The Region 16 Opioid Abatement Council directs opioid settlement funds with a focus on accountability and responsible stewardship to prevent substance misuse, support youth and families affected by substance misuse, expand access to treatment and recovery services, and strengthen coordinated, data-informed systems that improve long-term community health and safety across Teller and El Paso Counties.
A region with coordinated, accountable systems that protect public health and safety, prevent substance misuse, and ensure individuals struggling with substance misuse have access to effective services, so every individual can overcome addiction, reclaim their lives, and thrive with dignity and purpose.
El Paso County
Teller County
In 2020 and 2021, nationwide settlements were reached with Johnson & Johnson and the nation’s three largest drug distribution companies to resolve claims by state and local governments that these companies contributed to the opioid epidemic.
In August 2021, the Colorado Attorney General and local government leaders agreed to a joint framework for distributing the funds Colorado stands to receive from litigation settlements. All 64 counties and most municipalities signed onto the Colorado Opioids Summary Memorandum of Understanding, which established how opioid funds are divided and distributed within the State of Colorado.
Additional settlements continue to be reached, providing more funding for distribution. Settlement funds are required to be used for opioid abatement through approved prevention, treatment, recovery, and related abatement strategies.
The settlements are distributed according to a formula outlined in the Colorado Opioids Summary Memorandum of Understanding:
The Region 16 Opioid Abatement Council is comprised of the following voting members:
Non-voting members: Municipalities who will cycle onto the voting membership in future years.
Current Non-Voting Members:
Non-Voting Community Members:
Support Staff: