FAQs

Opioid settlements are agreements reached between governments (at the state, county, or municipal levels) and pharmaceutical companies, distributors, and retailers. These settlements aim to resolve lawsuits that hold these companies accountable for their role in the opioid crisis. By providing funds, they address the widespread harm caused by opioid addiction and overdose. Funds from these settlements are generally earmarked for initiatives that prevent and treat opioid addiction, support communities affected by opioid misuse, and cover associated costs to healthcare, social, and behavioral health services.

The Colorado Opioid Abatement Council (COAC) was created by the Department of Law in agreement with local governments to provide oversight of the opioid funds and to ensure the distribution of those funds complies with the terms of any settlement and the Colorado Opioid Settlement Memorandum of Understanding. The COAC is specifically responsible for oversight of opioid funds from the regional share and for developing processes and procedures for the statewide infrastructure share.

The COAC works with the 19 Regional Opioid Abatement Councils (ROAC) to distribute opioid settlement funds for substance use disorder treatment, recovery, harm reduction, law enforcement, and prevention/education programs. The COAC consists of seven members appointed by the State and six members appointed by local governments.

The Northwest Colorado Opioid Response Council includes 5 Counties: Jackson, Moffat, Rio Blanco, Grand, Routt.

View Exhibit E here.

According to Exhibit E in the national opioid settlement documents, opioid settlement funds can support a wide range of programs aimed at combating the opioid crisis including:

1. Prevention Programs
2. Treatment Programs
3. Harm Reduction
4. Recovery Support
5. System Coordination
6. Data Collection and Research

These programs are designed to be flexible to meet local needs but generally focus on evidence-based prevention, treatment, and long-term recovery solutions.

Getting involved with your local Regional Opioid Abatement Council (ROAC) can be a great way to contribute to addressing the opioid crisis in your community. Here’s how you might go about it:

1. Identify the ROAC in Your Region: Each ROAC typically covers a specific region or group of counties, so first, find out which ROAC serves your area. You can contact your local government, health department, or visit the Colorado Attorney General website on Opioid Abatement Council’s to find out which ROAC serves your area.
2. Attend Public Meetings: ROACs hold public meetings to discuss funding decisions, community needs, and opioid-related initiatives. Attending these meetings can give you insights into current efforts and allow you to provide input. Check local government websites, ROAC websites, or social media for announcements about meeting times and locations.
3. Volunteer for Committees or Advisory Roles: ROACs welcome community members to participate in advisory roles or committees focused on specific aspects of the opioid response, such as prevention, treatment, or recovery services, based on their expertise or personal experience.
4. Share Your Expertise or Experience: If you have professional expertise in healthcare, public health, counseling, social work, or personal experience with the opioid crisis, Councils are open to hearing from community members with relevant insights. Contacting the ROAC to offer your perspective can sometimes lead to opportunities for engagement.