A substantial amount of funding is available to help public safety personnel combat the national opioid epidemic. The national settlement amounting to $26 billion will be distributed through local and state leadership. While this will not be the only opioid settlement funding available for public safety personnel, it offers a tremendous opportunity to help first responders contest the epidemic in their communities.
The settlement funding is now available and additional information on state-specific guidelines can be accessed here on the State Agreements & Legislation section of the National Opioid Settlement -website. This guidance also addresses how law enforcement and first responders can utilize the funds.
According to Lexipol, the $26 billion in private funding settlement has been approved for the following:
- Medication-assisted treatment
- Mental health treatment and capacity building
- Screening, intervention, and referral services
- Training and support to emergency services professionals
- Community education, outreach and prevention activities (special efforts are given to youth, criminal justice-involved populations and pregnant women)
- Naloxone and opioid-reversal interventions
- Revisions to prescribing practices
The private settlement funding will be allocated differently within states; therefore, it is important to reach out to your state Attorney General’s office to advocate for your department and understand how the funding will be distributed in your state. For more information on the national opioid settlement funding, please visit EMS1’s website here.
In some states, there may be grant opportunities that stem from this funding. Our experts at PCG welcome the opportunity to assist departments in the grant application process or in locating additional funding resources. To meet with one of our experts, use the button below to schedule a free 15-minute consultation.
