A new survey from the Michigan Association of Counties found that 35% of counties already have a plan in place on how they plan to spend an incoming influx of cash from national opioid legal settlements.
1.6 billion dollars will be distributed in Michigan during the 18-year settlement period, which ends in 2040. Nearly 40% of respondents said they in the process of having developing a spending plan. The survey’s data is from 64 of Michigan’s 83 counties, or 77%.
Amy Dolinky is with the Michigan Association of Counties and led the work on the survey. She said she's encouraged by those numbers and hopes they increase in the coming years.
The larger goal of the study is “really ensuring that the funds are reaching those most profoundly impacted and are being used to address the crisis as a whole,” Dolinky added.
About 50% of the counties that responded have not spent their funds yet. Of the other half, the number one thing the funds have been spent on is the criminal justice system. Specifically, treatment of opioid use disorder in jails.
Other plans for funds include drug-use prevention programs and medication-assisted treatment, among others.
Dolinky said she hopes as the survey is conducted annually, they will see increased numbers showing counties using the funds to engage with people who suffer from substance abuse disorders.
Michiganders can use the MAC’s online dashboard to see how much money their county will receive over the settlement period.
