Summary:

In this episode, Evan Done discusses the opioid litigation funds and their implications for recovery and community support. He shares insights on the role of USARA, the importance of personal experiences in advocacy, and the challenges of fund allocation. The conversation emphasizes the need for community engagement, the impact of housing on recovery, and the importance of treating substance use as a health crisis rather than a legal issue. Evan calls for action and involvement from listeners to ensure that funds are used effectively to support those affected by the opioid crisis.

Takeaways:

• The opioid crisis is a pressing public health issue.
• USARA provides free recovery support services across Utah.
• Community engagement is crucial for effective allocation of funds.
• Personal experiences shape advocacy and policy decisions.
• The opioid litigation funds are intended to make amends for past harms.
• Housing stability is critical for recovery success.
• Opioid task forces can guide the use of settlement funds.
• Not all counties are utilizing funds effectively.
• Advocacy can help ensure funds are used for direct support.
• Recovery is possible with the right resources and support.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Opioid Litigation Funds
05:40 Evan's Journey and USARA's Impact
11:34 The Role of Advocacy in Recovery
17:20 Understanding the Opioid Crisis
24:31 Distribution of Settlement Funds
30:46 The Impact of Personal Experiences on Recovery
36:39 Allocation of Settlement Funds and Legislative Challenges
44:41 Evaluating Specific County Projects and Their Effectiveness
52:26 Limitations of Funding and the Need for New Programs
01:03:07 Challenging Stigmas in Naloxone Distribution
01:08:52 Innovative Programs Supporting Recovery
01:14:00 Medication-Assisted Treatment in Jails
01:24:08 Utah's Progress in Addressing Substance Abuse
01:30:33 Call to Action for Community Engagement

Resource Website:

https://nashp.org/state-tracker/state-opioid-settlement-spending-decisions/