Opioid Settlement

Opioid Settlement Background Information

On August 20, 2021, The Attorney General’s Office joined historic $26 billion multistate settlement agreements with pharmaceutical distributors McKesson, Cardinal Health, and AmerisourceBergen, and opioid manufacturer Johnson & Johnson. This will bring more than $300 million to Counties and Cities across Minnesota. Chisago County's estimated distribution of the settlement is approximately $2.2 million. More information can be found on The Office of Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison’s website Fighting the Opioid Epidemic in Minnesota. 

Chisago County is committed to reducing the negative impacts associated with opioid use disorders by convening key sectors on an Advisory Council. The Opioid Settlement Advisory Council will guide the spending of National Opioid Settlement dollars to save lives and prevent further harm within the community.

According to the Minnesota Opioids State-Subdivision Memorandum of Agreement (MOA), the Public Health departments shall serve as the lead agency and Chief Strategist to identify, collaborate, and respond to local issues as Local Governments decide how to leverage and disburse Opioid Settlement Funds. In their role as Chief Strategist, public health departments will. 

• Convene multi-sector meetings.
• Lead efforts that build upon local efforts like Community Health Assessments and Community Health Improvement Plans
• Foster community focused and collaborative evidence-informed approaches that prevent and address addiction across the areas of public health, human services, and public safety. 
• Consult with municipalities located within their county in the development of any Community Health Assessment
• Collaborate with law enforcement agencies in the county where appropriate.