County updates commissioners on opioid settlements and local prevention program funding shortfall

Rogers County staff updated commissioners on two new settlements in national opioid litigation involving Purdue and other manufacturers; the county’s attorney and contracted counsel handled the matters and, according to staff, board approval was not required for the settlements. County staff said no dollar amounts were yet known because distribution depends on participating entities and bankruptcy confirmation processes.

Separately, the board heard about a shortfall in state prevention funding for a joint Rogers County–City of Claremore opioid program run by a regional director. Scott Greenwood, the program director, was asked to present to the board about whether county and city funds could be combined to fill the gap and sustain program activities. Staff said the program’s first-year state award had been $506,000 and that the second distribution from the state is smaller; higher-education applicants (colleges and universities) may be part of the reason some funds were reserved, according to staff comments.

Why it matters: settlements could provide county funds for opioid response once distribution amounts and timing are set; the local prevention program has shown results but faces reduced state funding for its next cycle.

Details and next steps: staff said the deadline to opt into the settlements is near (around Oct. 1) and that additional information about amounts and timing should follow after the opt-in and bankruptcy confirmation processes. The board invited Scott Greenwood to present a detailed proposal showing how county or city supplemental funds could be used to sustain the program.