Commissioners Create a Regional Foundation to Disburse Opioid Crisis Settlement Funds

Hamilton County Commissioners unanimously approved a resolution that creates a regional foundation that will direct million of dollars from the statewide Opioid Settlement to those impacted by the crisis. Last year, Hamilton County entered into a settlement agreement with multiple opioid manufacturers and distributors, resulting in agreed payouts of over $800M to respond to the opioid crisis in Ohio communities. Hamilton County will establish a regional foundation with a broad range of community stakeholders so that funds can be allocated to have the greatest impact.

Per the One Ohio Agreement, funds will flow through a state-level foundation, and regional foundations will make submissions to the state-level foundation proposing how the funds will be allocated in their communities. The list of participants who will comprise Hamilton County’s regional foundation include:

  • Hamilton County Commissioners
  • Two members from the City of Cincinnati (i.e. Mayor, City Council President)
  • Hamilton County Coroner
  • Hamilton County Health Commissioner
  • City of Cincinnati Health Commissioner
  • Hamilton County Mental Health & Recovery Services Board President/CEO
  • Hamilton County Drug Court Judge
  • Hamilton County Sheriff
  • Emergency Management Agency
  • Township Trustee
  • Village Mayor
  • Small City Mayor
  • Two Persons with Lived Experience
  • Educator
  • Mental Health Professional
  • Business Leader
  • Faith Leader
  • Hospital Representative

The State of Ohio has recently provided guidance on the responsibilities of the regional foundation, which include appointing a representative to the State Foundation and submitting funding proposals. The Board of County Commissioners is actively appointing members to the regional foundation to expedite the flow of funds in Hamilton County.

Posted on 02/25/2022