Good afternoon!

As we continue to navigate the evolving federal funding landscape, we want to keep you informed about recent developments that may impact our community.

Update on Federal Funding Freeze

On February 10, 2025, U.S. District Judge John McConnell Jr. ruled that the Trump administration had not fully complied with a previous court order to unfreeze federal spending. He ordered the immediate restoration of all improperly frozen funds, emphasizing that the broad and sweeping freeze was likely unconstitutional and had caused irreparable harm. 

The administration’s attempt to pause this order was subsequently denied by the 1st U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Boston, which maintained that the lower court’s ruling should remain in effect. 

Despite these legal directives, reports indicate that some federal agencies continue to suspend funding, raising concerns about the administration’s adherence to court orders. 

We understand that this situation continues to create uncertainty, especially for those relying on federal grants and loans. We are closely monitoring these developments and will provide updates as more information becomes available.

National Opioid Settlement Recap

Over the past few years, major settlements have been reached with pharmaceutical manufacturers, distributors, and retailers to address the harms caused by the opioid crisis. As a quick recap:

• Multistate Purdue Pharma Settlement: Last week, a $7.4 billion settlement was finalized with Purdue Pharma and the Sackler family. The funds will be distributed over the next 15 years to support treatment, prevention, and recovery efforts. Unlike previous agreements, this settlement does not grant the Sacklers full immunity from civil litigation, meaning additional lawsuits may still proceed.
• National Distributor & Retailer Settlements: States and local governments continue to receive payments from the $26 billion opioid settlement finalized in 2021 with McKesson, Cardinal Health, and AmerisourceBergen, as well as agreements with major retailers like CVS, Walgreens, Walmart, and Kroger. These funds are being allocated toward opioid remediation, harm reduction, and public health initiatives.
• State & Local Allocations: Some states are now in their second or third rounds of funding distribution. For example, Pennsylvania recently announced plans to use portions of its settlement funds to support child welfare services, highlighting how opioid dollars are being directed toward broader impacts of the crisis. Meanwhile, Ohio is facing transparency concerns, as nearly half of its opioid settlement funds remain unaccounted for.

While most of this information isn’t new, it’s important to track how these funds are being used. We remain committed to providing updates on how opioid dollars are being allocated across Appalachia and beyond.

Alabama

Alabama Expands Mental Health Beds and Crisis Services in Five-Year Plan

The Alabama Department of Mental Health (ADMH) has unveiled a five-year plan aimed at more than doubling the state’s capacity for inpatient mental health treatment and crisis care services. Commissioner Kim Boswell presented the proposal to state legislators, highlighting the critical need for expanded mental health resources, particularly as rural hospitals reduce inpatient psychiatric services.

Key Provisions of the Plan:

• Increasing mental health beds from 13.4 per 100,000 residents to 30 per 100,000 residents.
• Expanding Mobile Crisis Teams from 14 to 23 and Crisis Centers from 6 to 11, improving rapid-response mental health care.
• A $248 million budget request for FY 2026, including:
• $23.4 million to expand inpatient mental health bed capacity.
• $11.5 million to increase crisis services statewide.
• $13.2 million to sustain community mental health beds.
• $10 million in opioid settlement funds earmarked for mental health treatment expansion.

Legislators, including Rep. Rex Reynolds (R-Hazel Green) and Rep. Pebblin Warren (D-Tuskegee), emphasized the urgency of expanding treatment options, citing the state’s rising homelessness and untreated mental illness crisis. The investment in crisis services is expected to divert individuals from emergency rooms and jails into appropriate care settings, improving outcomes for those with serious mental health conditions.

Alabama Prisons Expand Opioid Addiction Recovery Program

The Alabama Department of Corrections (ADOC) is expanding its Medication for Opioid Use Disorder (MOUD) program to nine of the state’s 14 major prisons, as part of a broader effort to address opioid addiction among incarcerated individuals. The program, initially launched in 2023 at Donaldson Correctional Facility, now serves 191 participants, providing FDA-approved medications that reduce opioid cravings and withdrawal symptoms, increasing the likelihood of successful recovery.

