Board approves up to $2,000 opioid‑settlement donation for regional prevention seminar

At the Dec. 16 meeting the board reviewed a request from Ledge Light Health District for up to $2,000 from North Stonington’s opioid‑settlement fund (reported balance approximately $45,691). First Selectman Bob Carlson explained that these funds stem from state settlement accounts with pharmaceutical and retail companies and are restricted to prevention, recovery, and related services, not general town expenses.

Nicole Porter, who serves on or liaises with regional public‑health bodies, supported the request and noted that Ledge Light is facing funding pressures and could use the donation to host a seminar or dinner for the four towns in the district. Carlson moved to donate up to $2,000 from the opioid‑settlement fund to Ledge Light for a regional prevention/recovery event; a selectman seconded the motion and the board approved the donation by voice vote. The motion was approved as a voice vote; the meeting did not record a roll‑call tally.

Board members clarified past uses of the fund (previous donations to local providers and a one‑time counseling payment), confirmed the restricted usage of settlement money, and asked staff to notify Ledge Light and formalize the reimbursement/administration steps.

Why it matters: Opioid‑settlement funds are designated for prevention and recovery; these localized donations fund programs or events intended to reduce harm and support residents instead of general town operations. The board indicated this donation would support regional programming and noted it expects documentation and reimbursement procedures to be followed.

The board instructed staff to notify Ledge Light of the approval and to follow up with the required paperwork.