With opioid settlements from pharmaceutical companies now totaling billions of dollars, the question is how the money is being spent. Currently, states and local governments are using the funds without direct oversight. Given the extent of the national overdose crisis and ongoing fentanyl abuse, are the funds having any impact? Federal lawmakers in Congress are asking such a question. Hence, it is likely that federal oversight of the opioid settlements is on the near horizon.

As a nonprofit healthcare organization that provides substance use disorder services, Tarzana Treatment Centers (TTC) believes that funds from the opioid settlements could help to stem the crisis. TTC also knows California lawmakers combat the drug crisis on multiple fronts. Nevertheless, regardless of past efforts, updates in Washington make federal oversight a coming reality.

Opioid Settlements and Addressing the Drug Overdose Crisis

At the start of 2024, new bipartisan legislation was introduced by Rep. Marcy Kaptur (D-Ohio) and Rep. Ashley Hinson (R-Iowa). Hence, the new legislation hopes to write approved uses for the funds into law. Moreover, the goal of the legislators is to reach people most in need. The authors of the bill believe that stopping the national overdose epidemic is a top national priority.

Indeed, Representative Kapur explains in an interview, “Settlement funds must be allocated to include treatment and social support services that help prevent further opioid misuse and substance abuse. Opioid settlement funds must be used to help fight the ongoing epidemic.”

From a background perspective, the funds are from the coffers of more than a dozen companies. In addition, these companies have agreed to pay more than $50 billion over 18 years in legal settlements. The goal of these payments is to resolve their roles in the opioid epidemic. Many of the companies downplayed the risks of prescription opioids early. Such downplaying leads to the first wave of the crisis.

Are the Opioid Settlements Going to People in Need?

Most importantly, the opioid settlements specify states must spend at least 85% of the funds to address the epidemic. Indeed, there is a list of more than 100 suggested investments. As a treatment and prevention services provider in our communities, TTC sees the value of these proactive investments. First, prevention services help to address the problem before it becomes a problem. With prevention techniques, raising awareness directly combats fentanyl abuse, preventing subsequent overdoses.

Second, affordable drug treatment services are lacking nationwide. Too many people seeking help are unable to access help. Providing services for both adults and youth, TTC focuses on the affordable delivery of services while saving lives. Overall, once a person starts using drugs, the danger is too great today to ignore. In today’s world, casual experimentation often leads to tragic loss.

Therefore, we ask you not to wait until it is too late. Given the overdose crisis, families can no longer take any chances. The threat is everpresent. If the opioid settlements lead to greater access to treatment services, this is a step in the right direction. Indeed, people are dying in all parts of the country from drug overdoses. If you or a loved one needs help, please get in touch with us today.