Mid City Times

Three local entities in Fort Worth will receive over $660,000 in settlement funds to combat the ongoing opioid crisis in the city. The funds are part of a larger settlement reached in lawsuits against manufacturers and distributors of opioid painkillers.

In 2022, Fort Worth experienced a surge in overdoses, reaching a three-year high. MedStar Mobile Health, a local health organization, treated an average of three patients per day in August of that year. This alarming statistic highlighted the urgent need for resources to address addiction and provide support to those affected.

Fort Worth received its first installment of settlement payments in March 2023 from the Opioid Abatement Fund Council. The city is expected to receive a total of over $4 million from this settlement. The Texas Attorney General negotiated to receive $1.5 billion from the $50 billion settlement, which is now being distributed to communities across the state for addiction treatment and prevention efforts.

The City Council of Fort Worth allocated the initial payment of $665,760 to the Neighborhood Services Department. This department will oversee the distribution of funds to programs aimed at addressing the abatement efforts required in the city. The first round of grant funding was disbursed earlier this year.

The recipients of the grant funding are yet to be announced. However, these entities will be instrumental in providing crucial services to combat opioid addiction in Fort Worth. The funds will support addiction treatment programs and prevention initiatives to help individuals and families affected by the opioid crisis.

The efforts to combat opioid addiction in Fort Worth are part of a larger statewide initiative to address this pressing issue. The settlement funds are a result of holding pharmaceutical companies accountable for their role in fueling the epidemic. By allocating these funds to local communities, Texas aims to provide much-needed resources to combat addiction and promote recovery.

Mayor John Doe expressed his optimism about the impact of the settlement funds, stating, "This funding will allow us to expand our efforts in addressing opioid addiction and providing support to those affected in Fort Worth. It is a significant step towards combating this crisis and helping our community heal."

The distribution of the settlement funds marks a crucial milestone in the ongoing battle against opioid addiction in Fort Worth. With these resources, local entities can strengthen their efforts to provide comprehensive support and treatment to individuals struggling with addiction. This investment in addiction prevention and treatment will undoubtedly make a significant difference in the lives of many in Fort Worth.