Dear Friends,

While we usually focus on opioid settlement updates, today we turn our attention to the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. Many communities in Appalachia are grappling with unimaginable loss—homes, livelihoods, and, for some, loved ones. The challenges are immense, but so is the spirit of resilience that defines our region.

Local organizations are pouring their hearts into providing relief and support, and they need our help. The UNC Street Drug Analysis Lab has put together a guide featuring trusted organizations making an immediate impact, with verified donation links to ensure your contributions reach those in need. We encourage you to explore this guide and join us in helping our communities rebuild, recover, and heal.

Georgia

Coweta County has applied for $1,377,640 in settlement funds over two years. The requested funds would be allocated to several initiatives at the Coweta County Jail, including expanding contracts with a psychiatrist and licensed clinical social worker, hiring a case manager to support ongoing treatment post-release, and funds would be used for employment supplies and transportation vouchers post-release. The plan also includes contracting for a cognitive behavioral therapy group and training jail staff on opioid use disorder (OUD) and naloxone administration. Additionally, the Coweta Cares Community Paramedicine program would hire a case manager to connect residents with OUD to treatment services and provide transportation vouchers.

North Carolina

Pasquotank County’s early settlement recommendations including hiring an opioid response coordinator within the county EMS and funding medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD). Other proposed strategies include naloxone distribution, peer support services, and treatment for people who are incarcerated. News reports that the committee has decided against funding syringe service programs and requires support from the sheriff’s office and judges to fund criminal legal diversion initiatives.

Ohio

Summit County officials are considering using $45 million of settlment funds to create the Summit Health and Safety Innovation Fund, an endowment aimed at supporting long-term health and safety initiatives. The fund would be managed as a supporting organization of the Akron Community Foundation, with its own board of directors. The goal is to provide ongoing financial support for innovative health projects and prevention programs, addressing future public health challenges. Some council members expressed concerns about overhead costs and ensuring that funded programs are based on best practices. The proposal will be revisited in an upcoming council meeting.

Pennsylvania

Allegheny County is holding public listening sessions to share information about the settlement funds and gather community input. A session will take place on October 8 at 5:30 p.m. at the University of Pittsburgh Community Engagement Center in the Hill District, followed by another on October 15 at 6 p.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church on the North Side. There will also be a virtual public meeting on October 23 at 6 p.m., with registration available here.

Luzerne County must allocate $1.56 million in opioid settlement funds by the end of this year, with proposals from external entities being considered. Funds have been previously been directed toward programs such as MOUD in prisons, recovery specialist services, and school prevention education. County officials are considering expanding drug court and prevention education for younger children.

South Carolina

The Berkeley County Council approved approximately $1.2 million in settlment funding to local organization as follows: as follows: Berkeley County Solicitor’s Office: $24,025, Changed Lives Ministry: $74,990, Favor Lowcountry: $86,647.95, Wake Up Carolina: $144,073, Ernest E. Kennedy Center: $151,570, Fair Haven Home for Men: $174,447, Berkeley County Coroner’s Office: $175,000, Remnant House Outreach Ministry: $220,000.

West Virginia

The Mercer County Board of Health recently discussed the allocation of $142,463 from the county’s opioid settlement funds to cover six months’ salary for medical personnel at the Mercer County Health Center clinic. This funding, awarded by the County Commission, will help support local health services. Board members, including Chair Dr. Daniel Wells, expressed gratitude for the financial boost, while Vice Chair Gene Buckner acknowledged the significance of the contribution in aiding the health department’s efforts to combat the opioid crisis and other health challenges.

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)

• October 21, 3:00pm – 4:00pm EST
• 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 8, 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 9, 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 9, 12:30pm EST (or immediately following board meeting)
• Grant Oversight Committee: October 9, 9:30am EST
• Expert Panel: October 17, 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, 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

• Meeting: TBD (info here) – 9/30 MEETING WAS CANCELLED
• 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: October 10, 2:00pm EST
• Meetings are held the first Thursday of the month