The Alliance for Substance Abuse Progress in Bartholomew County launched in April 2017 to combat a serious problem locally.
A handful of health care and criminal justice system executives agreed to lead action teams for two years. Jeff Jones, a retired Cummins Inc. executive, was chosen to lead ASAP as its executive director.
That commitment allowed the organization time to develop and roll out its strategy for combating opioid addiction and substance abuse within the county, focusing on prevention, intervention, treatment and recovery.
Jones viewed his role in the initiative as temporary, though, meaning a longer-term leader would be needed to sustain the mission.
Doug Leonard assumed the role of executive director July 8, and a better-suited choice would be difficult to find.
Leonard served as president and CEO of Columbus Regional Health from 1997 to 2007 after 20 years in various roles at CRH. Most recently he served as president of the Indiana Hospital Association from 2007 to 2017.
He knows the seriousness of opioid and substance abuse locally and in other Hoosier communities. Leonard knows Bartholomew County, its people and its resources. He has high level management and leadership skills.
Leonard’s background is a perfect fit for such an important role, and for leading efforts to overcome a problem that isn’t going away overnight.
His selection should allow for a smooth transition and provide longer-term stability so ASAP’s strategies continue to be executed and its goal met.
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