The Idaho Behavioral Health Council is currently seeking input from the public on how to allocate opioid settlement funds. This council is responsible for recommending to Governor Brad Little and the Idaho Legislature how the state’s 40% share of these funds should be spent. Last year, Idaho estimated that it would receive $2 million annually as its portion of the opioid settlement, which amounts to 40% of the state’s total expected $127.8 million in settlement funds.
The remaining funds from the opioid settlement will be allocated to cities, counties, and health districts within Idaho. Individuals interested in providing input on how these funds should be spent can submit their proposed spending priorities to [email protected] by May 15. The Behavioral Health Council plans to determine spending priorities during a meeting on June 14.
Detailed information on possible ways for Idaho to utilize the settlement funds is available online. According to a previous opinion from the Idaho Attorney General’s Office, funds allocated to recovery centers must be used to assist individuals struggling with opioid issues. By gathering input from the public and setting spending priorities, the Idaho Behavioral Health Council aims to effectively allocate opioid settlement funds for the benefit of individuals in need within the state.