The Colorado Opioid Abatement Council paved the way for several local governments to receive more than $18 million in opioid settlement funds.
According to a Sept. 29 news release, the council determined the requests for funds complied with approved uses in an agreement that 312 local governments signed on to. The council also authorized the banking firm holding the settlement money to distribute funds to the local governments.
Chair of the Colorado Opioid Abatement Council, Attorney General Phil Weiser said releasing the funds is an important step toward addressing the opioid crisis.
"This crisis continues to take a toll on Coloradans. We will continue working with our regional opioid abatement councils and local governments as they work together toward a better future for all Coloradans," Mr. Weiser said.
This is the first round of opioid settlement funds released to Colorado communities. Funding can be requested each year for the next 18 years, and 12 of Colorado's 19 regions chose to request funds during the first funding period, according to the release.
A full list of the regions and local governments receiving the funds and the amounts can be found here.