A Call to Action Reignites Debate Over Opioid Settlements
State and local governments have received more than $7.5 billion in opioid settlement funds to date, and everyones lining up to have their say in how its spent.
Of course, that means theres also plenty of controversy. The latest development comes this morning, as a coalition of 192 recovery and harm reduction organizations across dozens of states issued a shared first with 窪蹋勛圖厙 News saying the windfall must be spent on public health approaches and not a single dollar on law enforcement.
Were demanding it be spent in ways that actually solve problems and dont continue to increase deaths or perpetuate the war on drugs, said Elizabeth Burke Beaty, founder of the , one of the groups that led the effort.
Many law enforcement agencies and elected officials disagree, saying officers are on the front lines of the opioid crisis and deserve these dollars.
Opinions are fierce, given the moneys potential to shape addiction treatment and prevention efforts for years. Annual payouts are expected through 2038. Meanwhile, continue dying of drug overdoses.
Every state is handling its funds in its own way, and the federal government, which was not a party to most of the settlements, has .
The document released by advocates today which theyre calling a roadmap to guide officials in charge of the funds builds on that have been .
It lists priorities such as increasing access to medications to treat opioid-use disorder and overdose prevention centers, where people can use drugs under supervision, as well as housing services, legal aid and recovery-to-work programs. The advocates point to a to Queen City Harm Reduction in Mecklenburg County, N.C., for housing supports as a good example.
The document also identifies six ways in which advocates do not want money to be spent. Topping the list is . Further down are , unproven and services that are . The advocates call out Jackson County, W.Va., for giving about $290,000 .
But not everyone agrees. Some people see harm reduction as enabling drug use. They say law enforcement is a key player in addressing the crisis especially in rural communities that lack hospitals or treatment facilities.
Sheriffs are at the forefront of the effects of the opioid crisis, including with response and recovery, , executive director and CEO of the National Sheriffs Association, said in a statement.
An in prison have a substance use disorder, and over the past decade, sheriffs have led the way in providing medical treatment behind bars, Thompson said.
With each group standing firmly behind its perspective, the debate over how to use settlement funds is set to continue for years.
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