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As money from the historic multi-state opioid settlement trickles into Chisago County over the next few years— a public advisory council will. come together to recommend ways to use the funds.  Chisago County Public Health is now establishing a council made up of a dozen different sectors,  who will meet over the next two years to guide the spending of the projected $2.2 million earmarked for here.  

According to a memorandum of agreement tied to the settlement;  it is up to public health departments to serve as lead agency and “chief strategists.”

The county wants people from the legal world, from the healthcare field, from veterans services, those who have exerience in treatment and recovery and some local officeholders.  Familiarity with opioid abuse and an understanding of the settlement boundaries is helpful. You will need to attend planning and implementation meetings and be open to learning about programs and practices.

Chisago County Public Health wants to see your application by May 19.  You can complete the questions and answers form to be considered on-line, look for the Opioid Settlement Advisory Council Application.
 
The opioid settlement is a combined $26 billion and involves McKesson, Cardinal Health and Amerisource Bergen at this point.  State Attorneys General are crafting additional settlements with other corporate entities, which the county  may or may not agree to receive funding from,  as they are finalized.  Minnesota created a distribution formula for the $300 million from the billions—for local counties and cities and through the advisory council Chisago County begins the process of creating criteria and a system to direct the settlement funds towards their best use.  

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