Policy Fellow

Franklin County Office of Justice Policy and Programs (OJPP), the Franklin County Sheriff's Office and Armor Health highlight early Jail Population Review initiative results. COLUMBUS, Ohio, Oct. 26, 2026 /PRNewswire/ - Armor Health (Armorhealthcare.com), a leading provider of integrated correctional healthcare, in partnership with Franklin County, Ohio, the Franklin County Sheriff's Office, and the Franklin County Office of Justice Policy and Programs, reports that after six months of successful implementation, Franklin County, in collaboration with multiple system stakeholders, including Armor Health, is pleased to highlight their Jail Population Review initiative, which is designed to reduce unnecessary incarceration, improve community well-being, and strengthen collaboration across public systems. The initiative focuses on individuals who frequently cycle through the jail and other public services - often due to unmet mental health needs, housing instability, and other social determinants of health. The Jail Population Review initiative brings together partners from criminal justice, behavioral health, housing, emergency services, and community-based organizations to identify opportunities for earlier intervention and more coordinated support. By examining the drivers of frequent jail utilization, the initiative seeks to develop sustainable strategies that improve individual outcomes while reducing system-wide strain. Key focus areas include: * Identifying and addressing the needs of frequent utilizers of the jail and other public systems * Strengthening access to mental health services and crisis supports * Integrating strategies that address social determinants of health, including stable housing, income, and community supports * Enhancing cross-system collaboration to ensure individuals receive the right interventions at the right time Early results already demonstrate the initiative's potential impact. The first client accepted into the Jail Population review now celebrates six months of sobriety, is stably housed, actively engaged in treatment, and is now considering reentering the workforce. This same individual had been booked into the Jail five times between January 1, 2026 and May 20, 2026. Since engagement with the JPR, he has not been back to jail demonstrating the value of providing integrated, person-centered support in place of repeated incarceration. "Many people who frequently enter our jail are struggling with mental health challenges, unstable housing, or gaps in support across systems," said Chief Deputy Geoff Stobart who oversees the Corrections Division for the Franklin County Sheriff's Office. "This initiative allows us to work together across agencies to address the root causes of justice involvement and create safer, healthier outcomes for everyone," added Melissa Pierson, Chief Operating Officer with the Franklin County Office of Justice Policy and Programs. About the Office of Justice Policy and Programs - The Office of Justice Policy and Programs (OJPP) serves as the Metropolitan County Criminal Justice Services Agency for Franklin County and is directed by oversight of the Franklin County Board of Commissioners and the Franklin County Criminal Justice Planning Board. OJPP has responsibility for all County initiatives regarding Justice Grants, reentry planning and program recommendations, domestic violence/intimate partner violence prevention and services, and national Stepping Up and Data Driven Justice involvement. OJPP also staffs the Franklin County Reentry Advisory Board and represents the County on various local, state, and national organizations, committees, and initiatives. About Armor Health - Armor Health is a leading provider of correctional healthcare services providing quality care to local correctional facilities across the country for more than 22 years. Every day, Armor provides evidence-based medical and mental health services revolutionizing the healthcare landscape utilizing its proprietary Insights Analytics, risk scoring, and predictive modeling. Powered by modern AI solutions from its partnership with Antidote-AI (Antidote-AI.com) its AI clinical tools, and its expert clinicians provide a laser focus on best-in-class interventions to deliver the right care, at the right time, in the right place to every patient Health Technology Net serve. Media Contact: SOURCE Armor Health

Franklin County Auditor's Office to host free Affordable Housing Resource Fair in Reynoldsburg. The Franklin County Auditor's Office will bring together more than 50 housing organizations, financial institutions, government agencies, businesses and social service providers for a free Affordable Housing Resource Fair in Reynoldsburg, Ohio, giving residents direct access to information and assistance related to housing and homeownership. The event will take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, September 19, 2026, at Reynoldsburg High School's Livingston Campus, located at 6699 E. Livingston Ave. Organizers said the fair is intended to connect residents with reliable information and practical resources covering a broad range of housing needs. More than 50 organizations to offer housing resources. More than 50 organizations, businesses, financial institutions, government agencies and social service providers are expected to participate in the fair. Representatives will provide information about affordable and accessible housing, mortgages, homeownership assistance, senior housing and home modification programs. The event will also connect residents with supportive services designed to help households remain safely housed. By gathering multiple organizations in one location, the Franklin County Auditor's Office aims to make it easier for residents to identify programs and speak directly with service providers. The Auditor's Office holds two Affordable Housing Resource Fairs each year as part of its efforts to connect Franklin County residents with local organizations and practical housing resources. Franklin County Auditor Michael Stinziano said housing needs vary significantly among households and that the event is designed to serve residents in different circumstances. "Safe, stable housing looks different for every household," Franklin County Auditor Michael Stinziano said. "This fair is about making it easier for residents to find clear information and connect with organizations that can help. Whether you rent, own, are buying your first home, are exploring senior housing options or need accessibility resources such as a ramp or other home modifications, there are resources here for you." Fair designed for renters, homeowners and first-time buyers. The Affordable Housing Resource Fair is intended for people with a wide range of housing needs, including renters, existing homeowners and residents preparing to purchase their first home. Prospective homebuyers will be able to obtain information about mortgages and homeownership assistance, while current homeowners can explore programs and services that may help them remain in their homes. Senior housing will also be represented at the event, providing older residents and their families with an opportunity to learn about housing options and related support services. Accessibility is another focus of the fair. Residents seeking home modifications, such as ramps or other improvements designed to make a property more accessible, can connect with organizations that provide relevant information and assistance. Social service organizations will also be available to discuss programs that can support housing stability. These services may be particularly useful for residents trying to navigate multiple housing-related needs or determine which local organizations can provide appropriate assistance. Free Reynoldsburg event open to residents. The Affordable Housing Resource Fair will be free to attend and will run for four hours at Reynoldsburg High School's Livingston Campus. The event is being organized by Franklin County Auditor Michael Stinziano's Office with participation from more than 50 organizations representing housing, government, business, financial and social service sectors. The format is designed to give residents an opportunity to speak directly with participating organizations rather than navigating housing programs and assistance options independently. For households considering homeownership, searching for affordable rental options, evaluating senior housing or seeking accessibility improvements, the fair will provide a centralized location for gathering information and identifying potential resources. The event also continues the Franklin County Auditor's Office's twice-yearly effort to bring housing organizations and residents together. Organizers are focusing on providing practical information that can address different stages of the housing process, from renting and purchasing a first home to maintaining an existing residence and adapting a property for accessibility needs. By combining housing, mortgage and social service resources under one roof, the September fair is intended to give Franklin County residents a clearer path toward finding programs and organizations that match their individual housing needs. Oscar Wilde writes for The Cleveland American, covering news, politics, business, technology, sport, entertainment, and lifestyle. He focuses on clear, reliable reporting and useful information, helping readers stay informed about current events, important developments, and stories that matter.