Opioid Settlement Community Feedback Form Request for Information
Have you or someone you know been affected by the opioid crisis? You're not alone. The opioid epidemic is one of the most significant challenges facing the United States of America. Nearly 645,000 people have died from opioid overdoses from 1999-2021, and fatalities continue to surge, with overdoses involving opioids leading to more than 80,000 deaths in 2021.
In 2021, Massachusetts received funds from a settlement with pharmaceutical companies regarding their accountability. The Commonwealth will be providing these settlement funds to communities annually between now and 2038 to strengthen opioid response, recovery, and prevention measures. Massachusetts expects to receive $1 billion as more settlements are concluded.
West Springfield will receive over $900,000 from the settlement agreement over the span of multiple years: 2022-2038.
We are now gathering public input to help decide how to spend West Springfield's opioid settlement funds. The opioid epidemic continues to affect social service organizations, health providers, individuals, families and those with lived experiences dealing with opioid use disorder and it is essential for community voices to be represented in the town’s response. We need your help! By completing this survey, you can provide critical insights into how West Springfield can best distribute our settlement money.
Our goal is to address disparities in existing opioid services, improve the community’s response to the opioid epidemic, and aid people disadvantaged by the stigma associated with opioid use disorder.
Based on state regulations, settlement funds can only be allocated toward:
- Opioid Use Disorder Treatment
- Support for People in Treatment and Recovery
- Connections to Care
- Harm Reduction
- Address the Needs of Criminal-Justice-Involved Persons
- Support Pregnant or Parenting Women and Their Families Including Babies with Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome
- Prevent Misuse of Opioids and Implement Prevention Education
A detailed description of each category can be found at this link: https://shorturl.at/deoC4
Please note that funding can supplement but not sustain large projects due to funding limitations. Input will be a factor in guiding decision-making on opioid settlement agreement funds as the city works on long-term policy.
We can do so much with your help! Please take time to complete this community feedback form. Thank you!
Please note: You are not obligated to add your name and other identifying information in order for us to record your responses. Your submission can remain completely anonymous.
To fill out the form, please click here.