Opioid Settlement Money – How Do Involved Cities And Countries Spend It?

How do areas in the Tri-Cities spend the opioid settlement money?

Other areas will reportedly use the money to build regional treatment centers. (Photo: Therapy Brands)

How The Opioid Settlement Money Is Spent

Cities and counties in the Tri-Cities area will receive over $16 million as part of a payment from the opioid settlement money and the state’s lawsuits against companies involved in the opioid epidemic.

This opioid settlement money will be used for a coordinated response to the drug crisis, including opening a regional treatment center.

The funds from the opioid settlement money will be shared among local governments, with Benton County leading the effort to build a comprehensive behavioral health and recovery center.

The goal of this opioid settlement is to offer various services to those struggling with substance abuse within the next two years.

Aside from the opioid settlement money, a regional opioid abatement council will be established to oversee the use of the funds and ensure they are used to help those suffering from substance abuse disorder.

According to a published article by SmartNews, Franklin County will use the opioid settlement money for Therapeutic Courts, providing treatment and rehab to individuals facing charges related to substance use or mental health.

Other Plans For Opioid Settlement Money

Records obtained by Spotlight PA and WESA show how Pennsylvania county officials plan to spend millions received in opioid settlement money.

The spending reports are being made public to ensure transparency before an oversight board decides if the funds were used appropriately. The board has the power to withhold funding if necessary.

The trust responsible for overseeing the funds has operated in secret and plans to review the spending reports privately before making them public.

Preliminary estimates show that over $70 million has already been spent or committed by counties to address opioid issues.

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