State and local governments have received more than in opioid settlement funds to date, and everyone’s lining up to have their say in how it’s spent. Health Brief is a coproduction of The Washington Post and KFF Health News. Of course, that means there’s also plenty of controversy.
The latest development comes this morning, as a coalition of recovery and harm reduction organizations across dozens of states issued a — shared first with KFF Health News — saying the windfall must be spent on public health approaches and “not a single dollar” on law enforcement. “We’re demanding it be spent in ways that actually solve problems and don’t continue to increase deaths or perpetuate the war on drugs,” said , founder of the , one of the groups that led the effort. Many law enforcement agencies and elected officials disagree, saying officers are on the front lines of the opioid crisis and deserve these dollars.
Opinions are fierce, given the money’s potential to shape addiction treatment and prevention efforts for years. Annual payouts are expected through 2038. Meanwhile, continue dying of drug overdoses.
Every state is handling its funds in its own way, and the federal government, which was not a party to most of the settlements, has . The document released by advocates today — which they’re calling a “roadmap” to guide officials in charge of the funds — builds on that have been . It lists priorities such as increasing access to medications to treat opioid-use disorder and overdose prevention centers, where people can use drugs under supervision, as well as housing services, legal aid and recovery-to-work programs.
The advocates point to a to in Mecklenburg County, N.C., for housing supports as a good example.
Topping the list is . Further down are , unproven and services that are . The advocates call out Jackson County, W.
Va., for giving about . But not everyone agrees.
Some people see harm reduction as enabling drug use. They say law enforcement is a key player in addressing the crisis — especially in rural communities that lack hospitals or treatment facilities. “Sheriffs are at the forefront of the effects of the opioid crisis, including with response and recovery,” , executive director and CEO of the , said in a statement.
An in prison have a substance use disorder, and over the past decade, sheriffs have “led the way” in providing medical treatment behind bars, Thompson said. With each group standing firmly behind its perspective, the debate over how to use settlement funds is set to continue for years. Follow our .
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