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Pima County board approves $8 million in opioid settlement funds for prevention, navigation and a SAFER pilot
Summary
The board approved use of $8 million in opioid settlement funds to fund youth prevention, peer navigation, transitional wraparound supports, law‑enforcement co‑response and a pilot/evaluation expansion of the SAFER sobering/recovery center, plus county staff support.
The Pima County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously (5–0) to approve recommended allocations from the regional opioid settlement advisory committee (ROSEAC) and to release a set of request‑for‑proposals to fund local substance‑use prevention and response interventions.
What the board approved: staff described an $8,000,000 funding package that will support youth prevention, peer navigation, transitional wraparound services, mobile MAT (medication‑assisted treatment), law‑enforcement co‑response and continued planning and a pilot phase for a SAFER (Sobering Alternative for Recovery) center. The plan also includes funding for county staff positions to administer and oversee the program and an explicit evaluation requirement to be part of each contract.
Why it matters: county and city leaders and the regional advisory committee said overdoses in the county are increasing; public health staff noted there could be more than 500 overdoses this year if the current trajectory continues. The board and city of Tucson provided feedback during earlier deliberations; ROSEAC revised the recommended funding categories to consolidate some categories and to make evaluation an essential component of award criteria.
Next steps: County staff said they will issue two RFPs — one for the SAFER center and one for the remainder of services — with an anticipated award cycle in fall 2026. Staff expect one‑year contracts with options for renewals (1+2 years) and said ongoing settlement receipts will be monitored to support future years. The board directed staff to proceed with the RFP release and to return with award recommendations and evaluation plans.
Attribution: presentations were led by county public‑health staff and ROSEAC representatives; Dr. Cullen (presentation lead) and county administrator Jan Lesher answered questions about staff costs and timelines. Supervisor praise and questions focused on durability of funding and integration of services across jurisdictions.
Ending: The board’s vote allows the county to proceed with competitive procurements and start investments intended to expand prevention, co‑response and recovery options countywide.
