Commission directs work session after debate over opioid‑settlement priorities and long‑term treatment options

Manatee County’s opioid policy coordinator briefed commissioners on how opioid settlement dollars have been used and proposed a funding framework tied to the Addiction Crisis Task Force priorities. The presentation highlighted existing programs funded by settlements and requested board approval to open a community application process for future allocations.

James Crutchfield, deputy director of Public Safety, introduced the briefing and the county’s opioid policy coordinator. Staff described last year’s settlement‑fund investments that supported: Helping Up Mission (a long‑term residential program with out‑of‑county residential placements), the CORE community health response program, and the Overdose Prevention and Education Program (OPEP), which distributes naloxone and trains community members. The programs helped expand screening, treatment referrals and naloxone distribution countywide.

The Addiction Crisis Task Force recommended a multi‑year allocation framework: roughly 50% of future settlement receipts to prevention, 20% to response, 20% to recovery and 10% to evaluation. Staff proposed a fiscal‑year 2026 budget of $3 million (partly drawing on carryover funds) and $1.5 million in subsequent years as a baseline for grant rounds to implement the task force priorities.

Commissioners questioned the proportions and pressed staff for more detail on how prevention spending would be measured and how long‑term recovery options would be funded. Commissioner Charlie McCann, who has medical and emergency‑care experience, criticized short residential programs as insufficient: “A 28‑day program does nothing…Once they get out of the 28‑day program, you know, it’s an honor system. For some people, no relapse. For some people, relapse the next day.” Commissioners suggested that long‑term treatment and housing supports be emphasized.

Helping Up Mission (HUM) update

Staff provided a status report on Helping Up Mission, which began operations locally in October 2024 to screen and transition individuals into long‑term residential recovery. Staff reported that HUM had assessed 43 clients in the first months and had transported 23 clients to its Baltimore program for long‑term recovery.

Next steps and board direction

Commissioner Ballard proposed, and then withdrew, a motion to approve the task force priorities as presented; commissioners said they wanted an opportunity to discuss allocation details with additional stakeholders. Ballard then moved to direct staff to schedule a dedicated work session so commissioners could examine priorities, application criteria and program models in depth; Commissioner McCann seconded. After public comment from local clinicians and advocates urging a stronger emphasis on recovery services, the board voted unanimously to direct staff to schedule the work session and return with a refined proposal and timeline.

Why it matters

County settlement funds are a multi‑year resource for prevention, harm reduction, treatment and recovery supports. Commissioners’ call for a work session reflects a desire to match investments to local needs—particularly for long‑term recovery capacity—and to build evaluation metrics to track outcomes.

Ending

Staff will hold the work session, gather input from providers and advocacy groups, and return to the board with an updated application timeline and recommended allocations. Meanwhile, existing programs such as CORE and OPEP will continue operations under current funding.