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Resident urges Henry County to target opioid-settlement funds to colleges and neighborhood cleanup
Summary
A resident told the county board that opioid-settlement abatement funds should be directed to community colleges for remediation training and to restore neighborhoods damaged by opioid addiction; board members agreed citizen engagement is important as the county plans for one-time funds.
During matters presented by the public on Oct. 22, resident David Craig of the Blackberry District addressed the board about how Henry County should spend opioid-settlement abatement funds. Craig said he originally contacted a state delegate but was told his district is represented by another delegate; he then presented two specific recommendations for local use of settlement money.
Craig asked that the county allocate some settlement funds to local community colleges for remediation education and workforce training — arguing that nursing, physical therapy and other programs can prepare professionals to provide treatment and support for people affected by opioid addiction. He said education can create career pathways and help prevent future substance misuse by offering opportunities.
Second, Craig urged an allotment for cleanup and restoration of communities devastated by opioid addiction. He recounted a personal family loss: his father’s house was robbed and burned down in December 2018, which Craig attributed to ongoing opioid-related problems in the neighborhood. He said the family lost more than $200,000 in damages and urged county leaders to consider neighborhood restoration to improve safety, property values and economic development prospects.
Craig cited public reporting and settlement-tracking sources to describe the national settlement funds available and the expectation that states devote large shares of settlement monies to remediation and prevention. He asked the board to involve citizens in planning how county funds are spent.
Board members responded that they appreciate Craig’s recommendations and echoed the need to ensure abatement funds are used effectively, that citizens be engaged in the process and that decisions should be made to produce lasting benefits for the community.