Program Highlights:

• $1 million in opioid settlement funds has been allocated to expand MOUD access across Alabama prisons.
• 15 participants recently graduated from the Residential Substance Abuse Treatment (RSAT) program, which integrates MOUD with behavioral therapy and re-entry planning.
• Correctional officials hope the program will reduce recidivism by providing individuals with long-term recovery pathways and connections to community-based treatment upon release.

Overcoming stigma surrounding MOUD in correctional settings has been a significant challenge, but early success rates and participant feedback suggest the program is gaining broader acceptance. By supporting treatment over punishment, Alabama is taking a public health approach to addiction recovery, ensuring individuals leaving the prison system have greater access to evidence-based treatment options.

Georgia

Opioid Settlement Funds: A Long-Term Investment in Public Health

Georgia is set to receive $638 million over 18 years from opioid settlement agreements with manufacturers, distributors, and retailers. These funds, managed by the Georgia Opioid Crisis Abatement Trust, will supplement but not replace the state’s existing behavioral health budget.

The settlement funds are expected to support:

• Harm reduction initiatives such as naloxone distribution and safe syringe programs.
• Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) expansion, particularly in rural and underserved areas.
• Peer recovery support programs, strengthening community-led recovery efforts.
• School-based prevention programs, addressing youth substance use early.

While opioid settlement funds are restricted to opioid abatement efforts, state officials note that they will help free up general budget funds, allowing Georgia to make broader long-term investments in mental health, substance use treatment, and crisis intervention.

This multi-pronged approach aims to reduce opioid overdose deaths, improve access to treatment, and create sustainable recovery pathways for Georgians affected by substance use disorder.

Georgia Expands Mental Health and Substance Use Services in FY 2026 Budget Proposal

Governor Brian Kemp’s FY 2026 budget proposal includes a $50 million increase in funding for mental health and substance use services, reinforcing the state’s commitment to expanding treatment access and crisis intervention. The Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (DBHDD) will oversee these funds, with a focus on community-based services, forensic psychiatric care, and provider support.

Key Budget Allocations:

• $31 million for home- and community-based services to help individuals with serious mental illness and substance use disorders receive care outside of institutional settings.
• $12.5 million to increase provider reimbursement rates for Community Behavioral Health Rehabilitation Services, ensuring more providers can afford to offer services to Medicaid and low-income patients.
• $4.8 million to expand forensic psychiatric units, addressing the growing number of individuals with mental illness in the criminal justice system.
• $3.1 million for the Macon Crisis Stabilization and Diagnostic Center, aimed at increasing access to acute psychiatric care.
• $1.8 million for the Gateway Child and Adolescent Crisis Unit in Savannah, enhancing treatment services for youth experiencing mental health crises.
• $1 million to launch a jail-based competency restoration pilot program in Dodge County, helping individuals with mental illness regain the capacity to stand trial instead of remaining in legal limbo.

State leaders, including Georgia Behavioral Health Commissioner Kevin Tanner, have praised the investment in crisis response and treatment expansion, emphasizing that early intervention and community-based services can prevent costly hospitalizations and incarceration.

Kentucky

Pikeville Joins Kroger Opioid Settlement Agreement

The Pikeville City Commission has officially joined Kentucky Attorney General Russell Coleman’s settlement agreement with Kroger, a part of a broader national opioid settlement aimed at addressing the impact of opioid misuse. Under this agreement, Kentucky will receive $110 million, with half of the funds allocated to cities and counties and the other half directed to the Kentucky Opioid Abatement Advisory Commission (KYOAAC) for prevention and recovery programs.

Key Settlement Details:

• Funds will be disbursed over a 14-year period, with larger payments in the initial years to allow for immediate investments in prevention and recovery.
• The national opioid settlement involving manufacturers, distributors, and retailers will continue for 25 to 30 years, ensuring sustained funding for opioid mitigation efforts.
• Pikeville has already received initial funds but is still determining the best approach for allocation.
• Priority areas under discussion include:
• Youth education and prevention programs to reduce early opioid exposure.
• Law enforcement initiatives targeting illicit opioid distribution.
• Local recovery support efforts to expand treatment accessibility.

