DEPARTMENT: Public Health
FILE TYPE: Regular Action
TITLE
title
Update On Dakota County Opioid Settlement Response
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PURPOSE/ACTION REQUESTED
Receive updates on Dakota County’s response to the Minnesota Opioids State-Subdivision Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) and provide guidance on next steps.
SUMMARY
Public Health provided an initial update on the County’s inclusion in the Minnesota Opioids State-Subdivision MOA on August 16, 2022. Since August, staff has continued to work internally with several departments to develop the infrastructure and presented to a variety of groups throughout the County.
On October 17, 2022, Dakota County received the first payment of the Distributor Settlement Agreement in the amount of $317,047.77. On November 10, the County Manager received an update from the Directing Administrator of the National Opioid Settlements that the first five payments of the Johnson and Johnson Settlement will be disbursed in 2022 totaling $1,269,283 (Attachment: Opioid Settlement Funding Update). Most recently, on November 16, we received notice that the second Distributor payment will be $333,201.75 and is expected to be received by end of year.
At this time, none of the cities in Dakota County that received settlement funds (Apple Valley, Burnsville, Eagan, Inver Grove Heights, and Lakeville) reallocated funds to the County. Cities who received funding will be provided the opportunity to reallocate their funds to the County on an annual basis by January 1st of each year. In addition to county funds, additional state funding could be available for cities that have been disproportionality affected by the Opioid Crisis but were unable to receive funds.
Per the MOA, the county must “consult annually with the municipalities in the county regarding future use of the settlement funds in the county, including by holding an annual meeting with all municipalities in the county in order to receive input as to proposed uses of the Opioid Settlement Funds and to encourage collaboration between Local Governments both within and beyond the county. These meetings shall be open to the public.”
The MOA also states that community partnerships are vital to gain insight from the impacts of the Opioid Crisis. Staff is in the process of contracting a trauma-informed facilitator, using internal funds to organize four community listening sessions that will create a restorative space for community members who have been impacted by the Opioid Crisis to share their insight. From these sessions, staff will identify shared goals and ideas on how best to disperse the settlement funds and prioritize programming, as well as determine ways to work more collaboratively to improve community partnerships and gain understanding that will inform the creation of an external advisory taskforce.
To coordinate the planning and response an Opioid Advisory Taskforce is desired and would be made up of a variety of partners selected through an application process. This taskforce would facilitate the request for proposal process, review applicants, oversee programming and based on the Board discussion determine additional authority options (Attachment: Opioid Advisory Taskforce).
An internal Dakota County Administrative Committee has been formed to support the administrative and reporting requirements of the settlement funds. An Opioid Coordinator has been requested in the 2023 budget and will be funded with opioid funds.
To move the work forward, staff if seeking direction from the Community Services Committee of the Whole on the formation of an Opioid Advisory Taskforce and the authority the Taskforce would have.
OUTCOMES
How Much?
Nine county departments have been educated about the Opioid Settlement. Staff has provided information to cities, police, fire, and multiple other groups.
How well?
An internal Dakota County Administrative Committee was formed and is responsible for administrative oversight of the settlement, invoices, contracts, and reporting.
Is anyone better off?
By reaching and educating several partners including community members, a comprehensive opioid plan will be developed that addresses the needs of the County and community.
RECOMMENDATION
recommendation
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EXPLANATION OF FISCAL/FTE IMPACTS
Revenue generated from phase one of this allocation is estimated to be $9,814,545 over 18 years.
☐ None ☐ Current budget ☒ Other
☐ Amendment Requested ☐ New FTE(s) requested
RESOLUTION
body
Information only; no action requested.
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PREVIOUS BOARD ACTION
None.
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment: Opioid Settlement Funding Update
Attachment: Opioid Advisory Taskforce
BOARD GOALS
☒ A Great Place to Live ☒ A Healthy Environment
☐ A Successful Place for Business and Jobs ☐ Excellence in Public Service
PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT LEVEL
☐ Inform and Listen ☐ Discuss ☐ Involve ☒ N/A
CONTACTS
Department Head: Gina Adasiewicz
Author: Madeline Goebel