Oregon addiction treatment programs set to receive another $13 million

PORTLAND, Ore. ( KOIN ) — Addiction treatment programs throughout Oregon are set to receive more than $13 million in additional funds from settled opioid lawsuits.

The Opioid Settlement Prevention, Treatment and Recovery Board approved the amount on July 10, per recommendations from the Alcohol and Drug Policy Commission. And on Tuesday, the Oregon Health Authority announced it would administer the funds to 10 different parts of the state.

“Since July 2021, the State of Oregon has reached agreement on national lawsuits against several companies for their role in the opioid crisis,” OHA said. “Through these agreements, nearly $600 million will be awarded to Oregon over the course of 18 years. Settlement funds from opioid manufacturers, distributors and pharmacies are divided between the State of Oregon (45%) and local jurisdictions (55%).”

The agency reported that up to $3.9 million will go toward two mobile or non-mobile medication units in Clackamas County, with a focus on Oregon City and rural areas within the county. The funding will also benefit a substance use disorder treatment program or medication unit in a portion of Multnomah County “with the highest unmet need.”

The remainder, about $9.1 million, will support two treatment programs or medication units in Northeast Oregon and two in “underserved” areas along the coast. Service providers in Klamath County, eastern Lane County and in the mid-Gorge region will receive funds as well.

Oregon Health and Science University will additionally see up to $250,000. The university is tasked with providing technical assistance to jails and encouraging collaboration between the facilities and service providers.

OHA will meet with the Alcohol and Drug Policy Commission’s proposed programs before distributing any funds. The agency is required to present a potential timeline and implementation plan to the Settlement Board by Sept. 1.

OHA reported that any organizations or programs must be certified by the health officials to be eligible for the funds.

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