FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
07/29/2024
CONTACT: Sue Smith, Director/Health Officer
715-421-8911, sue.smith@woodcountywi.gov
Wood County and Opioid Task Force Announces Release of Funding Proposal for Opioid Settlement Dollars
Wisconsin Rapids, WI – Wood County and the Opioid Task Force are pleased to announce the release of its funding proposal designed to allocate the settlement dollars received from opioid litigation to combat the ongoing opioid crisis. This funding aims to address the profound impact of the opioid epidemic through targeted interventions, community support, and long-term solutions.
The opioid settlement, resulting from extensive litigation against major pharmaceutical companies, has allocated significant funds to address the widespread damage caused by opioid misuse. In response, the Opioid Task Force has developed a plan with a framework for distributing these funds effectively and transparently.
Key areas of focus for the funding include;
- Prevention
- Harm reduction
- Recovery
- Treatment
- Law Enforcement
- Criminal Justice
- Community Grants
- Evaluation/Communication/Stigma reduction
“We are committed to ensuring that the funds from the opioid settlement are utilized in a manner that brings meaningful and lasting change to those affected by the opioid crisis,” said Sue Smith, Director and Health Officer for the Wood County Health Department. “The funding will be focused on addressing the crisis from multiple angles, fostering prevention, improving treatment access, and supporting recovery efforts,” said Lane Pliml, Wood County Board Chair.
The funding proposal is now available on the Wood County website. We encourage community-based organizations, non-profits, governmental entities, youth-serving organizations, and other eligible applicants to apply for funding. Applications will be accepted through August 23, 2024.
For additional information or questions regarding the application, please contact Ashley Normington at (715) 421-8911 or via email at ashley.normington@woodcountywi.gov.
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