Lawrence County Recovery, LLC (LCR), a leading recovery service provider in southeastern Ohio, has filed a federal civil rights complaint against the Village of Coal Grove, Ohio, and the Village Solicitor for engaging in a discriminatory campaign targeting individuals in recovery from substance use disorder (SUD).
LCR is a fully licensed and accredited behavioral health agency that provides life-saving community services, including operating two independent living homes in Coal Grove since May 2022 and April 2023. These homes have been critical in offering a stable and supportive environment for individuals in the community recovering from SUD. Substance use disorder is a pressing medical issue in Ohio, with the state ranking fourth in overdose death rates nationwide. Lawrence County also borders West Virginia, which has the highest opioid mortality rate of any state. Research has consistently shown that recovery housing helps combat this epidemic and is associated with numerous positive outcomes, including decreased substance use, reduced likelihood of return to use, lower incarceration rates, and improved family relationships.
The complaint alleges Defendants have relied on harmful and inaccurate stereotypes about people in recovery to limit and exclude recovery housing and services in violation of the Fair Housing Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, and Ohio antidiscrimination law. It further alleges that the Defendants have—without basis and contrary to federal law—imposed a moratorium banning new recovery homes, enforced invasive and restrictive requirements on existing providers, and pursued criminal charges against LCR's leadership. These actions have threatened the sustainability of recovery services in Coal Grove, which undermines the safety and well-being of a vulnerable population.
“These are our siblings, children, parents, neighbors and loved ones, who deserve dignity and respect," said Donna Reynolds, Executive Director and Peer Recovery Supporter Supervisor at LCR. “LCR’s work is crucial in protecting Ohioans against the opioid epidemic, and the services we provide can be a matter of life and death. We will not stand by as those in our treatment are unjustly vilified and discriminated against."
"We hope that by seeking justice for those in LCR’s program, we also support fellow recovery services and those with SUD who are facing similar attacks throughout the state," added Lila Miller, Partner at Relman Colfax. "We view this case as an important step toward accountability for municipal leaders, who are often the gatekeepers for much-needed resources like recovery housing.”
The Relman Colfax litigation team includes Lila Miller, Emily Curran, and Robert Hunter, with assistance from paralegal Jazmin Trenco. Steve Dane of Dane Law serves as local counsel.
A copy of the complaint is here.