This newsletter provides a one-stop-shop for key updates, action needed, and news and resources tied to the 'Addressing the Opioid Crisis' effort in Adams County, supported through the Rocky Mountain Partnership.

This includes the opportunity to provide input on the draft scoring matrix and application for the first round of funding. Scroll down for more information on how to share your feedback!

Please note: Some email providers may clip the content at the bottom of this email due to its length. Click the link below to view the full email in your browser.

View Full Newsletter HERE

Attorney General Phil Weiser and local government leaders unveiled a first-of-its-kind joint framework for distributing statewide over $400 million that Colorado stands to receive from litigation settlements reached with companies who fueled the opioid crisis. The joint framework’s three core principles are to maximize settlement funds for Colorado communities, utilize existing infrastructure to the extent possible, and ensure regions hardest hit by the crisis get adequate funding. 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 in alignment with a state-wide joint framework and ensuring funding from these settlements are invested in the region in a way that will have the most impact.

Below you will find key updates on regional work underway to address the opioid crisis.

At the October 20th meeting, the Regional Council ratified the decision on Adams County as the fiscal agent for the region (Region 8).

View the full meeting synthesis from the October 20th meeting, which includes information about what it means to be the fiscal agent, by clicking the button below.

Thee Adams County Opioid Regional Council met on October 20th, 2023 and reached consensus on the allocation amounts for the first year of funding (also referred to as the Two Year Plan- even though it is only for one year!). The Colorado Opioid Abatement Council (COAC) approved the request in November.

These allocations and approval from COAC were required in order for the fiscal agent (Adams County Government) to receive the funds and distribute them.

For a detailed dive into what goes into each of these categories, as well as the rationale behind how these allocations were determined, click the button below.

At their November 14th meeting, the Adams County Opioid Regional Council confirmed the process and timeline to get funds out the door. They have also provided input to the elements that will be included in the application as well as the scoring matrix that will be used to vet proposals.

Next Steps:



• November 21st - December 2nd: Community input will be open via survey on the draft application and scoring matrix.

• December 12th: The Council will finalize the application and scoring matrix, informed by community input.

View more information about the process and timeline by clicking the button below.

The Adams County Opioid Regional Council established two subcommittees to dig deeper into identified needs:

• Target Setting Subcommittee will draft the initial target(s) (potentially a 5 year target related to opioid related overdose deaths) that the Regional Council will be working towards

• Capital Projects Subcommittee will explore capital projects that fill major gaps in services and strategize how to distribute funding from multiple sources to support them. They will first focus on the need for a youth residential treatment center in the region.

View more information, including who is represented on each subcommittee, by clicking the button below.

Below you will find action you can take to advance regional work underway to address the opioid crisis.

The RMP Team will be gathering community input on the application and the scoring matrix that will be used to vet proposals via a survey.

The survey for community input will be open until December 2nd, 2022.

The RMP Community Leaders Council, Backbone Board of Directors, and Team cordially invite you to RSVP for the Annual State of the Partnership Event on Wednesday, November 30 at 2:00 PM at Parson's Theatre.

Below you will find a upcoming meetings and work sessions related to this effort. 

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

Front Range Community College Offers 11 Health Care Programs at Zero Cost to Learners

Coloradans who want a new career in health care can now complete one eleven certificate programs at Front Range Community College, all at no cost thanks to the Care Forward Colorado program.

Health care jobs are some of the fastest-growing in the RMP region, and in the state. In a year or less, community members can learn the skills they need to start working in one of these high-growth careers.

Signal Offering Scholarships for Certification in Addiction Careers



Signal Behavioral Health Network has partnered with training organizations across the state to provide scholarships for learners seeking certification as a Certified Addiction Technician, Certified Addiction Specialist, or Licensed Addiction Counselor.