Jul 12, 2023
As opioid litigation reaches settlements and judgments, funds are becoming available in the states. In some cases, the settlement amounts are substantial giving treatment providers opportunity for funding.
NAATP has been monitoring the progression of these cases. Over the past few years, we have urged members to become aware and involved in how their states will spend these funds. As we learned from the tobacco settlement cases years ago, unless parameters are given, state legislatures will use the money to fill gaps in other budget areas. The tobacco money was to be used for smoking abatement and other related purposes, yet it built roads, bridges, and jails.
Given that many of these payments will be spread over 15 to 20 years, it is not too late to learn what’s happening in your state and get involved. To learn about your state, you may visit this site which is updated regularly on a state-by-state basis.
If you would like to learn more about the process and additional suggestions regarding your participation you may listen to a seminar that was produced by one of the coalitions to which NAATP belongs here:
Opioid Settlement Abatement Summit – Model Guidance for States, Counties, Municipalities and Tribes
If your state uses these funds for their intended purpose, it could provide substantial additional resources to the substance use disorder field. If you have questions, feel free to reach out to Mark Dunn, NAATP Director of Public Policy at mdunn@naatp.org or Nikki Soda, Director of State Advocacy at nsoda@naatp.org.
