Welcome to the first issue of the Opioid Abatement Newsletter!


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.

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

WHAT IS THIS EFFORT? 

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.

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UPDATES ON THE WORK

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

Voting Council Members Confirmed

Nine voting members and five alternates have been confirmed to the Adams County Opioid Regional Council.


This council is responsible for distributing funding from state litigation settlement dollars.

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Two Year Plan Development Underway

Work is underway by the Adams County Opioid Regional Council to develop its Two Year Plan (as required by the Attorney General's Office).


View the detailed timeline for the development of this plan by clicking the button below.

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A Subcommittee is Working to Develop Opioid Crisis Logic Model

This Subcommittee has met twice and is working to develop a Logic Model that illustrates how different strategies, whether they be leveraging existing programs and resources or creating new ones, could lead to better outcomes related to the crisis. 

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Subcommittee Forms to Draft Funding Allocations

The Adams County Opioid Regional Council's Draft Allocation Subcommittee will meet on Tuesday, October 4 to draft recommendations for what percent of litigation settlement funds could be allocated to the five primary service areas outlined by the Attorney General's Office in 2023.

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Intergovernmental Agreements Being Signed 

As part of establishing norms and best practices, the Regional Council has elected to adopt an Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) to be signed by all municipalities in Region 8 (Adams County).


All the Municipalities in Adams County signed the state MOU for the distribution of opioid funds and are considered "participating local governments" within Region 8. 


The council is asking that all municipalities return the IGA by November 4, 2022. 

ACTION YOU CAN TAKE

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

Share Your Thoughts on Current Needs and Gaps in Adams County

The Adams County Opioid Regional Council wants to hear from service providers and community members with lived experience to better understand:


  • What services and programs are available
  • What are the current needs and gaps around the opioid crisis
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Share the 'Gaps and Needs' Survey with Your Network

Need talking points, language, and graphics to help you share this survey with practitioners and community members in your network? Check out RMP's communications toolkit for sharing this survey by clicking the button below.

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RSVP for the 2022 State of the Rocky Mountain Partnership Event

The RMP Community Leaders CouncilBackbone 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.

RSVP

UPCOMING SESSIONS 

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

Draft Allocation Subcommittee Meeting

Date: Thursday, October 4, 2022

Time: 12:00 -2:00 PM

Location: Zoom


What Will Be Accomplished? 

The Adams County Opioid Regional Council’s Draft Allocation Subcommittee will draft recommendations for what percent of litigation settlement funds could be allocated to the five primary service areas outlined by the Attorney General's Office in 2023.

Learn More

Regional Council Meeting #3

Date: Thursday, October 20, 2022

Time: 10:00 -11:30 AM

Location: Community Reach Center


What Will Be Accomplished? 

Voting members will reach consensus on the allocation amounts for the first year of funding. This is what is required by the Attorney General's Office.


Any interested stakeholders may attend - it is open to the public!

RSVP

NEWS AND RESOURCES

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

Behavioral Health Administration Releases Plan to Strengthen Colorado's Behavioral Health Workforce

On September 1, 2022, the Behavioral Health Administration (BHA) released Strengthening the Behavioral Health Workforce in Colorado: An Approach to Community Partnership, a strategic plan to strengthen the behavioral workforce in Colorado to ensure we have a behavioral health system that offers accessible, meaningful, and trusted services.


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Adams County Health Department's Division of Health Equity and Strategic Initiatives Hiring

The Adams County Health Department's Division of Health Equity and Strategic Initiatives is hiring for three new positions instrumental to public health policy and prevention within Adams County: Health Equity and Community Engagement Manager; Community Health Promotion Manager; Public Health Policy and Public Affairs Senior Advisor.

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