Community Access
Can I provide input on spending?
50% state share: Depends on future programming (not required). Though the Oversight Commission on Alabama Opioid Settlement Funds has held public hearings in the past, the state government has not established recurring opportunities for the public to provide input on uses of its 50% share.[1]
Public hearings. The Oversight Commission on Alabama Opioid Settlement Funds held four public hearings in late 2023 and early 2024 to hear presentations from organizations making recommendations on the use of funds and/or directly seeking funds from the 50% state share.[2] Since the submission of its statewide plan for the investment and use of settlement funds, it is unclear if this Commission will continue to hold hearings or otherwise seek community input.[3]
“Community engagement.” The Alabama Opioid Overdose and Addiction Council is generally responsible for studying the state’s opioid overdose crisis and identifying strategies to reduce death and other harms, including through the submission of annual reports to the governor.[4] These reports, which refer to a standing Community Engagement Committee,[5] mentions the Council’s “deep community engagement” but do not describe public input opportunities.[6]
50% local share: Up to each locality (not required). Local governments are not required to seek public input on spending their share of settlement funds. However, each may choose to seek such input. See, e.g., Walker County’s Opioid Settlement Fund survey, which is “intended to provide input to public officials for the opioid settlement fund.”[7] Watch for other opportunities to weigh in on city and county spending decisions, such as city council meetings and town halls.
Can I apply for grants?
Yes. State agencies have established their own grant programs,[8] but there is no settlement-specific grant portal. Local governments also may create grant programs to distribute their share of funds.[9] The existence, parameters, and processes for local settlement grant programs will vary by locality, so stay alert for new opportunities. Visit the Opioid Settlement Community Grants Portals (OpioidSettlementTracker.com and Legal Action Center) for the most up-to-date information on settlement grant opportunities for community organizations.
Where do I go for updates?
For updates on the state share, visit the Alabama Opioid Overdose and Addiction Council’s website.
To find updates on the local share, a good starting point is to check the websites for your county commission, city council, or local health department.
You can also check for updates on Community Education Group’s Appalachian Opioid Remediation (AOR) Database, which tracks information about the 13 states of Appalachia.
What else should I know?
The authorizing resolution for the Oversight Commission on Alabama Opioid Settlement Funds requires the Commission to provide a notice of all meetings, a copy of its findings, and any other documents produced by the Commission to the Secretary of State.[10] The Alabama Secretary of State is required by state law to post these materials and other key information on its website; as of September 1, 2024, it has yet to do so.[11] Keep an eye out for this required information.
Citations
If you see this change, email tips@opioidsettlementtracker.com. There is no legal requirement for decision-makers to seek public input on uses of this share. ↑
For example, during a public hearing held by the Commission in February 2024, presentations were given by the University of Alabama Health Systems, Maximizing Mental Health, the Alabama Council for Behavioral Research, and New Season. See Alexander Willis. Commission hears requests for treatment, transportation, funding in opioid settlement hearing. Alabama Daily News. February 13, 2024. Accessed September 9, 2024. ↑
2023 AL House Joint Resolution 204 created the Oversight Commission on Alabama Opioid Settlement Funds and provided that “the commission shall continue in existence until all opioid settlement funds have been appropriated and expended.” ↑
Alabama Exec. Or. No. 708, Sec. 3 ("Implementation and annual reports. The Council shall continually monitor and evaluate implementation of the State's strategic action plan and provide periodic plan updates and recommendations to the Governor as necessary. An annual report shall be submitted to the Governor in December of each year to provide a detailed evaluation of the Council's activities and of initiatives undertaken to combat Alabama's opioid-use epidemic"). ↑
2023 Annual Report. Alabama Opioid Overdose and Addiction Council. December 31, 2023. (“The goal of the [Community Engagement and Outreach Committee] is to increase outreach capacity of the Opioid Overdose and Addiction Council to educate and train individuals, communities, and organizations by providing culturally competent messaging to address the needs of diverse populations and mitigate behavioral risks that may be associated with opioid use/misuse”). ↑
2023 Annual Report. Alabama Opioid Overdose and Addiction Council. December 31, 2023. (“With a diverse council membership, deep community engagement, and key leaders’ commitment, the process has provided an impressive foundation for the development of this year’s report”); 2022 Annual Report. Alabama Opioid Overdose and Addiction Council. December 31, 2022. ↑
Input – Walker County Opioid Settlement Fund. Walker County (Microsoft forms website). Accessed September 9, 2024. ↑
For example, the Alabama Department of Mental Health awarded $8.5 million in competitive grants from settlement funds in early 2024, including to organizations such as AIDS Action Coalition of Huntsville. ↑
For example, in September 2024, the city of Montgomery announced a settlement-funded RFP that invites grant applications from non-profit organizations, including harm reduction providers. See Montgomery takes a significant step in addressing the opioid crisis. City of Montgomery, Alabama press release. September 4, 2024. Accessed September 9, 2024; City of Montgomery Comprehensive Opioid Settlement Request for Proposals (RFP 2024-10), “Eligibility.” September 1, 2024. ↑
2023 AL House Joint Resolution 204, Sec. (f). ↑
Ala. Code Secs. 36-14-17.1(b)(1)(a)-(e). This is a requirement that applies to any temporary task force, not just the Commission. ↑
Last updated
