This email blast provides a one-stop-shop for key updates and news tied to work underway to address the opioid crisis in Adams County, supported through the Rocky Mountain Partnership.

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In 2021, Attorney General Phil Weiser and local government leaders unveiled a first-of-its-kind joint framework for distributing funds Colorado stands to receive from litigation settlements reached with companies who fueled the opioid crisis. For more information on the joint framework and litigation settlement click HERE.

Adams County is one of 19 regions across Colorado that was allocated litigation settlement funds. The Rocky Mountain Partnership (RMP) is supporting the Adams County region to address issues impacting the community as a result of the opioid epidemic as the facilitator of the Adams County Opioid Council.

The Adams County Opioid Council first reviewed 13 applications for the first round of funding on February 22nd. After receiving clarifying information from several applicants, they reconvened on March 8th and made decisions on how to award $2.9 million for this first round of the Adams County Opioid Abatement Grant.

What's Next?

• All applicants will be receiving an email next week with an update on the Council's decisions, including detailed feedback on the application and rationale for the decision made
• Adams County Government is the fiscal agent over these funds and so the Council's decisions will go to the Adams County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) to confirm. It is anticipated this will happen end of March/early April
• After the BOCC confirmation the awardees will be officially announced

To learn more about this grant click the button below.

Below you'll find local, state, and national news and resources related to this work.

Second phase of overdose prevention centers bill approved by Colorado House

After a marathon legislative session, the Colorado House of Representatives voted to approve the second phase of a bill that would allow overdose prevention centers in cities across the state.

Representatives started debate on phase two of House Bill 1202 at around midnight and it lasted until daybreak on Friday. The measure now moves on to the state Senate after two amendments to it were voted on and approved.

Click the button to learn more.



As drug deaths soar, experts urge expanded access to methadone

Bipartisan bills were reintroduced in both chambers of Congress late last week that would allow patients seeking treatment to get methadone at local pharmacies with a prescription from a doctor specializing in addiction, in addition to from federally regulated clinics.

Proponents of the measures say methadone is proven to help wean people off more dangerous street drugs, yet remains frustratingly difficult to get — even amid an opioid crisis claiming nearly 300 lives each day.

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Check Out State Legislation Impacting This Work

Over 460 bills have been introduced since the kickoff of the state legislative session.

The RMP Backbone Team is keeping an eye on legislation impacting the network's shared goals through our state legislative tracker.

Click the button to view RMP's state legislative tracker.