City Manager Reggie Hickman emphasized that this is a one-time opportunity for the city to make a meaningful impact on opioid-related issues, urging thoughtful investment in programs that will have a lasting effect on public health and safety.

Kentucky Opioid Abatement Advisory Commission Releases 2024 Annual Report

The Kentucky Opioid Abatement Advisory Commission (KYOAAC), which oversees the distribution of the state’s opioid settlement funds, has published its 2024 Annual Report, detailing how Kentucky has allocated over $12 million toward opioid prevention, treatment, and recovery efforts.

Key Highlights from the Report:

• Half of all opioid settlement funds are directly allocated to local governments, empowering counties and municipalities to implement their own opioid remediation programs.
• The remaining funds are distributed through a competitive grant application process, ensuring evidence-based strategies receive priority funding.
• KYOAAC has launched an interactive online portal to enhance transparency and allow the public to track how funds are being utilized.
• Key investments in 2024 included:
• Expansion of treatment programs offering Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT).
• Support for harm reduction initiatives, including naloxone distribution.
• Funding for recovery housing and peer support programs.

KYOAAC Executive Director Chris Evans emphasized the importance of public transparency and encouraged stakeholders to review the report to gain insight into how settlement funds are being allocated.

Download the full report here: 2024 KYOAAC Annual Report

New York

Westchester County Discusses Allocation of $5.8M in Opioid Settlement Funds

On February 6, 2025, New York Attorney General Letitia James and Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins met with the Westchester County Opioid Response and Overdose Prevention Initiative (ORI) in White Plains to discuss the county’s $5.8 million allocation from a 2019 opioid lawsuit settlement. The funding, distributed through the New York State Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS) Regional Opioid Abatement Funding, is designated for treatment, prevention, recovery, harm reduction, and workforce training programs.

2024-2025 Funding Breakdown:

• Treatment Programs:

• Lexington Center for Recovery – $395K

• Family Services of Westchester – $330K

• John’s Riverside Hospital – $380K

• Westchester Jewish Community Services – $235K

• Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT):

• Westchester County Department of Corrections – $1.27M

• Prevention Programs:

• Partnership to End Addiction – $600K

• Recovery Services:

• Family Services of Westchester – $176K

• Harm Reduction Initiatives:

• Urban League of Westchester – $249K

• Cornerstone Family Healthcare – $173K

• Peer Workforce Training:

• Peer Certification Workforce Enhancement – $115K

• Public Safety & Equipment:

• Narcotics Safety Equipment for County Corrections & Probation – $196K

Attorney General Letitia James reaffirmed New York’s commitment to holding opioid manufacturers accountable and ensuring that settlements directly benefit those affected by the crisis. County Executive Ken Jenkins praised Westchester’s proactive approach, emphasizing that settlement funds must be strategically used to support public health and recovery initiatives.

Read the full article here: Westfair Business Journal

Click here for a regional breakdown of NY’s settlement funds.

North Carolina

Guilford County Invests $4.57M in Lees Chapel Residential Treatment Center

Guilford County has approved a $4.57 million contract for the Lees Chapel Residential Treatment Center, a 54-bed facility providing long-term residential treatment and Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) for individuals facing substance use disorders and housing insecurity. Partially funded by opioid settlement dollars, renovations begin this month, with completion expected by late 2025.

County leaders emphasize that this investment aligns with Guilford’s broader strategy to expand harm reduction, crisis response, and recovery services using opioid settlement funds.

Upcoming Event: NC Summit on Reducing Overdose

March 26-27, 2025 | Wake County

The NC Summit on Reducing Overdose, hosted by the North Carolina Association of County Commissioners (NCACC), will bring together county leaders, public health officials, and community partners to discuss data-driven strategies for overdose prevention and response.

