Washoe Opioid Abatement and Recovery Fund

White prescription pillsWashoe County collaborated with the State of Nevada and other jurisdictions across the state to litigate against pharmaceutical companies and other distributors of opioids that played a role in the opioid epidemic. Through this partnership, under the One Nevada Agreement, Washoe County will receive approximately $41 million over the next 20 years to address the opioid epidemic through evidence-based, strategic initiatives in alignment with community needs. Washoe County will utilize the funds to coordinate regional efforts and collaboration to address the needs identified during the needs assessment process. 


2023-2025 Top 5 Priorities: 

  • Ensure funding for the array of opioid use disorder treatment services for uninsured and underinsured Washoe county residents. 
  • Initiating buprenorphine in the emergency department, as well as during inpatient hospital stays, and care navigators to assist with setting up outpatient resources for continued care and management. 
  • Use a multidisciplinary approach to providing overdose prevention outreach and education, inclusive of under resourced communities, such as BIPOC communities, in a culturally and linguistically appropriate manner (organizations, media, churches). 
  • Implement child welfare best practices for supporting families impacted by substance use. 
  • Increase detoxification and short-term rehabilitation program capacity. 

In pursuit of an equitable approach to the abatement and recovery from opioids, Washoe County will prioritize the following values: [1]

  • Centering the voices of those with lived experience
  • Healing centered and trauma informed 
  • Honoring the multiple pathways to recovery
  • Addressing health disparities and the root causes of opioid use disorder
  • Approaching opioid use and co-occurring mental health disorders from a holistic perspective
  • Culturally based and influenced
  • Transparency
  • Capacity building and technical assistance
  • Sustainability
  • Building stronger communities of care

 

For more information, please see the Washoe Opioid Abatement and Recovery Fund Plan.

 

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