Settlement money for combating the opioid epidemic is being distributed to various towns and cities across the U.S., with concerns about the potential misuse of funds due to the lack of capacity of local governments to allocate them effectively. Opioids have led to numerous deaths in the U.S., resulting in several lawsuits against drugmakers, wholesalers, and pharmacies. Settlement money to address the opioid addiction and overdose epidemic is being distributed, but advocates worry that some funds may not be used effectively. As state and local governments determine how to use the money, advocates are concerned that local governments may not have the ability to allocate funds to projects that effectively address the crisis.
Drugmakers, wholesalers, and pharmacies have been involved in over 100 settlements of opioid-related lawsuits with various governments, with the deals possibly totaling more than $50 billion over nearly two decades. Some settlements require better monitoring of prescriptions and public disclosure of company documents. Advocates are wary of repeating mistakes made in the past with tobacco settlement money and hope that steps will be taken to ensure that opioid settlement funds are used appropriately. With settlements rolling out over the span of several years, there is time for towns to use the money effectively, with resources available to help.
The goal is to ensure that those with opioid addiction receive treatment, reduce the likelihood of overdoses, and create an environment that prevents people from taking opioids. Some families of overdose victims have turned their personal tragedies into advocacy efforts, such as launching nonprofits dedicated to providing access to treatment and recovery programs. Communities receiving settlement money are exploring different ways to address the crisis, ranging from distributing overdose antidotes to running camps for children affected by addiction.
In New Jersey, local governments are required to submit reports on the funding they receive, and efforts are being made to ensure the money is spent appropriately. However, some communities have not spent their allocated funds, and there is a lack of public input and strategic planning in the decision-making process for fund allocation. Some communities have put police departments in charge of distributing funds for outreach events and other programs, but advocates emphasize the importance of community needs assessments in ensuring effective use of funds.
Some organizations are finding the process of applying for and receiving opioid settlement money frustrating, as the funds may not be readily available for critical services. In some communities, control over the funds lies with local groups focused on addiction prevention and treatment, while in others, the money is pooled to support projects that address various aspects of the opioid crisis, such as hiring recovery specialists and expanding recovery housing centers. Different approaches are being taken across the country to ensure that opioid settlement funds are used to effectively combat the crisis.
Overall, efforts are being made to ensure that opioid settlement money is used effectively to combat the addiction and overdose epidemic. Strategies range from distributing overdose antidotes to funding recovery programs and awareness events. Advocates emphasize the need for community needs assessments, strategic planning, and public input in the decision-making process to ensure that funds are allocated to projects that have a significant impact on the crisis. By collaborating and pooling resources, communities can work together to address the opioid epidemic and provide support to those affected by addiction.