More information & registration: NCACC Event Page

Ohio

OneOhio Recovery Foundation Announces $45.4M in Grants at First 2025 Board Meeting

At its first board meeting of 2025, the OneOhio Recovery Foundation provided updates on its efforts to distribute opioid settlement funds effectively across the state. The foundation reported that it has:

• Awarded $45.4 million in grants to 245 projects statewide, supporting prevention, treatment, and recovery initiatives.
• Launched a regional grant cycle, ensuring local organizations can access funds tailored to their community’s needs.
• Reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, providing detailed reporting on fund allocations and impact assessments.

The foundation also highlighted key upcoming funding opportunities and reiterated its goal of long-term investment in evidence-based programs to combat the opioid epidemic in Ohio.

Next Public Board Meeting: March 12, 2025 | State Library of Ohio, Columbus

More details: OneOhio Recovery Foundation

Chillicoth City Council Meeting: February 10, 2025

The agenda stated that the council will do a second read on the allocation of $40,000 from One Ohio Opioid Settlement funds to the Hope Partnership project.

Watch the full meeting here.

Pennsylvania

Child Welfare Programs Receive Opioid Settlement Funding Amid Staffing Crisis

Pennsylvania counties are leveraging opioid settlement funds to support child welfare programs as they face staffing shortages and increasing risks for children affected by opioid-related issues. The state anticipates up to $1.8 billion in total settlement funds, including allocations from the Purdue Pharma and Sackler family settlements.

While many counties have successfully directed funds toward staff training, parental support, and overdose prevention efforts, a debate has emerged over whether these funds should be used to increase salaries for child welfare workers.

Cameron County’s proposal to use settlement funds for staff retention was rejected by the Pennsylvania Opioid Misuse and Addiction Abatement Trust, citing concerns over whether this aligns with opioid abatement guidelines. County officials are appealing the decision, with the board set to reconsider the issue on February 13.

Other counties using opioid funds for child welfare initiatives include:

• Somerset County – $500 for medication lockboxes.
• Tioga County – $18,000 for recovery services at a homeless shelter.
• Erie County – $30,500 for overdose prevention efforts in the Office of Children and Youth.
• Allegheny County – $200,000 for the Family Healing Center, which helps parents remain with their children during addiction recovery.

The discussion continues over how flexible opioid settlement dollars should be and whether they should only fund direct opioid abatement services or extend to broader public health and social services initiatives.

Bucks County Expands Treatment & Overdose Prevention with Opioid Funds

The Bucks County Commissioners unanimously approved the allocation of opioid settlement funds to expand treatment programs and overdose prevention initiatives:

• $16,000 – Expanding Rapid TOX toxicology screenings at the County Coroner’s Office for faster overdose death investigations.
• $2.2 million – Expanding the jail-based Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) program, providing Vivitrol and Subutex to incarcerated individuals with substance use disorders.

County officials emphasized that these funds are critical in reducing recidivism, preventing fatal overdoses, and ensuring individuals have access to evidence-based treatment.

South Carolina

Pickens County and Columbia Receive Opioid Settlement Funds to Expand Recovery Efforts

The South Carolina Opioid Recovery Fund (SCORF) has awarded opioid settlement dollars to Pickens County and the City of Columbia to support opioid response initiatives, including paramedic services, behavioral health support, and community safety programs.

Pickens County: Expanding Paramedic and Behavioral Health Services

The Pickens County Council unanimously approved opioid settlement funds to hire two community paramedics and a behavioral sciences consultant for the Pickens County Detention Center.

Key Investments:

• Community Paramedics: Will provide follow-up care for individuals struggling with opioid use disorder (OUD) after emergency responses.
• Behavioral Sciences Consultant: Will support incarcerated individuals with substance use disorders, helping them transition to treatment programs instead of cycling through the justice system.

County Administrator Ken Roper emphasized that these funds will reduce the burden on emergency services while providing long-term support to those in need. Councilman Chris Bowers praised the move, noting that Pickens County has been at the forefront of innovative opioid response strategies in South Carolina.

Find the meeting agenda here.

