Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine says he chose Alisha Nelson to be executive director of OneOhio “because I know that she shares my vision of intentionally using these settlement funds to help Ohioans struggling with substance use disorder for years to come.”

Never mind what that says about the suspected motives of other potential candidates, it sounds as though DeWine believes OneOhio is under the right leadership to make a difference for state residents.

Doing so will be a challenge, and one that must be overcome in full view of the taxpayers. Having already been questioned on the matter once, the folks at OneOhio must remember they are — for all intents and purposes — an agency doing public business with public money. They must be transparent in their dealings.

Those dealings begin with the application period for organizations hoping to receive some of the $51 million to be allocated during the 2024 grant cycle.

Among parameters to be enforced by OneOhio is that all proposed programs and services must be “evidence-based, forward-looking strategies for prevention, treatment, (and) recovery support services.” Eligible projects may span up to three years and must be regionally focused. Applications are due May 3. Those with ideas to help lift Ohio out of the grip of the substance abuse epidemic should not hesitate to apply.

And OneOhio must hold itself accountable — to taxpayers, to the victims of that epidemic, to Ohio. Money must be given only to those programs that show the highest potential for helping us heal, AND preventing the next wave.