Candidate Plans to Expand Rural Mental Health Support
David Pepper proposes using permanent settlement funds to improve treatment access for residents of Appalachian Ohio.
Updated on Oct. 26, 2026 in Substance Abuse
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Democratic lieutenant governor candidate David Pepper visited Marietta this week to discuss regional economic and public health concerns. The campaign tour aims to address local priorities in Appalachian Ohio, including the ongoing response to the opioid crisis.
Why it matters
The campaign highlights the need for consistent, long-term funding for opioid treatment and rural mental health services in Washington County. Ensuring these resources reach smaller communities remains a central point of debate for residents who feel disconnected from state-level policy decisions in Columbus.
Official state policy records indicate that permanent treatment funding was negotiated by former Ohio health director Amy Acton. While these funds provide a dedicated stream for opioid abatement, the specific impact on local mental health infrastructure remains under investigation as implementation begins.
The players
David Pepper
Democratic candidate for lieutenant governor focusing on economic development and rural health policy.
Amy Acton
Former Ohio health director and gubernatorial candidate who negotiated state opioid settlements.
The details
The proposed expansion of mental health support centers on leveraging permanent funds established through statewide opioid settlements. By securing ongoing resources rather than relying on one-time grants, the initiative aims to stabilize treatment access in rural areas. The strategy also emphasizes integrating these health services with broader economic development to address the root causes of regional youth emigration.
Timeline
The campaign event occurred on Monday, October 26, 2026.
Election Day is scheduled for November 3, 2026.
Health Landscape
This proposal reflects a shift toward using long-term settlement funding to address systemic gaps in rural healthcare access. It follows the precedent established by the Ohio opioid settlement agreements in prioritizing stable, dedicated resources over fluctuating budget cycles.
Residents should track how future state allocations impact the availability of mental health services and addiction treatment in Washington County. These policy shifts are worth discussing with local primary care providers to understand how community-level care access may change in the coming years.
The takeaway
The campaign underscores the importance of securing permanent funding streams for rural addiction and mental health care. Residents can monitor future state budget updates or health department reports to track how these policy proposals translate into localized treatment capacity.
Further reading
Learn more about local efforts to manage addiction and recovery resources in the Substance Abuse section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Wtap.
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