Columbia: Office of Neighborhood Safety Expands Opioid Recovery Initiatives

The City of Columbia‘s Office of Neighborhood Safety and Engagement has also received funding from SCORF to expand its community-based opioid response programs.

Initiatives Supported by Settlement Funds:

• Public education campaigns to increase awareness of opioid misuse prevention and treatment resources.
• Community-based intervention programs that focus on harm reduction, recovery support, and overdose prevention.
• Partnerships with local organizations to provide wraparound services for individuals struggling with addiction.

Columbia’s opioid response efforts aim to reduce overdose deaths, expand access to treatment, and strengthen community-led initiatives to combat the opioid crisis.

These statewide investments reflect South Carolina’s commitment to using opioid settlement funds effectively to improve public health and safety.

Watch the full news update here: YouTube Newscast

Virginia

New Job Opportunity: Local Government Opioid Settlement Liaison

The Virginia Opioid Abatement Authority (OAA) is hiring a Local Government Opioid Settlement Liaison to support county and municipal governments in effectively using opioid settlement funds. This position will play a critical role in helping localities develop, implement, and evaluate opioid remediation initiatives funded by Virginia’s opioid settlements.

Key Responsibilities Include:

• Assisting local governments in navigating opioid settlement funding guidelines.
• Supporting the development of evidence-based programs focused on prevention, treatment, recovery, and harm reduction.
• Ensuring transparency and compliance with settlement fund allocation and reporting requirements.
• Facilitating collaboration between local agencies, health departments, and community organizations.

The OAA is responsible for overseeing the distribution of opioid settlement funds across Virginia, ensuring they are used to address the opioid epidemic through long-term, sustainable solutions. This new liaison position will provide technical assistance and guidance to ensure local governments maximize the impact of these critical funds.

Interested in applying? Check out the job listing here: Local Government Opioid Settlement Liaison Job Posting

West Virginia

North Star Child Advocacy Center Expands with $720,000 Grant from Opioid Settlement Funds

The North Star Child Advocacy Center (NSCAC) in Parkersburg has been awarded a $720,000 Opportunity Grant from the West Virginia First Foundation (WVFF) to expand its facility and enhance prevention programming. The grant is part of West Virginia’s opioid settlement funds, aimed at addressing child welfare and substance use prevention.

Key Highlights of the Expansion:

• Facility Expansion: The funding will help purchase and renovate the center, a project totaling over $900,000.
• Increased Mental Health Support: A full-time therapist will be hired to provide trauma-informed counseling for children impacted by abuse and substance use.
• Enhanced Prevention Efforts: Two new school-based prevention instructors will be added to help educate youth on the risks of substance use and the impact of childhood trauma.
• Support for Law Enforcement Investigations: New office space will be created for law enforcement and child welfare investigators, ensuring collaborative intervention in cases involving child abuse and substance-exposed children.

North Star’s Executive Director, Greg Collins, emphasized the urgent need for early intervention, noting that 34% of the children served by NSCAC last year were drug-endangered, a rate significantly higher than the statewide average of 16% and national average of 4%. Research has shown that childhood trauma is a major risk factor for future substance use disorder, mental health struggles, and criminal justice involvement.

Board President Janelle Seevers and WVFF Executive Director Jonathan Board highlighted the essential role the center plays in breaking the cycle of addiction-related trauma. The West Virginia First Foundation, created to distribute opioid settlement funds, supports prevention, treatment, recovery, and harm reduction efforts statewide.

Dauphin County, Pennsylvania — application info. (DUE 2/28)

Orange County, North Carolina — application info. (DUE 2/21)

Weirton, West Virginia — application info. (“[f]unding decisions are made by the Weirton City Council”)

Harrison County, Kentucky

The Harrison County Fiscal Court has issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) for projects aimed at preventing and addressing the impact of the opioid epidemic. Funding is available for organizations focusing on opioid prevention, harm reduction, treatment, and recovery, including support for substance use disorder, polysubstance use, and co-occurring mental health issues.

