Committee directs staff to use opioid settlement funds to obtain naloxone and explore education options

The Administration & Public Works Committee approved a staff recommendation to use the city’s share of opioid settlement funds to procure naloxone (generic: naloxone) for distribution at city events and to continue exploring prevention and education programs in coordination with regional partners.

Staff said Wildwood received a small allocation from national opioid settlements and expects modest annual distributions for many years; the city received about $24,000 last year and can expect smaller annual amounts in the future. The funds must be used for opioid-abatement activities. Committee members suggested buying naloxone for free distribution to residents at city events and to partner with the county public-health department, police and fire agencies for training and outreach.

Staff cautioned that some programmatic uses require state confirmation to ensure the expense qualifies under the settlement’s abatement rules, which could require repayment if deemed ineligible. Committee members asked staff to price naloxone procurement and to coordinate with St. Louis County Public Health and local first responders while preparing a small pilot distribution program.

Ending: The committee approved staff exploring and purchasing naloxone for distribution and returning with pricing and an implementation plan; staff will coordinate with county public health and partner agencies to confirm eligible abatement uses for other funds.