Washington County's Opioid Settlement Funding


Washington County is committed to an opioid settlement funding approach that:

  • Embraces a philosophy of harm reduction.
  • Takes action on racial and health equity.
  • Focuses on the needs of Washington County communities.
  • Is grounded in evidence.

Background Information About Opioids

  1. What are Opioids?

Opioids are a category of drugs that includes fentanyl, heroin, and prescription drugs like oxycodone.

Opioids can be used for medical purposes, most commonly to treat pain. Some people also use opioids for non-medical reasons because they can cause a pleasurable, relaxing effect.

Opioids can be dangerous when used without medical supervision, particularly due to the risk of fatal overdose. An opioid overdose can happen when someone uses too large of an amount, causing their breathing to slow or stop. Some opioids, like fentanyl, are very concentrated, making it easy to accidentally use too much which might lead to a deadly overdose. 

A person who uses opioids can also develop an Opioid Use Disorder, also known as opioid addiction, which is a long-term health condition that can have a serious impact on a person’s life.

  1. What is the Opioid Crisis?
  1. What is the Opioid Settlement Funding?
  1. More Information

Washington County's Plan

Opioid Settlement Planning Timeline

Quarter 1 in 2023, release community input survey to gather input on funding priorities and focus on initial outreach and making connections.  Quarter 2 and 3 in 2023, review and share results from the community input survey; develop funding structure and processes informed be the survey results; and continue ongoing engagement and collaboration with partners throughout planning process.  Quarter 4 in 2023, establish structure and processes for making funding decisions and distributing opioid settlement funds.