Allegheny County is on the move to deploy a windfall of funds from national opioid settlements, and they're reaching out to the grassroots for insights on how best to allocate the money. The county is orchestrating a series of public forums and digital engagements to let people pitch in on where to funnel these millions. Erin Dalton, Allegheny County Department of Human Services director, emphasized the significance, saying, "We have a unique opportunity to curb the devastating toll the opioid epidemic is taking in Allegheny County. We want to hear what our communities need, especially those most impacted by this crisis," as reported by Allegheny County.
With Pennsylvania poised to receive a $1 billion slice from the opioid settlements hashed out in 2021 and 2022, Allegheny County is looking at bankrolling up to $90 million through 2038. They've already gotten $14.5 million, promptly channeling it into treatment and prevention programs. Another $7.5 million is expected to drop this December. New support could sprout for not just prevention but also harm reduction, treatment, recovery, and bolstering education and research in the battle against an epidemic that's been synonymous with soaring overdose deaths, swellings in health costs, and widespread economic and social turmoil.
The public's voice will play a pivotal role in stewarding these funds. To usher in this collaborative spirit, three in-person public listening sessions are scheduled for October, alongside a virtual town hall on October 23, helmed by County Executive Sara Innamorato.
If you want to share your opinion, there are many ways to get involved. You can join live discussions or provide feedback online at engage.alleghenycounty.us.
For more information on the 2024 Opioid Settlement Report or how Pennsylvania will use the settlement funds, visit analytics.alleghenycounty.us and www.paopioidtrust.org. Residents can also access important overdose prevention services at www.harmreductionallegheny.org, where they can find free naloxone and harm reduction training funded by the initial settlement.
