Happy Wednesday!

New CDC data shows that nationwide overdose death rates are declining for the first time in years. Although an optimistic prospect, this trend has not manifested similarly across the United States. States like Utah and Nevada indicated an increase in overdose deaths in the past year, cautioning premature complacency pertinent to overdose death trends. Relevant to overdose reduction efforts, we also want to call attention to the Save a Life Day (SALD) event that is happening TOMORROW (9/26). CEG is proud to be one of many sponsors for this community-driven public health initiative. This year is the 4th anniversary of the event and is scheduled to be the largest commemoration yet—please join us to receive and assist in the distribution of free naloxone with fellow community advocates! Nationally, SALD events are happening in over 30+ states and now 600+ locations; you can locate more specific information about an event near you using the map linked, below. If you have any questions, please reach out to the local state/county contact here.

Kentucky

Oldham County donated $20,000 of its opioid settlement funds to support the nonprofit Operation Parent at a youth drug prevention event. Operation Parent focuses on educating K-12 families about prevention on “real world issues.” Topics include substance use, technology, and mental health issues. Attorney General Russell Coleman emphasized the importance of educating children and parents to combat the opioid epidemic, and recently secured $3.6 million in settlement funds for statewide youth prevention campaigns. 

Maryland

The City of Baltimore is pursuing an $11 billion lawsuit against drug distributors McKesson and Cencora (formerly known as AmerisourceBergen), accusing them of contributing to the opioid crisis by ignoring signs that opioids were being diverted into illegal channels. The city, which recorded 904 opioid overdose deaths in 2022, opted out of national opioid settlements, aiming for a larger payout through this legal action. McKesson and Cencora deny responsibility, with Cencora stating it only distributed opioids as prescribed and reported suspicious orders to authorities.

Pennsylvania

The City of Philadelphia decided to allocate $7.5 million from opioid settlement funds to improve the quality of life in the Kensington neighborhood, a critical center of the opioid crisis. However, a Pennsylvania oversight board, which restricts public input during its meetings, considered rejecting this allocation. The board’s decision could set a significant precedent for future spending of settlement funds across the state. *Needs more info/ clarity.

The availability of more than $26 million in funding has been made available by The Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs (DDAP) to expand drop-in center services for individuals with substance use disorders (SUD) across Pennsylvania. DDAP will award approximately 14 grants of up to $1,875,000 each. Some examples of services provided by drop-in centers include but are not limited to:

•    Harm-reduction services to prevent overdoses and incorporating them into existing clinical services;
•    Addressing social determinants of health through the provision of daily essentials such as food, clothing, showers, and hygiene supplies;
•    Access to care and case management systems;
•    Access to free healthcare including wound care, Hepatitis C/HIV testing, reproductive healthcare, and dental care;
•    Referrals to SUD level of care assessments, treatment, including Medication for Opioid Use Disorder (MOUD), behavior health resources, case management services, benefits services, and legal services;
•    Survival resources such as shelter and warmth or cooling;
•    Public restrooms and laundry facilities;
•    Mail services;
•    Professionally facilitated support groups which offer education, emotional and social support, practical help, and more; and
•    Advocacy and other supportive services are required to navigate complex issues impacting special populations.

Washington County is disbursing $888,806 from the Pennsylvania Opioid Misuse and Addiction Abatement Trust to over a dozen organizations in the first round of payments related to the nationwide opioid settlement. This funding, which will be available for allocation annually for 18 years, includes $250,000 for Serenity Farms to support a sober living house, $125,000 for the Washington County Correctional Facility’s medical assistance treatment program, and nearly $122,000 for Harmony Life Center to hire a center manager. The county is also planning to release a second application for proposals from eligible entities requesting funds from the 2024 allotment.

Tennessee

Tennessee’s Opioid Abatement Council (OAC) has announced its second round of funding, offering $20 million in community grants for opioid remediation activities. The funds, drawn from opioid lawsuit settlements, are allocated through a competitive grant process for programs focusing on prevention, harm reduction, treatment, recovery, education, and research. Following the earlier distribution of over $78 million in community grants and $62 million to county governments, the new funding aims to support innovative grassroots initiatives addressing the opioid crisis, with applications accepted from November 12 to December 13, 2024.

West Virginia

Tyler County approved $85,000 in opioid settlement funds for New Beginnings Recovery Center to address transportation needs for citizens seeking treatment. The funds will be used to purchase a handicapped-accessible bus for $35,000, cover the first-year salary for a driver at $32,000, insurance at $10,000, and maintenance costs at $8,000. Wetzel County and the Tyler County Commission have also contributed to New Beginnings’ transportation efforts.

The West Virginia First Foundation held a virtual meeting to discuss the responsibilities of its statewide expert panel as they prepare to review applications for the $19.2 million Initial Opportunity Grant program, which will distribute $800,000 to six regions. The expert panel, consisting of professionals in substance abuse treatment, mental health, law enforcement, and healthcare, will advise on how to use opioid settlement funds in local communities. Applications for the grant are due by October 5, 2024, with awards to be announced by December 31, 2024.

The Wood County Commission approved hiring a new prosecutor dedicated to handling drug cases, with the position funded primarily through opioid settlement money for three years. Wood County Prosecutor Pat Lefebure highlighted the increase in felony drug cases, particularly involving fentanyl and meth, and the connection between drug abuse and other crimes like burglary and child abuse. Lefebure is seeking an experienced attorney for the role, with a proposed salary of $100,000 plus benefits, and hopes to secure additional funding from the city and grants to offset costs.

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: TBD
• Executive Committee: September 25, 9:00am EST
• Grant Oversight Committee: September 25, 3:00pm EST
• Expert Panel: October 3, 2:00pm EST
• Investment Committee: September 25, 10:00am EST

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: October 4, 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

• Meeting: September 30 (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: October 10, 2:00pm EST
• Meetings are held the first Thursday of the month