Community Access
Can I provide input on spending?
50% state share: Yes (not required). Though the state is not required to seek public input on uses of this share, the Utah Opioid Task Force’s Opioid Settlement Advisory Committee is conducting an ongoing survey “to understand the community’s perspective on how to best address the [overdose] crisis.”[1]
50% local share: Up to each locality (not required). Local governments are not required to seek public input on uses of their shares. However, each may choose to seek such input. Watch for opportunities to weigh in on city and county spending decisions, such as city council meetings and town halls. Contact information for Utah’s cities and towns is available here.[2]
Can I apply for grants?
It depends. As of September 1, 2024, the state has not established any grant opportunities for the 50% state share. Local governments may create grant programs to distribute funds from the 50% local share. 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 Grant Portal (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 Utah Opioid Task Force’s Opioid Settlement Priorities website, which links to the Utah Opioid Settlement Spending Blueprint. You can also review the Utah Office of Substance Use and Mental Health’s Opioid Litigation website, which contains information on legislative sessions and approved funding and links to its Annual Opioid Litigation Funding Report.
For updates on the local share, visit the Utah Association of Counties’ Opioid Settlement Resources page.[3] For other updates on the local share, check the websites for your county commission or local health department.
What else should I know?
Not applicable.
Citations
Survey accessed September 1, 2024. ↑
“The state of Utah and its counties agreed to a 50/50 split of Utah’s settlement funds between the state and participating counties. Each county is responsible for planning and tracking their funds, please seek more information on their plans through the county commissioners for any county. Opioid Litigation (“Local Authorities”). Utah Department of Health & Human Services website. Accessed September 1, 2024. ↑
“UAC does not have any official authority over the opioid settlement or how counties use their money. UAC does not receive any portion of the opioid settlement. Money is not passed through UAC to the counties but instead comes directly from the National Settlement Fund Administrator BrownGreer.” County Opioid Settlement Funds FAQs. Utah Association of Counties. December 2023. Accessed September 1, 2024. ↑
Last updated
