Colorado awards $11 million in opioid settlement funds for treatment and recovery

DENVER — The Colorado Opioid Abatement Council has awarded $11 million to 24 organizations and local governments to expand treatment, recovery and prevention services statewide.

The funding comes from more than $912 million in opioid settlement dollars secured by the state from drug manufacturers and distributors. The awards are part of the 10% of funds set aside for infrastructure under a state and local agreement.

The fourth round of funding drew 54 applications totaling $39.9 million, with demand exceeding available funds by nearly 4 to 1. Projects selected span 15 of the state’s 19 opioid regions and serve 44 counties, with some programs operating statewide.

“This round made clear just how urgent the need remains,” said Phil Weiser, Colorado Attorney General. “Demand for funding far exceeded the available dollars.”

Grant recipients include regional opioid councils, local governments, higher education and state agencies. Among them are the Southwest Colorado Opioid Regional Council, Northwest Colorado Opioid Response Council, Region 4 Opioid Council and Southeast Colorado Opioid Regional Council, which will expand recovery housing, peer support and rural services.

Other recipients include the University of Colorado Denver, University of Colorado Boulder and University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, which will support addiction care, prevention and statewide data systems.

State and local agencies receiving funds include the Colorado Behavioral Health Administration, Colorado Department of Early Childhood and Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, along with the cities of Alamosa and Rifle and Chaffee County.

Health care and nonprofit partners include Children’s Hospital Colorado, Denver Health and Hospital Authority, the Colorado Coalition for the Homeless and the Boys and Girls Clubs of the San Luis Valley, among others.

Funding will support new facilities and expanded services, including treatment, recovery support, prevention and harm reduction. Many projects focus on rural and underserved communities and include services such as housing, transportation and childcare to improve access to care.

Once finalized, total infrastructure investments from the settlement funds will reach $20.4 million.