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A Roadmap for Opioid Settlement Funds: Supporting Communities & Ending the Overdose Crisis

August 14, 2023

VOCAL-NY is proud to join a list of more than 130 organizations representing advocates and experts from public health, overdose prevention, and drug policy across the nation in releasing a roadmap on how states should spend $50 billion in opioid settlement funds.

Public health expertscall on states, counties, and municipalities to invest 100% of these funds in evidence-based solutions that are proven to reduce overdoses, save lives, and give those with substance use disorder opportunities for effective treatment, rather than put them behind bars. These policies include:

  • Funding access to all forms of FDA-approved medication for addiction treatment (MAT) and harm reduction services such as syringe service programs, access to naloxone, and the establishment of overdose prevention centers (OPCs).
  • Expanding housing, outreach and wraparound support services for people who use drugs and people with drug-related convictions that could bar them from critical benefits.
  • Addressing collateral consequences of current War on Drug policies, including supporting second-chance employment, recovery-to-work programs, and the expungement of past criminal convictions.

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