December 1, 2023 – The Region 16 Opioid Abatement Council, representing El Paso and Teller Counties, announced today that it has issued a formal Request for Information and Expression of Interest (RFIE) from local entities to fund projects that combat the opioid epidemic. This funding is available as the result of the landmark $26 billion national settlement with manufacturers of prescription opioids and major pharmaceutical distributors.
The region is set to receive $66,016,912 in opioid settlement funding to address gaps and opportunities in prevention, treatment, and recovery services for people with opioid use disorder (OUD) as well as other co-occurring substance use disorders (SUDs) and mental illnesses in the region. The funding will be distributed in phases over the next 17 years. In this first phase, the 14-member Council, with input from non-voting members, will distribute $4,498,650 to fund the following types of programs:
● Youth Prevention – $1,730,250
● Community Prevention Education and Awareness – $692,100
● MAT/MOUD – $354,701
● Recovery Supports and Transitions – $1,384,200
● Family Advocates – $337,398
In 2022, 133 individuals died from opioid overdose in El Paso and Teller, nearly doubling the number of fatalities in motor vehicle accidents during the same period. This statistic underscores the need to involve community organizations in developing targeted initiatives that address the multifaceted aspects of the opioid epidemic.
“The Region 16 Opioid Abatement Council is committed to ensuring these dollars are used to get help directly to people who need it most in Teller and El Paso Counties,” said Michael Allen, District Attorney for the 4th Judicial District and Region 16 ROAC Chair. “These funds represent a significant opportunity to support innovative ideas to combat the opioid epidemic at the local level, and we encourage all eligible organizations to apply.”
Interested parties are invited to submit applications through Bidnet Direct by January 31st, 2024. All questions pertaining to the solicitation may be directed to the El Paso County Contracts and Procurement Manager, Traci Gorman, at TraciGorman@elpasoco.com.