• Application Period: February 1, 2025 – March 31, 2025
• Funding Period: July 1, 2025 – June 30, 2026

The number of awards and funding amounts will vary annually based on available settlement funds. Interested entities can obtain the full RFP package from the Bluegrass Area Development District or online at Harrison County Fiscal Court News.

Virginia STOP! Grant— application info. (DUE 4/1)

Montco 2024 Implementation Grant— application info. (Due 3/3)

Alabama

Oversight Commission on Settlement Funds

• TBD
• In-person in Montgomery, AL
• Can watch live on their website (choose ‘Room 200’ for location then ‘Oversight Commission on Alabama Opioid Settlement Funds’ for meeting)

You can also watch livestreams and recordings on The Alabama Channel (thanks to the League of Women Voters of Alabama Education Fund)

Georgia

Georgia Opioid Settlement Advisory Commission 

• TBD (late February or early March 2025)

Kentucky

Opioid Abatement Advisory Commission (info here)

• Business Meeting: March 11 2025, 1pm EST
• In-person located in Frankfort, KY and attendees can give public comment
• Can watch live and recordings on their YouTube channel
• Prevention/Reform/Compliance Subcommittee Meeting: February 20, 2025, 10am EST
• In-person located in Frankfort, KY
• Treatment & Recovery Subcommittee meeting: February 25, 2025, 10am EST
• In-person located in Frankfort, KY

Maryland

Opioid Restitution Fund Advisory Council (info here)

• TBD
• Meetings are all-virtual. Can watch live via Google Meet & there is usually an opportunity for public comment

New York

Opioid Settlement Fund Advisory Board (info here)

• February 27, 2025, 10am EST
• In-person located in Albany, and attendees can give public comment
• Can watch live and recordings on their website

Monthly ‘Community’ meeting: 4th Wednesday of the month at 12pm

• See this page under ‘Community Input’

Ohio

OneOhio Recovery Foundation Board (info here)

• Full Board Meeting: March 12, 2025, 10:30am EST
• In-person meetings are located in Columbus and are open to the public, but there is usually no opportunity for public comment
• Can watch live and recordings on their website
• Audit & Finance Committee: TBD
• Executive Committee: TBD
• Grant Oversight Committee: TBD
• Personnel Committee: TBD
• Investment Committee: TBD

Regional Information Sessions (see events calendar for most up-to-date info)

• TBD

10th Annual Opioid Symposium: February 27, 2025, 6pm-8pm EST

The “Stop Heroin from Killing” Committee will host it’s 10th annual Opioid Symposium. The free public event, titled “Addiction and Recovery,” aims to reduce stigma, share effective strategies, and provide resources for recovery.

Find more information about the event here.

Pennsylvania

Opioid Misuse and Addiction Abatement Trust (meeting info here)

• Board of Trustees Meeting: TBD
• In-person located in Harrisburg
• All are virtual and can be watched live via Zoom and recordings on YouTube 

South Carolina

Opioid Recovery Fund

• SCORF Board Meeting: March 5, 2025, 10:00am EST (info here)
• Coffee Chat: May 2, 2025, 9:30am EST virtual
• This is held the first Friday of the month and is an opportunity to ask questions and hear announcements about opioid settlement funds
• The SCORF Board will open to public comment during Coffee Chat on May 2, August 1, and November 7. Advanced registration is required to comment. (info here).

Tennessee

Opioid Abatement Council

• Meeting: March 3, 2025 12pm EST (info here)
• Next in-person located in Chattanooga, TN. Meetings are also available to watch via Teams – All attendees can give public comment
• Recordings and meeting minutes are available on their website

Virginia

Opioid Abatement Authority (meeting info here)

• Grants Committee: February 21, 2025, 4:00pm EST (info here)
• Finance Committee: TBD
• Board Meeting: TBD

West Virginia

West Virginia First Foundation, Inc. (meeting info here)

• Board of Directors meeting: March 2025 TBD
• Meetings are held on the first Thursday of the month

Want your event or upcoming meeting published in the AOR newsletter? Email us at AOR@communityeducationgroup.org