Tompkins County Opioid Task Force asking for input on how to spend settlement money

ITHACA, N.Y. (WHCU) – Leaders in Tompkins County want to hear how people think they should spend opioid settlement money.

An Opioid Task Force was created after learning the county would be receiving a $700,000 settlement from drug companies that played a part in the opioid crisis. The task force is made up elected officials, public health practitioners, and community members with lived experience to determine the best and broadest steps to address the epidemic in Tompkins County.

“Drugmakers have been draining resources from our community for years,” said Legislator and Task Force Co-Chair, Travis Brooks. “This is a chance to use some of their profits for good, we can stem the tide of what these drugs are doing to people in our community. I look forward to hearing what your priorities are in using these funds, and the impact that we’ll be able to make by spending them with local organizations.”

The Opioid Task Force has released a public survey that will help them determine how to distribute the funding. Officials expect the money will be granted to several community partners with interest in curbing harm from opioids in the community.

“We’ve seen the number of overdoses and drug-related deaths rise steadily in Tompkins County over the past five-plus years,” said Tompkins County Whole Health Commissioner Frank Kruppa. “We have to find new and innovative ways to reduce harm and invest in our communities. This is a chance to do that. Please take the time to share and fill out our survey-it will help us determine the best ways to spend these funds and make a difference on this issue of opioid addiction and overdoses.”

Taskforce members include: