Region 3 Opioid Abatement Council opens applications for projects
Published on June 13, 2024
On behalf of the Weld County Region 3 Opioid Abatement Council the Weld County Department of Public Health and Environment (WCDPHE) has submitted a formal request for proposals (RFP) for local organizations to apply for funding for opioid abatement projects focused on recovery, treatment, prevention, and education efforts.
The Weld County Region 3 Opioid Abatement Council, comprised of 14 members including elected officials, law enforcement, public health, human services, and legal representatives are tasked with determining how to spend the $8.8 million in funds the national settlement with manufacturers of prescription opioids and major pharmaceutical distributors allocated to Weld County over the next 16 years. WCDPHE acts as the fiscal agent for the council and will accept the proposals on the council’s behalf starting June 12.
The number of fatal opioid overdoses in Weld County nearly doubled between 2020 and 2021 but decreased in 2022 following statewide trends. Statewide, nearly 7,000 deaths due to opioid overdoses were reported between 2013 and 2022.
“The regional council is committed to addressing the opioid crisis through innovative strategies to combat opioid use, improve treatment options and outcomes, and support activities or proposals that have the potential to impact opioid use in Weld County,” said Bob McDonald, 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 Friday, June 28, 2024. Funding will become available Jan. 1, 2025, and will continue through the end of the year. Applicants awarded with funding will be required to sign a collaboration agreement with the Weld County Region 3 Opioid Abatement Council.
To access the application, please visit weld.gov/Government/Departments/Health-and-Environment/Health-Education-Communication-and-Planning/Regional-Opioid-Council/2025-Request-for-Proposals For more information, please contact Kelley McCandless at kmccandless@weld.gov.