(Jackson) Jackson and Cottonwood counties are taking action against the opioid epidemic with new funding opportunities for local organizations. Thanks to a multi-billion-dollar national settlement with opioid manufacturers and distributors, the county expects to receive over half a million dollars over the next 18 years. Lindsay Chapman Nesseth, Health Strategist and Public Health Nurse for DVHHS says there are groups that can use this money.
“We know that there is opioid and prescription misuse and addiction that’s in our community that has had some pretty detrimental effects but what’s also nice is that these dollars can be used for other substance use and mental health disorders and we know that there is some real gap in ability to seek treatment and recovery and so these dollars can really go towards some of those things that are underfunded in other areas.“
Public and private groups, nonprofits, and businesses are encouraged to apply for grants of up to $24,000 per project. Selected applicants will report on their progress and may present their work to county leaders.The Opioid Settlement Advisory Council of Cottonwood and Jackson Counties will meet on Tuesday September 9th to determine a date to open up the application process.
Applications will be accepted twice a year, and proposals must align with strategies outlined in the county’s opioid abatement guide. Interested groups can find more information and submit their proposals through Des Moines Valley Health and Human Services.
