Opioid Settlement FAQ’s

Island County is set to receive approximately $1.5 million in settlement funds from companies accused of playing a role in perpetuating the opioid epidemic.  This sum is to be paid out over the course of 17 years, totaling approximately $86k per year.   Some counties and cities have already spent their initial installment of funds and have plans for how the remaining funds will be used.  Other counties, including Island County, are carefully deliberating how to derive the greatest benefit from the funds, to assist the greatest number of individuals for a sustained period of time.  In the meantime, the funds will be collected and set aside until a plan for use of the opioid mitigation funds is thoughtfully developed.



Opioid IC


Below are some frequently asked questions about the management of the opioid mitigation funds:

  

Q: Which agency is leading the allocation and distribution of settlement funds to address the opioid epidemic?

A: The Health Care Authority is steward of the State Opioid and Overdose Response Plan (SOORP), with support from other state agencies. Because of this, the Health Care Authority was named the lead agency for processes related to use and distribution of the funds

 Q: How much will Island County receive from the settlements?

 A:   Island County                     0.6820422610%                                 $1,466,000  (approx. $86k per year)

         Oak Harbor                         0.2511550431%                                 $537,500

 *This will be paid out over a 17-year period. Greg Banks, quoted in Whidbey News Times December 20, 2022

 Q:  How can the settlement funds be spent?

 A:    Approved strategies include:

    • Improving and expanding treatment for opioid use disorder;
    • Supporting individuals in treatment and recovery, including providing comprehensive wrap-around services to individuals with opioid use disorder, including housing, transportation, education, job placement, job training or childcare;
    • Addressing the needs of pregnant women and their families, including those with babies with neonatal disorder;
    • Preventing opioid misuse, overprescribing and overdoses through, among other strategies, school-based and youth-focused programs, public education campaigns, increased availability and distribution of naloxone and other drugs that treat overdoses, additional training and enhancements to the prescription drug monitoring program; and
    • Supporting first responders.