Allegheny, Iowa Allocate $76M Opioid Settlement Funds for Treatment, Prevention

Allegheny County is utilizing a $20 million opioid settlement fund to implement community-focused strategies aimed at addressing the opioid crisis with transparency and compassion. County officials, including Executive Sara Innamorato and Human Services Director Erin Dalton, emphasized investments in medication-assisted treatment, support within the county jail, and supportive housing to fill critical treatment gaps identified by the community. Preliminary data indicate a significant decline in overdose deaths since the 2017 peak. Similarly, Iowa lawmakers have agreed to allocate $56 million in opioid settlement funds after years of delay, dividing the money between health departments and the Attorney General’s office to support prevention, treatment, and recovery efforts. Iowa’s approach includes coordination with local behavioral health districts to avoid duplication of services, addressing immediate needs and expanding successful programs. Both regions highlight ongoing efforts to strategically deploy opioid settlement funds to combat the epidemic through evidence-based, community-informed initiatives.