Money from the settlement of opioid-related lawsuits is pouring into Massachusetts. The state has set spending priorities and is awarding grants. But most municipalities haven't spent any of the more than $51 million delivered since payments began in July of 2022.
Money from the settlements of opioid-related lawsuits continued to pour into Massachusetts in 2023. While the state is spending its share on programs aimed at reducing substance use and fatal overdoses, the majority of cities and towns have not spent any of their funding.
Cambridge banked $1.9 million in settlement funds. A community survey about how to use the money is still open, although a spokesman for the city said officials have decided to buy an outreach van. “The amount and duration of the funding requires a deliberative and strategic process as we all seek to build on the extensive work and programs already underway to respond to the opioid epidemic,” she said in a statement.
“Going forward we can receive these funds directly into the opioid settlement fund account,” said Lindsay Hackett, Springfield’s deputy chief administrative and financial officer. “So we can track exactly what’s going in and coming out.” Dr. Kiame Mahaniah, Massachusetts undersecretary for health, said many municipalities aren’t aware the money is coming in or that it must be used to address the opioid overdose crisis.
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