States, cities, and counties will soon be receiving funds from opioid manufacturers, pharmaceutical distributors and pharmacies as a result of litigation brought against these companies for their role in the opioid epidemic that has claimed more than half a million lives over the past two decades. Governors, attorneys general, and legislators will face difficult decisions in determining the best use of the funds. The following organizations encourage the use of five guiding principles during this process. Read more
PRINCIPLES FOR THE USE OF FUNDS FROM THE OPOID LITIGATION
Principle 1: Spend money to save lives.
Principle 2: Use evidence to guide spending.
Principle 3: Invest in youth prevention.
Principle 4: Focus on racial equity.
Principle 5: Develop a fair and transparent process for deciding where to spend the funding.