The Tennessee Opioid Abatement Council is injecting another $20 million into the fight against the opioid crisis, aimed at community-led remediation efforts. With funds secured from successful litigation against opioid industry players, this financial boost is intended for organizations dedicated to confronting the opioid scourge on various fronts, from prevention to education.
As revealed by Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services, the current offering builds on an already deployed $78 million. Originally sourced from lawsuits against opioid manufacturers, distributors, and pharmacies, these proceeds have been divided, empowering both state and local initiatives with essential funding. Ready for deployment, the latest $20 million serve as a catalyst for furthering community-supported programs, set to be delivered through a competitive grant application process.
Application guidance is clear, outlining necessities for eligibility which include a slew of proactive approaches towards managing opioid use disorder. According to Tennessee Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti, "The additional $20 million for Community Grants means more support for Tennessee families and communities struggling with the opioid epidemic." Moreover, the Attorney General's office has championed accountability, ensuring that funds from the litigation are funneling directly into tangible community assistance.
Chairman of the Opioid Abatement Council, Dr. Steve Loyd, underscores this commitment, "Our actions are proving yet again that Tennessee is a leader in efficiently and effectively applying these funds to save lives and do the most good." Echoing this sentiment, Executive Director Mary Shelton calls upon grassroots organizations and local agencies to propose innovative solutions, intent on leveraging the additional $20 million funding to extend their reach in the community. Having already distributed $62 million to county governments in the past two years, the Council is no stranger to mobilizing resources for maximal community impact.
Interested parties can step forward with proposals from November 12 through December 13, 2024, engaging with the Opioid Abatement Council through an online application portal. This platform, a collaboration with the Department of Finance and Administration’s Strategic Technology Solutions, promises to streamline the application, evaluation, and outcome tracking for all parties involved. The move is a transparent effort to ensure that the funds are reaching those most affected by the crisis and facilitate grassroots-driven approaches to opioid remediation.
