Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti of Tennessee gave his nod of approval to the state’s strategic war against the opioid crisis. In a significant financial boost, the Tennessee Opioid Abatement Council (OAC) has dealt out $80.9 million in community grants. This initial splurge is just part of a larger pot, with the state anticipated to pocket over a billion dollars in settlements. The funds hail from Tennessee’s legal crusades against opioid moguls, as detailed in an announcement Friday.
The grants are earmarked for a variety of programs, sweeping across treatment, support, and prevention. According to the Attorney General's office statement, Skrmetti expressed pride over securing the hefty funding through years of litigation against opioid manufacturers and distributors, casting them as the financiers of the state's efforts to grapple with addiction. “When all is said and done, we will have delivered over a billion dollars in settlement funds,” he stated.
The OAC, taking the helm in deciding where to channel the funds, whittled down 396 proposals to approve 116. These grant-approved programs come from 85 distinct organizations, with 30 projects broad enough to span the entire state, and nearly $5.7 million assigned for capital projects.
Breaking down the spoils, the largest chunk of money is flowing into treatment initiatives, tallying up to over $32 million, followed by recovery support and primary prevention. As outlined by the OAC, education and training, harm reduction, and research and evaluation received dedicated funds as well, ensuring a fortified front on all necessary battlegrounds to combat the opioid scourge. Programs funded through the grants will have a lasting impact, supporting work in response to opioid addiction throughout Tennessee for up to three years.
