Veterans group requests county support for expanded mental health services
A local veterans support nonprofit presented a comprehensive mental health and recovery program to county commissioners, seeking $100,000 in opioid settlement funds over two years to expand services to veterans, law enforcement and emergency first responders.
They also asked for $50,000 to support the remodel and renovation of a former factory building for the expanded services.
Boone Taylor, director of Operation Mind Body and Soul, requested $60,000 for the first year and $40,000 for the second year of a pilot program designed to address elevated risks of substance misuse, trauma exposure and suicide among these populations.
He told commissioners the idea is to corridinate access to behavioral health services, peer support, and trauma-informed wellness interventions in alignment with the requirements of the Indiana Opioid Settlement Abatement program.
Operation Mind Body and Soul has operated a small gym and gathering space at the River Centre and is now expanding those services to a 7,000-square-foot building at 611 E. 6th Street on the Riverwalk. Boone explained that their goal is to extend their services beyond the veteran community to support local emergency service personnel. The group asked for an additional $50,000 to support that expansion.
The expanded facility includes gym equipment previously housed at the River Center, allowing more participants. The organization also recently received a grant from Jasper Engines to install a boxing ring.
Taylor emphasizes that the program’s comprehensive approach extends beyond traditional recovery methods by also offering physical fitness in a supportive environment. It is an overall holistic approach designed to help them mentally, emotionally and physically.
“We want to educate. We want to get them fit. We want to get them out doing things in the community and getting involved,” Taylor explained. “And that’s the whole approach on how we’re helping people heal and keeping them healed.”
Operation Mind Body and Soul collaborates with multiple organizations to provide comprehensive services. The group works with the Veterans Center from Evansville, which conducts therapy sessions at their River Center location, and partners with VA outreach services.
The organization demonstrated significant community support over the past year, according to Taylor, raising nearly $50,000 in donations. Community contributions include walkers, wheelchairs and electric scooters donated to help veterans with mobility needs.
Taylor highlighted a critical gap in local mental health services for first responders, citing a recent incident where local personnel had to seek treatment outside the county.
“That’s not acceptable to me, nor should they have to spend the money and the time off to go seek that treatment somewhere else,” Taylor said. “We should be providing it right here.”
Taylor pointed to the program’s successful results.
“Last year, we had eight veterans who reached out to us who were suicidal,” he explained. “All eight are still here. So we’re doing a program that really works.”
The organization is also pursuing additional funding sources to ensure program sustainability beyond the two-year pilot period. They have applied for the Staff Sergeant Fox Grant worth $750,000.
The larger grant would support expansion throughout Southern Indiana, targeting counties with the greatest need while using the local program as a successful model. The organization already expanded services to Tell City and plans to extend operations to Greene County next.
Commissioner Chad Blessinger expressed support for the mental health and recovery components of the request while questioning whether gym remodeling expenses align with opioid settlement fund requirements.
“My opinion would be we don’t fund the gym remodel,” he said. “I don’t think it meets the criteria.”
Blessinger added that the program’s mental health and recovery component falls under the requirements, and he would support funding the first year. He said they couldn’t commit to the second year and encumber new representatives with this commission’s decision.
Commissioner Nick Hostetter added that the funds should be spread across different county programs, and he would like to hear from these other groups before making such a large commitment to Operation Mind Body and Soul.
“I think you’ve got a great program,” he added.
Commissioner Serice Stenftenagel agreed but supported allowing other groups to present to the commissioners before making a final decision.
The county budgeted approximately $300,000 in opioid settlement funds for 2026, of which $94,000 remains uncommitted. Commissioners plan to consider the request at their next meeting, allowing time for other potential applicants to present proposals.
Correction: We originally said the county had budgeted $94,000 of the funds. They have $300,000 budgeted with $94,000 remaining to be used.
