The approved spending builds on previous efforts by expanding programs like recovery coaching and jail-based treatment.
Kent County Health Department Epidemiologist Sydney Resler say s a collaboration with Michigan State University helped shape strategy for this round.
“They conducted a substance use community needs assessment in Kent County and helped identify some areas of growth - spheres of focus - that we can really tune into for this spend plan.”
The plan targets resources in key areas: 14% to prevention, 10% to harm reduction, 30% to treatment, 32% to recovery, and 14% to cross-sectional initiatives.
Resler notes overall drug and opioid deaths in Kent County have dropped annually since 2021.
“More access to treatment and recovery programs, or access to naloxone, and bringing down barriers and breaking down stigma is a big part of that reduction.”
Kent County expects over $19 million in opioid settlement payments through 2038, with $8 million received so far.
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