Survey: How Should the Town Use Its Opioid Settlement Funds?

Source: amherstma.gov

How should Amherst use our opioid settlement funds? Take this survey by September 30 to share your thoughts.

The Public Health Department is seeking public input on the use of opioid settlement funds through a new survey. All community members are encouraged to participate in this anonymous survey to provide information about local needs related to opioid use, treatment, and prevention as well as to offer ideas for how the funds could be used to address the impact of opioids in our community. We are especially interested in hearing from those who have been personally affected by the opioid crisis. 

In 2021, Massachusetts reached settlement agreements with several opioid manufacturers, distributors, and pharmacies regarding their role in enabling the overdose epidemic. The commonwealth will be allocating settlement funds to municipalities annually through 2039 to strengthen opioid response, recovery, and prevention measures. So far, Amherst has received approximately $424,000 and the town is now seeking community feedback to determine how to best spend these funds.  

Complete the survey here: amherstma.gov/opioid-settlement-funds-survey  
The survey is open through September 30.  

Physical copies of this survey are also available at the Amherst Public Health Department in the Bangs Community Center (70 Boltwood Walk), which is open Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Completed surveys can be returned to the Public Health Department or by mail. 

“The opioid epidemic has contributed to a tragic loss of life in the region and continues to affect many individuals in our community,” said Public Health Director Kiko Malin. “Our goal is to spend the funds in a way that is aligned with the needs of the community that has been most affected by the crisis – people who use drugs or who are in recovery, their friends, families and loved ones. We need input from those who have been most affected so we can design and fund strategies that will mitigate current and future harms, reduce stigma and facilitate a supportive, community-engaged response to the opioid epidemic.” 

Future opportunities for community input may include listening sessions and community forums. If you are interested in participating in these activities, please contact the Public Health Department by emailing publichealth@amherstma.gov or calling 413-259-3077. 

Learn more about the Town of Amherst’s Opioid Settlement Funds.