Focus Area: Fire Department and Police Department
Staff Contact: Jeff DeGraffenreid and Mike Butaud
Subject: Consider support for use of Opioid Litigation Settlement Funds received from the Kansas Municipalities Fights Addiction Fund for a 3-year pilot program for the prevention, reduction, treatment, and mitigation of substance abuse and addiction effects.
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title:
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Authorization for use of Opioid Litigation Settlement Funds.
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Summary:
The State of Kansas and its cities and counties participated in lawsuits against opioid distributors. The nationwide settlement totaled more than $26 billion. State of Kansas settlement expected to total $340 million over 18 years.
City Council authorized establishment of the Opioid Litigation Settlement Fund in October 2022 to receive settlement distributions from the KS Attorney General’s office. Anticipated Olathe settlement is $2.4 million over 18 years (through 2040). The current balance of opioid settlement funds is $ 841,565.
A committee consisting of staff from all focus areas reviewed proposals for use of settlement funds. One collaborative proposal led by the Fire and Police Departments is being presented to Council for consideration. The 3-year pilot program described in the attached report:
• Meets the eligibility criteria set by the Kansas Fights Addiction Fund;
• Builds upon the success of two City outreach programs already in place; and
• Directly supports the Olathe 2040 Strategic Plan’s vision of a Healthy and Safe
Community by improving access to care and community resources.
Collaborative Olathe Response & Education (CORE) will become the overarching framework for the outreach work of the three Olathe programs - MIH, ACT and the new Olathe Guidance, Prevention and Support (Olathe GPS) team. The new team will increase capacity specifically related to substance abuse prevention and treatment.
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Financial Impact:
No impact to City’s general fund budget. The program funding will come from the Opioid Litigation Settlement Fund.
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Action Needed:
Council will consider approval of this pilot program at the next Council meeting. Opioid Settlement funds received from the Kansas Municipalities Fights Addiction Fund to be used for the prevention, reduction, treatment, and mitigation of the effects of substance abuse and addiction.
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Attachment(s):
Report on Opioid Funds 100124