R2023-12 Resolution Authorizing Approval of Proposal from Crossing Healthcare and Heriage Behavioral Health Center for Use of Opioid Settlement Funds

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victims and survivors of addiction have transitioned from dependence on pharmaceutical opioids to street heroin," said Illinois Attorney General Dwayne Raoul. The Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) will distribute the portion of the funds coming to the State equitably,based on recommendations from an advisory board, chaired by the State's Chief Behavioral Health Officer and made up of State and local appointees. The funding is expected to support critical recovery and treatment programs throughout the state. "There are countless communities across the state that have been touched by the opioid crisis. This funds from this settlement allow the agency's Division on Substance Use Prevention and Recovery to provide treatment for those struggling with opioid addiction,"said Illinois Department of Human Services Secretary Grace S. Hou. The companies were sued for their role in creating and fueling the nationwide opioid epidemic. Remediation monies coming from the distributor/Johnson&Johnson settlement,the Mallinckrodt bankruptcy plan, and other potential future settlements or judgments,will be administered through the Executive Order for the Administration of Settlement Proceeds and the establishment of IDHS Office of Opioid Settlement Administration (OOSA). The OOSA will reside in the IDHS Division of Substance Use, Prevention and Recovery and a Statewide Opioid Settlement Administrator (SOSA) will be appointed. The SOSA will ensure (i) opioid remediation funds align with the State Overdose Action Plan (SOAP) and (2) are used equitably to fund recovery and treatment programs in the counties and municipalities with the most urgent need. The historic $26 billion-settlement marks the culmination of three years of negotiations to resolve more than 4,000 claims of state and local governments across the country. It is the second largest multistate agreement in U.S. history, second only to the Tobacco Master Settlement Agreement. Illinois is one of 52 states and territories that have joined the settlement, along with thousands of local governments across the country. In Illinois, 94 out of 102 counties have signed onto the settlement. In addition, 104 out of 113 Illinois municipalities that are eligible to receive a direct distribution from the settlements have joined. In total, more than 290 Illinois government subdivisions have joined the settlements. Because Attorney General Raoul's office was able to produce a significant percentage of government subdivisions' participation, Illinois is eligible to receive its full share of approximately $76o million. "The opioid epidemic has too often torn families and communities apart, and together we must take real action to help those struggling with addiction receive the proper care they deserve," State Rep. Deborah Conroy (D-Villa Park) said. "This settlement is a historic opportunity to invest critically-needed resources in communities that need help now. This funding will help save lives."