Title
Receive a preliminary analysis report in response to Board Referral No. 2022.26 seeking to devise a comprehensive program utilizing the opioid settlement dollars designated for all Monterey County local governments for providing treatment and other services to local communities.
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Board of Supervisors:
a. Receive a preliminary analysis report in response to Board Referral No. 2022.26;
b. Provide direction on a preferred referral processing option:
i. Proceed with completion of referral as outlined in preliminary report;
ii. Proceed with completion of referral based on modifications by Board;
iii. Return to Board with a more comprehensive analysis of referral and anticipated effort for completion; or
iv. Rescind referral.
c. Provide further direction, as appropriate.
PRELIMINARY ANALYSIS:
Background:
On November 22, 2022, Board Referral No. 2022.26 was assigned to the Health Department in anticipation of receipt of National Opioid Settlement Funds to assure there is a comprehensive plan developed for expenditure in accordance with allowable uses included in the Settlement Agreements entered with settling defendants. The largest of these settlement funds are with the “Big 3” opioid distributor defendants-McKesson, Amerisource Bergen, and Cardinal Health-and opioid manufacturer defendant Janssen/Johnson & Johnson. The County of Monterey and most of the eligible cities within the County will be receiving a direct allocation to support implementation of strategies and activities in the areas of prevention, treatment and other strategies including education of first responders; efforts to provide leadership, planning, and coordination; training; and research.
Project Description:
The Health Department will develop a Comprehensive Strategy and Plan to address opioid misuse and impact on our county residents and systems. Department staff have been meeting with representatives from Monterey County Prescribe Safe Coalition to discuss opportunities for investment based on data trends, current services and interventions available in our community, and other available funding opportunities. Additionally, initial outreach has commenced to the cities eligible to receive direct allocation (City of King, City of Marina, City of Monterey, City of Soledad, City of Salinas and the City of Greenfield, all of whom elected to receive direct allocation, except for City of Greenfield, which determined to have its allocation received by the County). Staff plan on convening stakeholders in early January 2023 to discuss priorities for investment to address impacts of opioid misuse in our county and develop the Comprehensive Strategy and Plan.
Estimated Project Cost:
Department staff will work with partners to identify estimated project cost and provide an estimate to the Board of Supervisors at its update to this Referral No. 2022.26 on February 7, 2023.
Staffing Level Estimate:
Department staff will provide a staffing level estimate to the Board of Supervisors at its update to this Referral No. 2022.26 on February 7, 2023.
Departmental Challenges:
As some local city jurisdictions elected to receive funds directly, coordinating with these entities will be critical to assure maximization of settlement funds. The Department will coordinate meetings with staff from the jurisdictions eligible for a direct allocation (thus far, cities with populations over 10,000: City of King, City of Marina, City of Monterey, City of Soledad, City of Salinas, and City of Greenfield), and with jurisdictions not eligible for direct allocation (cities with populations 10,000 or under) to gauge priorities, review current investments and programming, and coordinate strategies and implementation efforts to maximize anticipated funds.
The level of Settlement funding may be insufficient in meeting the needs of the community to combat the impacts from opioid misuse on individuals, families, the community and service providers.
Proposed Response Date:
Department staff will return to the Board of Supervisors with a Draft Implementation Plan for expenditure of anticipated Opioid Settlement Funds on February 7, 2023.
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS STRATEGIC INITIATIVES:
This recommendation advances the Board of Supervisors Health and Human Services Strategic Initiative and supports these key objectives: Reduce regional, and socio-economic inequities in health outcomes; and improve health outcomes through health and wellness promotion and access to top-quality healthcare.
Check the related Board of Supervisors Strategic Initiatives:
☐Economic Development:
• Through collaboration, strengthen economic development to ensure a diversified and healthy economy.
☐Administration:
• Promote an organization that practices efficient and effective resource management and is recognized for responsiveness, strong customer orientation, accountability and transparency.
☒Health & Human Services:
• Improve health and quality of life through County supported policies, programs, and services; promoting access to equitable opportunities for healthy choices and healthy environments in collaboration with communities.
☐Infrastructure:
• Plan and develop a sustainable, physical infrastructure that improves the quality of life for County residents and supports economic development results.
☐Public Safety:
• Create a safe environment for people to achieve their potential, leading businesses and communities to thrive and grow by reducing violent crimes as well as crimes in general.
Prepared by: Elsa M. Jimenez, Director of Health, 755-4526
Approved by:
______________________________Date:_________
Charles McKee, County Administrative Officer, 755-5312
Attachments:
Board Report
Board Referral No. 2022.26