Region 3 Opioid Abatement Council opens settlement funds applications
Published on September 20, 2023
The State of Colorado Attorney General’s Office, Weld County, and each municipal government in Weld County is part of a landmark national settlement with manufacturers of prescription opioids and major pharmaceutical distributors. The Weld County Department of Public Health and Environment (WCDPHE) is the Weld County Region 3 Opioid Abatement Council’s fiscal agent and has initiated a formal request for proposals (RFP). The council consists of fourteen members, ranging from elected officials, law enforcement, public health, human services, and legal. Local organizations may now apply for project funding through the council. The council is seeking proposals for programs focused on recovery, treatment, prevention, and education efforts.
Fifty-three residents across Weld County died in 2022 from a drug overdose involving opioids both Illicit and prescription - that equals more than one death every week. Statewide, close to 6,000 deaths due to opioid overdoses were reported in the past 10 years.
“The Regional Council is committed to addressing the opioid crisis through meaningful initiatives that will make a difference in the lives of our community members and creating a countywide system of care,” said Eric Aakko WCDPHE Division Director and Opioid Abatement Council chair. “These funds represent a significant opportunity to combat the opioid epidemic at the local level, and we encourage all eligible organizations to apply.”
Interested organizations are invited to submit their project applications by Wednesday, Oct. 11, 2023. Applicants should provide a brief description of the program or effort they are applying for funds to support, the total funding amount requested, starting at $30,000, and explain how the project will address the opioid crisis in Weld County within the categories of recovery, treatment, prevention, and education. Funding will become available starting Jan. 1, 2024, and will continue through the end of the year. Applicants awarded with funding will be required to sign a Collaboration Agreement with the Region 3 Opioid Abatement Council.
To access the application, please visit www.weld.gov/Government/Departments/Health-and-Environment/Health-Education-Communication-and-Planning/Regional-Opioid-Council. If you have questions or need more information, please contact Erin Olson at eolson@weld.gov.