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Charleston, West Virginia — The Kanawha County Commission will begin accepting applications from established programs for the Opioid Settlement Fund next month.
Commissioners said their goal is to be as transparent as possible when awarding these funds. They will not hold executive meetings on distributing opioid funds.
The county will collect nearly $7 million over the next 10 years. In the first year, Kanawha County will receive approximately $425,000 in revenue. In subsequent years, funding will range from $200,000 to approximately $600,000 each year.
“We look forward to expanding many great programs with the Opioid Settlement Fund,” Kanawha County Commission Chairman Lance Wheeler said. “Investing in the improvement of our community has always been, and will continue to be, a top priority for this commission.”
The memorandum authorizes direct payments, along with an allocation from the West Virginia First Foundation, which is tasked with distributing funds from opioid settlements to West Virginia counties and cities. The memorandum states that there are specific uses of the funds that require approval. Examples include treating and preventing misuse of opioid use disorder, expanding care for pregnant and postpartum women, and expanding care for people who are incarcerated.
“We’ve been working toward this day for a long time,” Commissioner Kent Carper said. “If the programs supported by these funds can save even one person from the effects of the opioid epidemic, it will be worth it.”
The commission can accept applications for up to $250,000, but funding is limited due to the amount of funding the county has received to date. Applicants are asked to provide general information about the project’s schedule, budget, and organization at the time of application. In addition, applicants are asked to include significant business results, cash flow statements, and two years of audits.
“Through the allocation of these funds, we have the opportunity to make a positive difference for people suffering from opioid use disorder,” added Secretary Ben Salango.
Qualified applicants will be asked to apply online at kanawha.us once applications are open. On the left side of the home page, there is an option called “Opioid Settlement Fund Application.” It is also possible to apply by mail.
Chairman Wheeler said organizations considered to have established programs would be given priority consideration over start-up companies. He said he will be careful about who he screens in the application process.
“We need to give it our all,” Wheeler said. “This is one-time money.”
During Thursday’s meeting. The committee proceeded with a plan to place all requests on the public agenda.
“We will have a public agenda with a public meeting and public vote,” Wheeler said.
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