Not 0ne More is proud to join a list of more than 130 organizations representing advocates and experts from public health, overdose prevention, and drug policy across the nation in releasing a roadmap on how states should spend $50 billion in opioid settlement funds.
Public health experts call on states, counties, and municipalities to invest 100% of these funds in evidence-based solutions that are proven to reduce overdoses, save lives, and give those with substance use disorder opportunities for effective treatment, rather than put them behind bars. These policies include:
- Funding access to all forms of FDA-approved medication for addiction treatment (MAT) and harm reduction services such as syringe service programs, access to naloxone, and the establishment of overdose prevention centers (OPCs).
- Expanding housing, outreach and wraparound support services for people who use drugs and people with drug-related convictions that could bar them from critical benefits.
- Addressing collateral consequences of current War on Drug policies, including supporting second-chance employment, recovery-to-work programs, and the expungement of past criminal convictions.
On Wednesday, August 23rd, public health experts representing a national coalition of over 130 organizations, including Not 0ne More, the Center for Popular Democracy, National Sea Change Coalition, Community Education Group, VOCAL-NY, and VOCAL-KY, hosted a virtual panel discussion. Throughout the panel, experts discussed the National Roadmap for Opioid Settlement Funds and how state governments and municipalities across the country should distribute funding to save lives.
Read more: Should Opioid Settlement Money Be Spent on Law Enforcement? As states and counties spend the first wave of billions of dollars from the pharmaceutical industry, public health groups are challenging how some funds are being used. New York Times (August 14, 2023)