CONNECTICUT, USA — The Connecticut Opioid Settlement Advisory Committee (OSAC) is looking for public input to better serve the community by opening up a survey portal for suggestions on how to spend opioid lawsuit settlement money.
The portal will be open for public comment for thirty days from October 17 to November 17. The page will guide you step by step as you fill out the form.
OSAC leaders said the unprecedented funding comes from a national settlement of opioid-related litigation. Connecticut is getting around $300 million spread over the next 18 years.
The organization said its overall goal is to reduce overdose deaths and the impacts of opioid use in the short and long term.
Community advocates of helping those suffering from drug addiction, such as Miranda Mahoney with Griswold Pride, said the money can be used in plenty of ways.
“Treatment, harm reduction, recovery support, prevention, even bringing in mental health promotions to our youth, buying curriculum for schools," Mahoney said. "There’s a lot of flexibility for what towns can do with this, and I think it’s really looking at what resources do, they have, and what is needed for their town, and they can seek the funding needed."
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Data from the Connecticut Department of Public Health reports 1,459 drug overdose deaths in 2022 and 1,529 overdose deaths in 2021. So far, for 2023, the state is at around 850 deaths, with the average age of death being only 46 years old.
State leaders say it’s essential that people impacted by drug use take the time to fill out the form.
“The people who have lived experiences and the family members who experienced what happened to their loved ones are so important for us to hear from," said State Senator Saud Anwar. "Researchers, people who are experts, clinicians, every person, this is your opportunity to reach out to every member of this committee to share with us what the best way forward to use some of these funds."
Anwar said the original $300 million could grow over the years as more information comes out and settlements are reached, which would create an even more significant impact on helping the community.
Brooke Griffin is a reporter for FOX61 News. She can be reached at bgriffin@fox61.com. Follow her on Facebook, X, and Instagram.
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