Counties Form National Network of Opioid Settlement Decision Makers

WASHINGTON — The National Association of Counties (NACo), in partnership with Vital Strategies, today announced the creation of its Opioid Solutions Leadership Network, a national cohort of 30 county leaders pursuing effective implementation of opioid settlement funds. The network is designed to equip county decision-makers with tools to pursue innovative, evidence-based solutions while navigating the complex landscape around the settlements, with specific terms and conditions varying from state to state. 

“The Opioid Solutions Leadership Network will focus on the importance of county leadership in effectively investing settlement funds to save lives and address the needs of people with substance use disorders,” said NACo President Denise Winfrey. “This new network will foster coordination and knowledge sharing nationwide as we begin to deploy these critical resources.”  

In 2021, over 100,000 people died of a drug overdose in the United States – the highest annual overdose death rate to date. Counties are on the front line of the opioid crisis, providing services that make it possible to survive and recover from substance use disorder. New funding from opioid litigation presents the opportunity for counties to sustain and strengthen ongoing opioid response efforts, which include everything from primary prevention to harm reduction services for people who use drugs. 

“The arrival of settlement funds means that county leaders now have an opportunity to make smart and sound investments that save lives from drug overdose by implementing new strategies grounded in evidence and rooted in a health based approach,” said Dr. Daliah Heller, Vice President for Drug Use Initiatives at Vital Strategies. “We cannot afford to waste the opportunity presented by these funds: we’re pleased to support county leaders coming together as a network to share models, strategies, and support for strengthening their communities.”  

Based on NACo’s signature peer learning model, group members will explore opioid abatement strategies across the substance use continuum of care (prevention, treatment, recovery and harm reduction) and support one another in customizing and implementing strategies in their home jurisdictions.  

The network will equip county leaders with: 

• An increased understanding of opioid abatement across the continuum of care 
• The ability to replicate, tailor and scale abatement strategies 
• Expanded capacity to engage community partners and stakeholders, and 
• New or enhanced relationships with county leaders nationwide to exchange ideas and offer peer support. 

Click here to see the network members and learn more about NACo’s Opioid Solutions Center, which is supported in part by Arnold Ventures and The Pew Charitable Trusts.