Follow the money: New dashboard tracks use of opioid settlement funds
Maryland launched a new dashboard to track the use of over $380 million in opioid settlement funds, aiming to ensure transparency and effective investment in overdose prevention and treatment.Summary
Maryland has received more than $380 million from a nationwide settlement with pharmaceutical companies to combat the opioid crisis, with a total of nearly $750 million expected over 15 years. To ensure transparency and effective use of these funds, the state's Office of Overdose Response published a new dashboard. This tool allows state officials, overdose resource organizations, and the public to monitor how the money is being spent. The funds are directed into the Maryland's Opioid Restitution Fund, with a quarter allocated to local governments, 15% for state discretion, and the remainder for various grants. As of last July, the state had received over $380 million and spent about $15 million, primarily on treatment programs. Despite a 57% reduction in overdose fatalities in recent years, advocates note that systemic inequities persist, particularly in lower-income communities. The dashboard is intended to hold the state accountable and support proven strategies to reduce overdoses and save lives.
(Source：The Mexico Ledger)