care coordination sessions, 162 recovery plans, and 13 individuals released from jail to treatment. Reynolds said the program's recidivism rate is lower than Indiana's statewide average, citing an independent University of Massachusetts study that found reductions in jail bookings, EMS calls, and emergency department visits across its five pilot sites.

Reynolds had requested $15,000, but the council approved $10,000 — matching last year's contribution. The city's restricted opioid settlement fund currently holds $20,198. The clerk-treasurer noted the funds are restricted to opioid-related purposes and no other use is planned.

Indiana House Bill 1296, which codifies the IRAX credential requirement for jail-based recovery services statewide, takes effect July 1, 2026.

Source: City of Montpelier - Common City Council Meeting - June 8, 2026

Some information may be inaccurate due to video audio quality.