Community Access

Can I provide input on spending?

• 85% state share: Depends on future programming (not required). The Governor’s Advisory Council on Opioid Remediation (GACOR) did solicit public input on its proposed recommendations in 2022.[1] However, GACOR not established recurring opportunities for the public to provide input on uses of its 85% share.[2]

• 15% local share: Generally, yes. Though local governments are not required to seek public input as to opioid settlement spending specifically, municipalities generally must accept public comments during their public meetings.[3] Take advantage of this requirement by showing up to meetings of your city council or board of county commissioners and offering comments on local settlement spending.

Can I apply for grants?

Yes. The Alaska Department of Health, Division of Public Health (DPH) established a Statewide Opioid Settlement Grants program. Local governments may create grant programs to distribute their share of funds. 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?

• A single resource containing state share updates could not be found.

• To find updates on the local share, a good starting point is to check the websites for your borough assembly, city council, or local health department. See also individual localities’ websites, e.g., Anchorage Health Department: ​​​​Anchorage Community Opioid Response Network.

What else should I know?

Not applicable.

Citations

1. See Recommendations for the Use of Janssen/Johnson & Johnson (J&J) and Distributors National Opioid Settlement Funds, Appendix C. Alaska Governor’s Advisory Council on Opioid Remediation. November 1, 2022. See also Lisa Phu. “Public can weigh in on how Alaska should use millions of opioid settlement money.” Alaska Beacon. September 26, 2022. Accessed September 1, 2024. Alaska Admin. Or. No. 324 (Oct. 1, 2021), which created GACOR in 2021, requires that GACOR submit an annual report that includes “recommendations for a process, or improvements to the process, or receiving public input from communities.” However, as of September 1, 2024, GACOR has not submitted an annual report for 2023. In its 2022 submission, GACOR made six (6) recommendations on how public input can be incorporated into the planning process for opioid settlement funds, including “[a]ccepting ongoing feedback via an online portal or designated contact” and “providing a virtual means to attend [GACOR’s] meetings and accepting feedback during the meetings through public testimony.” See Recommendations for the Use of Janssen/Johnson & Johnson (J&J) and Distributors National Opioid Settlement Funds, page 8. Alaska Governor’s Advisory Council on Opioid Remediation. November 1, 2022. ↑

2. If you see this change, email [e-mail]. There is no legal requirement for decision-makers to seek public input on uses of this share. GACOR has at one point maintained a list of “individuals and organizations interested in its work and recommendations” and sent “[t]hose on the list … a copy of all correspondence and invitations to council meetings.” However, the email address provided to sign onto the list is now defunct. See the public notice announcing GACOR’s 2022 proposed recommendations. ↑

3. Alaska Stat. Sec. 29.20.020(a) (“The governing body shall provide reasonable opportunity for the public to be heard at regular and special meetings”). ↑