Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Public Health topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Rio Rancho staff eyes opioid-settlement money for treatment and prevention, with legal limits
Summary
City staff said Rio Rancho's opioid-settlement fund has accumulated a multimillion balance but legal restrictions limit uses to opioid treatment, prevention and outreach; staff plan to hire consultants and explore partnerships to identify eligible programs and potential jail-based treatment options.
City staff told the governing body the opioid settlement fund has accumulated multimillion-dollar balances but strict settlement terms limit how the money may be used.
"We are actively looking to use that money," staff said, but noted it is largely restricted to opioid-specific treatment, follow-up and prevention work and cannot readily be used to build new facilities or for broad substance-abuse programs. Staff said they plan to bring in consulting help to identify possible regional and local uses that comply with settlement terms and to pursue partnerships with providers.
Councilor Tyler asked whether the funds could pay for opioid counseling in jails or to partner with county programs to offset costs. Staff said targeted uses that are opioid-specific (treatment, education, prevention) are allowable and that one-time funding can be used to supplement existing programs or engage providers for a limited period, but that the rules can be restrictive and require legal review.
Councilors urged staff to prioritize youth prevention and mental-health linkages where appropriate. Staff said they will return with concrete options after outreach and legal review.
