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Lowell committee hears opioid-abatement funds total about $3.8M through 2039; $150,000 spent so far
Summary
The Mayor and nonprofit leaders told the nonprofit subcommittee Lowell has received $1.4 million to date from opioid-abatement settlements, has spent about $150,000, and expects roughly $3.8 million through 2039; the group requested a listening session and closer coordination with the health department.
The subcommittee discussed opioid-abatement settlement dollars and the pace of spending, with the Mayor saying Lowell has received roughly $1.4 million and spent about $150,000 to date. "According to the state data, Lowell's received 1.4 million dollars for opioid abatement funding and has spent 150,000 dollars," the Mayor said, adding that the city is slated to receive about $3.8 million through 2039.
Members and nonprofit representatives urged faster coordination with the health department to deploy funds for treatment, prevention and recovery supports. A staff participant said the health department administers the opioid-settlement grants and that the city is planning a listening session later in the summer to gather community input on spending priorities.
Nonprofit participants described the opportunity as ongoing annual funding: municipal receipts from the settlement will continue in coming years, and the health department is expected to open an application process for community organizations. The Mayor and committee emphasized the risks of slow spending and noted state attention on municipalities that have not yet moved funds into programs.
Subcommittee members requested that the health department present its timetable and application details at the next meeting and recommended inviting nonprofit partners to discuss possible uses that align with community priorities. No final allocations were made at the meeting; the subcommittee agreed to set a date for a listening session and to follow up on the health department's application schedule.
