Providing help amid the opioid epidemic
Members of the Douglas County Region 12 Opioid Council with members of the health and human services community at a recent meeting at the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office Highlands Ranch substation.
In 2022 and in response to the national opioid crisis, many states began to receive opioid settlement funds paid for by the large companies involved in manufacturing, distributing and selling of opioids like codeine, morphine and oxycodone.
The Colorado Opioid Abatement Council (COAC), created by the Department of Law in the Office of the Colorado Attorney General, established an agreement with local Colorado governments to provide oversight of the funds and to ensure the distribution of those funds complies with the terms of any settlement and the Colorado Opioid Settlement Memorandum of Understanding.
The COAC works with the 19 regional councils to distribute the funds, used for substance use disorder treatment, recovery, harm reduction, law enforcement and prevention/education programs. The COAC consists of seven members appointed by the state and six members appointed by local governments.
Douglas County’s Region 12 Opioid Council, made up of 12 leaders in the community, has received more than $1 million, to date. The funds have been distributed to the Douglas County School District, the Douglas County Community Response Team and mental health and drug and alcohol rehabilitation organizations, to name a few.
“We are dedicated to utilizing every dollar available to save lives,” said Council co-chair, Commissioner Abe Laydon. “This is not merely a financial commitment; it is a moral obligation. Our abatement council is investing in programs that provide support, encourage recovery, and foster hope for those struggling with addiction. Together, we can create a safety net for our community, ensuring that no one faces this battle alone.”
To learn more about the COAC, visit coag.gov/opioids. For Douglas County questions, email mcooper@douglas.co.us or visit douglas.co.us and search “opioid.”
Information provided by the Office of the Colorado Attorney General and Douglas County; photo courtesy of Douglas County
