Opioid review board gets ball rolling on settlement discussions
By Cameron Montemayor
Officials and experts with law enforcement, education and health gathered for the first official meeting to discuss long-awaited opioid settlement fund requests from local organizations working to combat the opioid crisis.
Representatives on the Opioid Settlement Review Board met for nearly two hours at the St. Joseph Health Department on Monday to review concerns and the feasibility of 10 applications that were submitted for the first round of annual funding.
“We kinda like to say we’re building the boat while we’re in the water but that’s why we have some really great subject matter experts,” said Kendra Bundy, St. Joseph assistant health director and review board coordinator.
Notable agencies and organizations seeking funds include Buchanan County EMS, Community Missions, the Samaritan Center, St. Joseph Youth Alliance, the St. Joseph Metro Treatment Center, Mission House Covenant Community and St. Joseph Museums.
Board members made traction on all of the financial requests as discussions were centered on prioritizing the most needed organizational services and enhancements that could be realized in 2024.
Health department officials will follow up with some of the organizations in the coming days to get a better idea of what funding structures could be drawn up to best accommodate their request. While the settlement totals more than $2 million, just $157,000 will be available each year to ensure a consistent funding source is available for the life of the settlement agreement.
Funds must be used for one of 13 different objectives outlined in a memorandum of understanding between the city and county, such as filling gaps between city and county opioid prevention services, addressing unmet substance use prevention needs and supporting sustainable resources for the prevention of substance use disorders
An additional emergency opioid settlement fund can also be tapped into at any point in the year, giving the board flexibility to use funds for 2024 plus the emergency fund to create a funding structure that works best with an agency’s operation. It also gives organizations and agencies with an emerging need the chance to seek funding outside of the fixed application window in February and March.
The board will gather for a second meeting Friday morning as they look to move closer on allocating opioid settlement funds. Local organizations and individuals will know by March 18 if their application has been accepted.
