Opioid Settlement RFP opportunities focused on Harm Reduction and Expansion of Warm Hand-Off and Recovery Services have now closed. The Opioid Settlement Steering Committee is moving forward with the evaluation process and funding recommendations for these opportunities.
The remaining two initial funding opportunities, focused on Opioid Use Disorder Prevention Programs and Staffing and Infrastructure, are anticipated to be released in early 2027.
Beginning in 2014, lawsuits were issued against pharmacies and pharmaceutical drug companies for their role in fueling the opioid crisis. Local and state governments incurred significant costs due to the crisis. In 2021, a nationwide settlement of approximately $26 billion was agreed upon to resolve all opioid litigation with companies deemed as contributors to the opioid crisis across the country.
As a result of the settlement, Michigan and local governments will receive payments from these entities. Oakland County is currently estimated to receive approximately $35 million over the next two decades.
Overall, the focus is on creating a comprehensive approach that not only addresses immediate challenges, but also addresses underlying factors that contribute to the crisis.
Opioid Settlement Spending Principles are:
Under settlement guidance, funds can be used to combat challenges of the opioid crisis by supporting prevention initiatives, harm reduction efforts, increased access to treatment, and expanded recovery services.
The steering committee brings together key stakeholders to collaboratively assess the community's needs related to overdose in Oakland County. Its primary purpose is to develop a strategic plan for the equitable distribution of opioid settlement funds, ensuring that resources effectively address local challenges. In addition, the steering committee stays informed on recommendations to reduce future opioid deaths by Oakland County's Overdose Fatality Review team.
In September 2023, Oakland County conducted 8 listening sessions held at community locations across the county. Harm reduction clients were interviewed, and an electronic survey was shared with community partners. Participants were asked to rank evidence-based strategies to address the opioid crisis.
Top five strategies:
Existing community resources across the categories of prevention, harm reduction, treatment, and recovery were identified and mapped from listening sessions. This helped identify where gaps exist, and underutilized resources.
