Opioid settlement review board approves new emergency funding request
By Cameron Montemayor
Members of the Opioid Settlement Review Board convened for a virtual meeting to mull a new emergency funding request from a local organization seeking support.
Friday’s meeting saw board members unanimously approve a $1,225 funding application from Ryan Hildebrand and Mission House Covenant Community, a nonprofit religious organization helping men who largely struggle with substance abuse and mental health get shelter, food and other basic necessities.
The funding request was the first since the board wrapped up the first round of opioid settlement allocations for the city and county in March totaling $156,000. An additional 10% of annual funds — approximately $15,700 — was also set aside to help fund small scope initiatives occurring within a six-month period of time and/or “mini grants” for one-time projects.
“This emergent needs funding being set aside is really an excellent opportunity so when those things do come up — and hopefully they are kind of spur of the moment or opportunities that people can seize and jump on — that that can have a positive effect on our communities,” said Kendra Bundy, board member and assistant director with the St. Joseph Health Department.
Funding for the local nonprofit will help support those living in new duplexes and housing units with new furniture like beds, nightstands and dressers.
In order to maximize the impact of settlement funding, the city and county’s funding agreement prioritizes three key areas for uses: treatment, education and prevention of opioids and substance abuse. Mission House’s emergent funding request falls under the category of treatment.
Between 2016 and 2023, 170 people in the county died of an overdose; 111 of those involved an opioid, according to the Buchanan County Medical Examiner’s Office.
A massive $26 billion settlement was announced in 2021 with four drug companies: McKesson, AmerisourceBergen, Cardinal Health and Johnson & Johnson, to resolve thousands of lawsuits for claims they helped fuel the opioid crisis.
Close to 150 cities and counties in Missouri, including St. Joseph and Buchanan County, were included the settlement. Of the $458 million that went to the state, more than $2 million was distributed to St. Joseph and Buchanan County. Approximately $156,000 will be available for funding requests each year, $104,000 for the city and $52,000 for the county.
“Funds not utilized in a fiscal year or within an award period will just continue to roll forward and it’ll just stay within the same parameters, treatment, prevention and education,” Bundy said.
Board members like Buchanan County Drug Strike Force Capt. Shawn Collie, Mosaic’s Pat Dillon and Stephanie Malita with the health department also discussed identifying new strategies for educating the public about the dangers of substance abuse and opportunities to request funding, an area they’ve seen a noticeable drop-off in lately.
“As we get closer to the holidays maybe look at trying to do an emergent needs request to try to do something related to substance abuse and issues within our society,” Collie said.
Groups previously selected to receive funds in 2024:
Buchanan County EMS: $13,500
St. Joseph Metro Treatment Center: $5,000
Mission House Covenant Community: $1,150 (plus $1,225 for new emergency request)
The Samaritan Counseling Center: $41,450
St. Joseph Youth Alliance: $10,000
St. Joseph Museums: $3,000
Buchanan County Sheriff’s Office: $7,450
Community Missions: $45,000
Groups looking to inquire about opioid settlement funds or make a request can visit the city of St. Joseph website for more information.
