PIMA COUNTY, Jan. 6, 2026 – At its Jan. 6 meeting, the Pima County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved the distribution of more than $1.86 million in opioid settlement funds to six community-based organizations to expand substance use prevention, peer support and recovery services across Pima County.
This funding is the result of the City of Tucson, Town of Marana, City of South Tucson and Pima County choosing to pool their individual allocations of opioid settlement dollars to have a more significant impact in fighting the opioid crisis in the community.
The approved contracts represent the second award of opioid settlement funding, with agencies selected through a competitive Request for Proposals (RFP) process led by the Pima County Health Department (PCHD) to distribute settlement funds directly to nonprofit community organizations.
Through the RFP process, the Health Department sought to award multiple contracts across five strategic areas to support evidence-based, evidence-informed, and culturally appropriate programs addressing substance use and its root causes. The approach emphasizes strong collaboration and partnerships across Pima County and with external partners, including community organizations, Tribal Nations, health care providers and entities receiving federal grants or other funding.
This coordinated approach, per language in the RFP, supports a comprehensive response to substance use and allows partners to share resources, expertise and data to maximize the impact of available funds.
The Regional Opioid Settlement Advisory Committee (ROSAC), which made the funding recommendations, was created in response to the Intergovernmental Agreement with the City of Tucson to help identify priorities for opioid settlement funding. The committee includes representatives from Pima County, the City of Tucson, the City of South Tucson and the Town of Marana and has met 15 times since July 2024.
“This multi-jurisdictional effort is a key step in our regional fight against the opioid crisis,” said Rex Scott, Chair, Pima County Board of Supervisors. “Together, we’re directing vital resources to community organizations that will support prevention, treatment and recovery across Pima County.”
At the Jan. 6 meeting, the Board approved contracts with the following organizations to provide substance use prevention and response interventions:
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The Haven – $663,576.10
Transitional wrap-around support for individuals recently discharged from treatment or released from incarceration, including expanded care coordination, perinatal and parenting support, life skills education and housing navigation services.
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Liberty Partnership Community Council – $246,174.50
Youth substance misuse prevention and mental wellness programming for middle school students in South and East Tucson.
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Community Partners Integrated Healthcare, Inc. – $927,795.70
Transitional and recovery services for individuals discharging from the justice system, hospitals and treatment providers.
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Boys to Men Tucson, Inc. – $258,409.80
Culturally responsive, mentorship-based prevention services for youth, including LGBTQ+, Black, Latino and system-impacted youth.
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American Indian Association of Tucson, Inc. (Tucson Indian Center) – $232,777.60
Youth-led prevention, peer mentorship and culturally grounded outreach serving American Indian and Alaska Native youth.
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Portable Practical Educational Preparation, Inc. (PPEP) – $196,372.00
Youth substance misuse prevention services through the Amado Youth Center.
“The Health Department will play a key role in overseeing the projects funded through these RFPs,” said Health Department Director Dr. Theresa Cullen. “We will actively monitor implementation to confirm adherence to contract requirements and steady progress toward intended outcomes.”
Collectively, these investments support youth prevention services, peer navigation and transitional wrap-around support, with a focus on communities disproportionately impacted by substance use and overdose.
Addressing the opioid epidemic supports the Prosperity Initiative approved by the Board of Supervisors and the Tucson’s Mayor and Council. The Prosperity Initiative is focused on reducing generational poverty so every child can reach adulthood with the skills, tools and resources needed to achieve economic stability.
This funding also complements other regional efforts, including the recently approved Sobering Alternative to Recovery (SAFR) Center, which provides a medically supported space for individuals experiencing substance use disorder. The SAFR Center was solicited and awarded separately from this RFP process.
“These resources will reach Tucsonans where we can do the most for them, which has always been the focus of my approach to this crisis,” said Mayor Regina Romero. “Mayor and Council and the Board of Supervisors are working together very intentionally to provide solutions to this public health crisis and support the safety of our community with these funds. We all recognize that opioid addiction is one of the biggest issues facing Tucsonans. We have the opportunity to use these funds to make the greatest impact in areas where we need it the most.”
The funds are part of the One Arizona Agreement, which is distributing $1.215 billion in opioid settlement funds over 18 years to the state, counties, cities and towns affected by the opioid epidemic. The Pima County Health Department serves as the lead agency for managing county funds and coordinating payments to municipal partners. The Pima County region, including its jurisdictional partners, is expected to receive $126.8 million under the One Arizona settlement.
For more information on opioid settlement funding and regional strategies, visit the Pima County Health Department’s Opioid Settlement webpage.
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