The City of Hopkinsville is considering ways it can spend the Opioid Settlement Funds it will receive over the next 15 years or more.
Chief Financial Officer Melissa Clayton says the city will receive $2.8 million.
click to download audioCurrently, the city has $729,673, and she expects an additional payment in May. Council will be approving a new budget this year to reflect spending the funds, which are in a separate bank account and have strict reporting mandates.
Kentucky Association of Counties’ Opioid Settlement Advisor, Lauren Carr says in all the state will receive about $1 billion, split evenly between the state and local governments. State funds can be requested as grant funding.
click to download audioClayton says they applied for grant funding for a mobile medical unit for the fire department and will find out in April it they received it. She adds have a few requests already in the budget.
click to download audioCarr says settlement monies are not necessary to purchase Naloxone.
click to download audioOne recommendation she has for all governments looking to spend settlement funds is to form an advisory committee.
click to download audioShe adds the diverse committee can better serve the community.
click to download audioThe city department heads and administration are serving as the opioid team, but Mayor JR Knight says he wants to expand that.
Knight adds they are looking into how the city can distribute the funds to recovery centers.
click to download audioOverdose deaths are preventable. If you or someone you know needs Narcan, they can visit FindNaloxone.ky.gov and have it shipped directly to your house. Christian County residents can also call 270-484-4018 and speak with the UKHealthCare Target4 team.
