Washoe Opioid Abatement and Recovery Fund
Washoe 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.
The 2026-2027 WOARF Funding Plan outlines five new and two continued priority recommendations for funding.
Continued
- 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.
New
- Conduct targeted outreach to disconnected communities to connect people to existing resources, coordinate care, and provide navigation support throughout the continuum of care
- Expand housing services to support people with OUD across the continuum of use that include comprehensive wrap-around and tenancy supports
- Evaluate the effectiveness and outcomes of existing programs and services for people who use substances
- Provide mobile health care clinics that include comprehensive health and dental care for people who use or are at risk of using opioids
- Create peer-led mental health supports to prevent burnout among peer workers, providers, and professionals working in the field
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.