County and regional public-health leaders briefed the Board of County Commissioners on grant awards from opioid‑settlement funds and described programs that received support in the most recent two‑year cycle.

The Southwest Colorado Opioid Regional Council (SPORT) will distribute approximately 60% of settlement funds to the region for prevention, treatment, harm reduction, recovery supports and criminal-justice interventions. In the current two‑year grant cycle SPORT budgeted approximately $1.5 million for regional awards, prioritizing programs across six service areas (prevention/education, treatment, harm reduction, recovery, law enforcement, planning/coordination).

Local grants and examples: Ouray County-focused awards include funding to expand the San Miguel/Ouray juvenile-services prevention programming (adding a full-time case manager, peer mentoring and parenting supports) and expansion of the Tri County Health Network’s Recovery Access Fund (RAF) into Ouray County. The RAF provides up to $110 per therapy session for an initial six sessions (additional sessions considered if income-qualified) and can be used with a provider of the recipient’s choice if the provider enrolls in the RAF system. Tri County Health Network said the RAF is open to residents or workers in participating counties and provides care coordination for related needs (transportation, insurance navigation).

Why it matters: The council used settlement money from national opioid litigation to fund local services in prevention, treatment and recovery. Staff emphasized the flexibility of settlement funds to support direct care, expand programs and seed sustainable services. Tri County Health Network said the RAF is designed to reduce barriers to access for people seeking behavioral health and substance-use services.

Next steps: SPORT will continue regional coordination, monitor results and consider longer-term sustainability options for successful programs. Tri County Health Network said it is processing applications for Ouray County clients and will handle outreach and provider enrollment.

Quotes: "This fund is open to young people as well; our goal is to break down barriers," said Kaïsa Simon of Tri County Health Network. "We provide care coordination and can issue scholarships for counseling sessions." Council facilitators asked the commissioners to share materials widely so residents know where to apply.