Tennessee Expands Funding from Opioid Settlements

New Grants Target Local Opioid Crisis Response

Tennessee’s fight against the opioid epidemic gains momentum with a fresh influx of funds. The Tennessee Opioid Abatement Council announced an additional $20 million in grants available to communities across the state.

5 Key Points

• The Tennessee Opioid Abatement Council has released $20 million for new community grants to combat the opioid crisis.
• These funds are derived from legal settlements with opioid manufacturers, distributors, and pharmacies.
• The council awarded over $78 million in grants earlier this year to support various anti-opioid initiatives.
• Tennessee county governments received $62 million in two payments distributed in 2023 and 2024.
• A recent settlement with the grocery chain Kroger will add $42 million to Tennessee’s share of opioid abatement funds.

Settlement Funds Boost Local Efforts

The newly available $20 million represents a portion of the multi-million dollar settlements the Tennessee Attorney General’s office secured. These agreements, reached with various entities in the pharmaceutical supply chain, aim to address the devastating impact of the opioid crisis on Tennessee communities.

The funds come at a crucial time as the state continues to grapple with the far-reaching effects of opioid addiction. By making these resources available, Tennessee aims to empower local organizations and agencies to develop targeted solutions that address the unique challenges faced by their communities.

Distribution of Settlement Funds

The Tennessee General Assembly established a clear framework for allocating the settlement money, ensuring a balanced approach to addressing the opioid crisis at both state and local levels:

• 15% allocated to the state
• 15% directed to county governments
• 70% channeled to the Opioid Abatement Trust Fund

The Trust Fund’s portion is divided between counties and the Opioid Abatement Council. The council plays a pivotal role in disbursing these funds through a competitive grant application process, ensuring that resources reach the most impactful and promising initiatives across the state.

This structured approach allows for a multi-faceted response to the opioid crisis, combining statewide strategies with localized efforts tailored to specific community needs.

Focus on Grassroots Initiatives

Mary Shelton, Executive Director of the TN Opioid Abatement Council, highlighted the council’s commitment to supporting innovative, community-driven solutions. “We want to hear from the grassroots, local agencies who see the need in their community and want to respond in innovative, collaborative ways,” Shelton stated.

The council’s approach recognizes that effective responses to the opioid crisis often emerge from within the affected communities themselves. By seeking out organizations “creating space for healing,” the council aims to foster a diverse range of programs that can address the complex nature of opioid addiction and its impacts.

This focus on local, innovative approaches opens the door for various interventions, from prevention and education programs to treatment and recovery support services.

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Recent Settlements and Ongoing Support

The battle against the opioid epidemic in Tennessee has been bolstered by a series of legal settlements with companies involved in the opioid supply chain. The most recent agreement includes the grocery chain Kroger, which will contribute $1.2 billion to a multi-state settlement. Tennessee’s portion of this settlement amounts to $42 million, further strengthening the state’s resources for combating the opioid crisis.

Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti emphasized the importance of these ongoing efforts, stating, “Tennessee’s Opioid Abatement Council continues to deliver much-needed help for people across our great state.” Skrmetti noted that the additional $20 million for Community Grants will increase support for Tennessee families and communities struggling with the opioid epidemic.

These settlements represent a significant step toward holding companies accountable for their role in the opioid crisis while providing crucial resources for recovery and prevention efforts.

Opioid Crisis in Tennessee: By the Numbers

The impact of the opioid epidemic on Tennessee remains severe, as evidenced by recent data from the Tennessee Drug Overdose Dashboard. In 2022, the state recorded 3,073 opioid-related overdose deaths, underscoring the urgent need for continued intervention and support.

Despite these sobering statistics, there are signs of progress. The Tennessee Department of Health reported a decrease in nonfatal opioid overdoses, from 8,582 in 2022 to 7,518 in 2023. While this reduction is encouraging, it also highlights the ongoing nature of the crisis and the need for sustained, comprehensive efforts to address opioid addiction in the state.

As Tennessee continues to leverage these settlement funds, the state aims to build on this progress, strengthening its response to the opioid crisis, supporting recovery efforts, and working to prevent future addiction. The ongoing commitment to resources and focus on community-driven solutions offers hope for a future where the impact of opioid addiction is significantly reduced across Tennessee.