Budget Work Session (Opioid Settlement Funds Toolkit, 10/1/2024)

Here is a 3-4 paragraph executive summary of the document with sections:

Executive Summary

The purpose of this toolkit is to provide a roadmap for local governments to plan for and use opioid settlement funds. The toolkit begins by providing an overview of the opioid settlements, including information on the state and local agreement, estimated funds per county, future funds and tribal settlements. It then describes the scope of the overdose crisis, providing state-level data and where to access local data.

The toolkit outlines key principles for spending the opioid settlement funds, including spending the money to save lives, using evidence to guide spending, investing in youth prevention, focusing on racial equity, and developing a fair and transparent process. It then provides a framework for the recommended steps local governments can take, including stakeholder engagement, gathering information, determining the process moving forward, and monitoring and accountability.

Strategies for spending the funds are also discussed, highlighting guidance from the State of Michigan, the settlement agreement, and Johns Hopkins University. The toolkit emphasizes the importance of collaboration, an equity lens, and inclusion of those with lived experience with substance use disorder and people who use drugs throughout the process. Local governments are encouraged to request technical assistance through the Michigan Association of Counties to support their planning and implementation efforts.

https://opioidprinciples.jhsph.edu/the-principles/
https://cdn1.sph.harvard.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/2464/2020/12/Opioid-Whitepaper-Final-12-2020.pdf