August 13, 2024 

Media contact: Erica Heartquist, PHD.Communications@oha.oregon.gov

State Alcohol and Drug Policy Commission recommended allocation; OHA will administer 

PORTLAND, Ore. – A $1.25 million allocation by the Opioid Settlement Prevention, Treatment & Recovery Board (Settlement Board) will expand and strengthen Central Oregon’s access to substance use disorder treatment and services through opioid treatment programs (OTPs) and jails. 

The allocation, which Oregon Health Authority (OHA) will administer, will improve access to medication for opioid use disorder and treatment services by providing up to $1,25 million to fund an opioid treatment program or a mobile or non-mobile medication unit in Redmond to serve a geographic region with increasing need. To be eligible for the funding, a mobile or non-mobile medication unit or an opioid treatment program must be currently certified by OHA.  

The board’s decision can be viewed in a recording of its August 7 meeting here.  

“People in Deschutes, Crook, and Jefferson Counties must currently go to Bend for opioid treatment program services, and drive times between Bend and Redmond are rapidly increasing due to the area being the fastest-growing region in the state,” said State Opioid Treatment Authority and Settlement Board member John McIlveen. “Opening a medication unit in Redmond will significantly decrease travel times for patients, which is one of the main predictors for people both entering into, and remaining in, treatment.” 

Prior to awarding funding, OHA must provide a proposed timeline and implementation plan to the board for approval no later than Sept. 1.  

Since July 2021, the State of Oregon has reached agreement on national lawsuits against several companies for their role in the opioid crisis. Through these agreements, nearly $600 million will be awarded to Oregon over 18 years. Settlement funds from opioid manufacturers, distributors and pharmacies are divided between the state (45%) and local jurisdictions (55%). The state’s share is deposited as it becomes available into the Opioid Settlement, Prevention, Treatment and Recovery (OSPTR) Fund, which is controlled by the OSPTR Board.  

Local jurisdictions receiving settlement funds (those with populations greater than 10,000) decide how their funds are used. Cities and counties are required to report to the Oregon Department of Justice annually how they allocated funds. 

For state and local spending details, read the Oregon Opioid Settlement Spending Report. To learn more about Oregon’s opioid settlement funds, visit oregon.gov/opioidsettlement. 

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