Washtenaw County awards opioid settlement funding to community-based programs
submitted by Washtenaw County Health Department
The Washtenaw County Board of Commissioners has approved funding awards for multiple community organizations to address harm from the opioid crisis using County opioid settlement funds. Funding awards are for a three-year grant period from October 1, 2025, through September 30, 2028.
“We are thrilled to see these critical dollars getting out the door and into the hands of the organizations doing lifesaving work every day in our community,” says Katie Scott, Chair of the Washtenaw County Board of Commissioners and Commissioner for District 9.
“These funds represent Washtenaw County’s commitment to healing, to prevention, and to creating pathways to recovery for those most impacted by the opioid crisis. I’m proud of the collaborative and equity-driven process that brought us to this moment, and I look forward to the real and lasting impact this funding will have across Washtenaw County.”
The Health Department is leading Washtenaw County’s planning to leverage local opioid settlement funds. The County will receive more than $16 million over the next 18 years to address harm from the ongoing opioid crisis.
“Increasing access to harm reduction tools, treatment, and recovery support saves lives here in Washtenaw County,” says Jimena Loveluck, MSW, health officer with the Washtenaw County Health Department. “We are grateful to our local partners who lead this critical work, and we look forward to seeing how these opioid settlement funds build on the encouraging progress that has been made so far.”
A committee facilitated by the Health Department reviewed and scored the funding proposals. The committee evaluated submissions based on responsiveness, qualifications, relevance of experience, and alignment with the 2024 Community Assessment Report and the Washtenaw County Opioid Settlement Steering Committee’s identified funding categories.
Applications are now being accepted for the Washtenaw County Opioid Settlement Advisory Committee. This committee provides ongoing oversight, ensures transparency, and monitors use of settlement funds. Applications can be submitted online at washtenaw.org/appointments and are due by 5pm on September 4, 2025.
“The Opioid Settlement Advisory Committee will be essential in ensuring our opioid settlement dollars are having a real impact in our community,” says Loveluck. “Community members with lived experience and local substance use, health, public safety, and academic professionals are encouraged to apply.”
This committee will meet virtually for 1 to 2 hours every other month with additional meetings scheduled as needed. Appointments are for a 2-year term. Any questions regarding the committee may be emailed to opioidsettlement@washtenaw.org by August 29, 2025.
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