MONROE COUNTY -- Monroe County has funding for proposals that will fight the local opioid epidemic.
In September, 2023, the county announced it would receive $5.5 million over 18 years as part of the national opioid settlement. The county seeks proposals each year.
Previous Coverage: Monroe County to receive $5.5 million from opioid settlement
Funding is available for local organizations and groups that have programs and plans that address four areas: opioid prevention, harm reduction, treatment and recovery. Funds can be used to develop, implement, enhance or expand current or new programs.
"The number of awards will be dependent on the demonstration of need from the applications submitted. Funding will vary annually, based on identified needs from the Opioid Task Force, providers, law enforcement and other data available," according to the task force.
Applications are due Jan. 23, 2025.
"The documents are currently not available online, but people can contact me via email if they are interested in receiving them," said Jason Berry, Monroe County Community planning and engagement director.
Berry's email address is jason_berry@monroemi.org.
Berry said a steering committee, made up of volunteers, will review the applications and make a recommendation to the county at the end of the month.
"The 2025 Opioid Settlement Fund Steering Committee is currently full, so we are not looking for any volunteers at this time," Berry said.
In the last couple years, the steering committee awarded funding to a number of local programs and organizations, including Monroe County first responders, who provide safety kits and supplies for 81 police vehicles. Another funds recipient was Oaks Village, which provides wraparound recovery services in the Orchard East neighborhood.
Recently, Monroe County, with assistance from Michigan State University, completed the Monroe County 2024 Opioid Community Assessment. Among the assessment's purposes were to identify local needs and to inform funding to meet these needs.
Data was collected from 380 local people with living experience with opioid use and their loved ones as well as local professionals. Another 45 people were part of focus groups.
Previous Coverage: Focus group meetings next step in Monroe County Opioid Community Assessment
According to Berry, the executive summary said, "The assessment highlighted peer support, substance abuse treatments and housing services as assets for the community. The positive and caring culture of the community in Monroe County was noted as a strength. The collaboration of organizations providing substance use and mental health services was also mentioned as a benefit to the community. There were gaps and barriers observed in the community assessment, primarily associated with awareness or accessing resources. The County of Monroe's plan for addressing opioid misuse and abuse continues to evolve to meet the needs of the community and search for ways to fill gaps and address barriers in getting help directly to the individuals afflicted."
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Monroe County's opioid settle funding comes from a national settlement with large pharmacies and other organizations.
"In 2021, a $26 billion nationwide settlement was reached to resolve all opioids litigation brought by states and local political subdivisions against the three largest pharmaceutical distributors. The state of Michigan is slated to receive approximately $1.6 billion over 18 years. Approximately fifty percent of the settlement amount will be sent directly to county and local governments," according to documents from Monroe County.
In 2022, additional settlements with pharmacies and manufacturers were announced
"These four settlements are expected to bring in around $450 million to Michigan. Additional settlements have also taken place, which are anticipated to result in $138 million and $41 million to Michigan," said the local documents. "The national agreement also requires significant industry changes that will help prevent this type of crisis from ever happening again."
To learn more about local efforts, visit https://www.co.monroe.mi.us/854/Monroe-County-Opioid-Settlement-Informat.
-- Contact reporter Suzanne Nolan Wisler at swisler@monroenews.com.