The opioid crisis continues to be a black cloud hanging over our nation’s head. ☁️ Thankfully, there’s a ton of settlement money being pumped back into society from the bad guys to *hopefully* help turn things around. 🌟
PA Spotlight recently reported on how the funding is being spent across the Keystone State and we have the recap right here. 👇
Here’s Five Fast Facts on how counties are spending opioid settlement dollars:
- 💸 ICYMI - Last year, we reported on a historic settlement against opioid companies that’s expected to bring PA more than $1 billion. All 67 counties in PA joined a national $26 billion opioid agreement with pharma giant Johnson & Johnson and three major pharmaceutical distributors. Now, the counties have to decide how to spend their share.
- 💊 Mandatory Meds - Officials in Cumberland and Perry counties say their spending decisions are largely driven by legal issues. Recent lawsuits in county jails may make providing opioid use disorder medications to inmates mandatory. Cumberland county reported a $586,000 spend for treatment programs. Perry county spent $105,000, which is significantly less, but it’s a more rural area.
- 🚨 Ground Zero - Down in Philly, a whopping $7.5 million went to support residents in the Kensington section of the city. Kensington is infamous around the world for being an open-air drug market for opioids, and it’s been a major problem for quite some time. Funds are being used to improve local schools and parks, support rent relief, and provide eviction protection.
- 🚫 Just Say No - Lancaster County is considering spending $275,000 per year on its drug task force, which aims to prevent drug dealers from setting up shop in their communities. In Butler County, police requested to spend roughly $100,000 on a device that can quickly identify drugs.
- 💭 Still Thinkin’ - Some counties received significant funding, but haven’t decided what to do with it. Rural Greene County received $288,000, but has yet to commit to or spend on any specific programs.
🔥Bottom line: We’d usually throw more jokes in, but opioid addiction is no laughing matter. If you or a loved one is suffering with addiction, there’s help available. SAMHSA has a National Helpline that’s free, confidential, and open round the clock for treatment referrals and assistance for individuals and families - 1-800-662-HELP (4357).
Has your local area been impacted by the opioid crisis?
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