Kalamazoo County Announces Opening of Applications for Opioid Settlement Fund Task Force
From Kalamazoo County- Kalamazoo County is now accepting applications for the newly formed Opioid Settlement Fund Task Force through Jan. 27. Established as an ad-hoc committee of the Board of Commissioners via a resolution, the task force will play a pivotal role in addressing the opioid epidemic in the community and ensuring the funds received from national lawsuits are strategically allocated for maximum impact.
The Opioid Settlement Fund Task Force aims to include six community members, with representation from:
- a mental health provider;
- a prevention provider;
- a treatment center provider;
- a community organization; and
- two individuals identifying as being in active recovery or addiction, or as family members with a loved one in active recovery or addiction.
“Over the next 16 years, the County is set to receive approximately $14 million from 8 national lawsuits,” said Lyndi Smith, Deputy County Administrator for External Services. “The Board of Commissioners believes that the input and expertise of community members are vital in ensuring the funds are strategically used to bring impactful solutions to our County.”
In addition to the task force, the County also recently released the results from the Opioid Community Needs Assessment, which provides more valuable insights into the specific needs and challenges faced by Kalamazoo County in addressing the opioid crisis.
Members of the task force will be charged with 11 essential questions, providing the Board of Commissioners with effective strategies to consider, and organizing comprehensive responses to the opioid epidemic. Interested community members are encouraged to read the resolution before applying.
Interviews will not be conducted for community membership placements; selections will be based solely on the submitted applications.
