Good afternoon!

Though Delaware is not part of Appalachia, a recent investigation by Spotlight Delaware brings attention to issues relevant to entities managing opioid settlement funds nationwide. The investigation revealed significant concerns about the rushed review process by Delaware’s Prescription Opioid Settlement Distribution Commission, which had only a few days to evaluate hundreds of pages of grant applications. Some commission members voiced that they didn’t have sufficient time to thoroughly vet the proposals, which could affect how effectively millions of dollars in settlement funds are allocated. The investigation also pointed out discrepancies between the large-scale proposals submitted and the smaller, less detailed contracts awarded, as well as gaps in reporting on how these funds are being utilized.

We’ve observed similar challenges in our Appalachian states. As we continue to monitor the distribution of these funds across the region, Delaware’s experience shows the urgent need for diligent review processes and greater accountability.

Ohio

The OneOhio Recovery Foundation announced $1.7 million in seven new Regional Grant awards from six different OneOhio Regions. 

• Region 2 – Addiction Services Council – AIM TEAM (Afterhours Individualized Mobile-Engagement Team) – Treatment and Healthcare Services – $523,688
• Region 5 – Portage Path Community Mental Health Center – MOMS (Maternal Opioid Mental Health Support) Clinic – Treatment and Healthcare Services – $144,456.92
• Region 9 – Paint Valley Alcohol, Drug Addiction and Mental Health Services Board – Prevention in Rural Ohio Using Positive Alternatives and Education to Increase Protective Factors – Prevention – $750,776.40
• Region 15 – Shelby County Sheriff’s Office – Shelby County Sheriff’s Treatment and Recovery (S.T.A.R.) House – Recovery Supports – $74,800
• Region 16 – YWCA Van Wert – Wrap-Around Supports for Survivors with Substance Use Disorder – Recovery Supports – $72,000
• Region 17 – Seneca County Common Pleas Court – PIVOT (Participating in Victory of Transition) Program of Seneca County – Criminal Legal System – $157,665
• Region 17 – The Ohio State University Extension, Community Development Education – Reducing Substance Use Through Prevention – Prevention – $49,290

West Virginia

Harrison County commissioners approved over $814,000 in settlement funds for 11 organizations during a special work session, nearly depleting the county’s initial $910,000 allotment.

• Highland Hospital – approximately $90,000 for equine therapy services provided by Stars and Strides and the purchase of a 12 passenger van
• NCWV Homeless Coalition – $19,000 for security deposit assistance
• Health Access- $65,000 to provide dental services
• Clarksburg Baptist Church – $15,200 to fund Celebrate Recovery
• Horizons Church – $15,000 to fund Celebrate Recovery
• Stars and Strides – $152,000 to fund the salary of a therapist and equine specialist for two years
• Harrison County Sheriff’s – $200,000 to fund the salary of a DARE officer for two years
• Healthy Harrison – $63,500 to fund recovery success stories
• Change Initiative – $105,820 to fund expenses at the Phoenix Recovery House.
• Public Defender Corp. – $60,000 to fund the salary of a peer recovery person for one year.
• The Clarksburg Mission – $28,097 to fund salaries of staff employed by the Resurrection Program.

News reports that the Monongalia County School System has announced its application for up to $689,000 in funding from the WV First Foundation’s Initial Opportunity Grant. Before submission, the application was approved by the Monongalia County Board of Education (BOE) following communications with Foundation board member Jonathan Board. The requested funds would be allocated to Health and Opioid Prevention Education (HOPE) staffing and programming. This includes hiring an additional high school teacher and counselor, educational materials, and transportation services beyond regular school hours. The grant application was submitted on the recommendation of Board, who previously served as the foundation’s executive director when discussions began.

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)

Kentucky

Opioid Abatement Advisory Commission (meeting info here)

• Business Meeting: November 12, time TBD
• 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: TBD
• In-person located in Frankfort, KY
• Treatment & Recovery Subcommittee meeting: TBD
• In-person located in Frankfort, KY

Maryland

Opioid Restitution Fund Advisory Council (meeting 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 (meeting info here)

• October 28, 10:00am – 3:00pm 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 (meeting info here)

• Full Board Meeting: October 29, 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: October 21, 2:00pm EST
• Executive Committee: October 23, 9:00am EST (or immediately following board meeting)
• Grant Oversight Committee: October 23, 3:00pm EST
• Expert Panel: October 24, 2:00pm EST
• Investment Committee: TBD

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

• TBD

Pennsylvania

Opioid Misuse and Addiction Abatement Trust (meeting info here)

• Board of Trustees Meeting: November 21, 10:30am – 2:00pm EST
• 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: TBD (info here)
• Coffee Chat: November 1 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

Tennessee

Opioid Abatement Council

• Emergency Meeting: October 28, 7:00-8:00pm EST, virtual (info here)
• Meeting: December 13, 1:00pm EST (info here)
• In-person located in Franklin, TN. (Location rotates around the state.) 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: December 6, 3:00-5:00pm EST
• Finance Committee: TBD
• Board Meeting: TBD

West Virginia

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

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