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Wasco County unanimously opts into expanded opioid settlement; funds will target abatement, treatment
Summary
Wasco County commissioners voted unanimously on Sept. 17 to authorize county staff to execute documents to opt into an expanded national opioid settlement that would distribute funds for abatement and treatment to states and counties in Oregon.
Kristen Campbell, Wasco County counsel, told commissioners the county had a new opportunity to opt into an expanded opioid settlement that follows the earlier Purdue Pharma/Sackler settlement. "It's our opportunity to opt into that settlement," Campbell said, recommending the county join the agreement that would share funds between the state and counties for opioid abatement measures.
Campbell said the county’s opt‑in at this stage is preliminary and that the final aggregate settlement amounts were still pending. Commissioners asked about allowable uses; Campbell said permitted uses are broad and include treatment and abatement programs, but that she had not yet determined whether construction or operation of shelters would be an eligible expense and would look into that.
Commissioners moved and seconded a motion authorizing the county administrative officer to execute the settlement documents, subject to legal review. The motion passed unanimously.
What was discussion only: commissioners asked for clarification on total settlement amounts and permissible uses, and noted concern about spreading funds too thinly vs. targeting existing, effective programs.
Formal action and direction: the board authorized the county administrative officer to execute settlement documents subject to county legal review; staff will report back with final settlement amounts and further guidance on allowable expenditures.
Background: Campbell said the settlement extends terms similar to the Purdue Pharma settlement to a wider set of manufacturers and distributors and that funds are intended for opioid abatement and treatment.
