## Ohio's Opioid Settlement Funds: A Path Toward Recovery

Ohio, one of the states most severely impacted by the opioid epidemic, is set to receive nearly $2 billion over the next 18 years from pharmaceutical companies as part of a series of settlements. This massive influx of funds is aimed at addressing the widespread harm caused by opioids, which have claimed thousands of lives and strained the state's healthcare, criminal justice, and social services systems.

### The Scope of the Crisis

The opioid epidemic, which began in the 1990s with the over-prescription of pain medication, has had devastating consequences. In recent years, Ohio has seen over 3,600 deaths annually due to opioid overdoses, making it one of the hardest-hit states in the country.

### Settlement Funds Distribution

The $2 billion settlement is distributed through the OneOhio agreement, a unique plan that allocates the funds into three main pools. Thirty percent of the funds go to over 2,000 townships, villages, cities, and counties to address immediate local needs. Fifteen percent is allocated to the state to leverage statewide buying power for prevention, treatment, and recovery services. The remaining 55% is managed by the OneOhio Recovery Foundation, a nonprofit organization overseeing the long-term use of these funds.

### Local Initiatives

Local communities are already utilizing these funds in various ways. For instance, Ashtabula County is using the money to enhance its crime enforcement agency and purchase a new breath test machine for its police department. Montgomery County is renovating its jail to add more medical beds, while the city of Medina is allocating funds to a program that provides transportation to recovery services. Knox County is using the funds to cover the costs of children taken into custody during the epidemic.

### Cuyahoga and Summit Counties: Pioneers in Settlements

Cuyahoga and Summit counties were the first in Ohio to sue opioid makers and distributors, securing over $325 million in settlements. These funds are being used for initiatives such as treatment, rehabilitation, and mental health services. For example, a $215 million settlement with distributors like Cardinal Health, McKesson, and AmerisourceBergen is supporting local efforts to combat the opioid epidemic.

### Challenges and Transparency

Despite the positive steps, there have been challenges. The OneOhio Recovery Foundation has faced controversy over transparency, with Harm Reduction Ohio suing the foundation for lack