Who’s Getting the Opioid Settlement Funds in Evansville?

Right here in Evansville, we're seeing some real action in tackling the opioid crisis through carefully planned use of settlement funds. Mayor Stephanie Terry recently put forward a solid $1.2 million funding plan aimed at addiction treatment, recovery, and harm reduction programs across our community. For folks throughout the Hoosier state, these funds offer a meaningful opportunity to strengthen local resources and build better support systems for our neighbors and families affected by opioid addiction. Let's take a closer look at where this money is headed and which organizations will be putting it to good use.

Breakdown of the $1.2M Proposal

The current opioid settlement funds proposal in Evansville includes over $1.2 million spread across several critical community needs. According to the Mayor's office, the plan sets aside $940,540.27 in "restricted" funds specifically earmarked for opioid addiction treatment and harm reduction initiatives. On top of that, there's $371,028.44 in "unrestricted" funds that can help with broader community needs beyond direct opioid interventions.

Funding Category	Amount	Primary Purpose
Restricted Funds	$940,540.27	Opioid addiction treatment and harm reduction only
Unrestricted Funds	$371,028.44	Broader community needs related to substance use
Total Allocation	$1,311,568.71	Comprehensive community response

This funding approach ensures that while we're focusing primarily on addressing the immediate impact of the opioid crisis, our community also has the flexibility to tackle related issues that contribute to substance use disorders. Much like how we Hoosiers tend to take a practical approach to solving problems, this allocation aims to create a well-rounded support network that covers both treatment and prevention, maximizing the long-term positive impact for everyone in Evansville.

By channeling these resources to established organizations with proven track records in our community, the proposal builds on existing strengths while expanding capacity to meet growing needs. This no-nonsense approach ensures we're not reinventing the wheel but instead making our current programs even more effective.

Featured Nonprofits

Several key nonprofit organizations in Evansville are set to receive portions of the settlement funding, each bringing their own specialized expertise to different aspects of addiction recovery and support:

• Southwestern Behavioral Healthcare - Providing comprehensive mental health and addiction services with a focus on integrated care that addresses the complex nature of substance use disorders.
• United Caring Services - Offering emergency shelter and supportive services for individuals experiencing homelessness, including those affected by addiction.
• ECHO Housing Corporation - Working to ensure stable housing for vulnerable populations, recognizing that housing security is fundamental to successful recovery.
• Evansville Recovery Alliance - Focusing on harm reduction strategies and peer support services that meet people where they are in their recovery journey.

These organizations are building partnerships that create seamless service delivery for clients throughout southern Indiana. By coordinating their intake processes, referral systems, and follow-up care, they're creating a support network rather than standalone programs. This collaborative spirit – something we value highly in Indiana communities – maximizes the impact of limited resources and helps ensure nobody falls through the cracks.

Each organization brings unique strengths to the table while sharing the common goal of supporting our fellow Hoosiers affected by the opioid crisis. Their combined efforts show how our community comes together when facing tough challenges.

Program Highlights

The settlement funds will support several innovative programs designed to address different aspects of the opioid crisis:

• Expanded Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) - Increasing access to evidence-based treatments that combine medications with counseling and behavioral therapies.
• Mobile Outreach Units - Bringing services directly to underserved neighborhoods and rural areas surrounding Evansville, including communities along the Ohio River.
• Family Support Networks - Creating resources specifically for families affected by a loved one's addiction.
• Harm Reduction Initiatives - Expanding access to naloxone, fentanyl test strips, and education on preventing overdose deaths.

One significant program receiving support is modeled after Indiana's Recovery Works initiative, which has successfully diverted low-level offenders from incarceration to treatment since 2016. This $25 million annual program has shown that treatment is both more humane and more cost-effective than incarceration for individuals with substance use disorders.

Recovery Works has proven that every $1 invested in addiction treatment saves approximately $4 in criminal justice costs, while significantly improving recovery outcomes and reducing recidivism rates in Indiana communities.

These programs take a whole-person approach to recovery, recognizing that substance use disorders affect every aspect of someone's life. By addressing medical needs alongside housing, employment, and social support, these initiatives offer practical pathways to lasting recovery – something we in the Hoosier state value as we look out for our neighbors.

Next Steps for Approval

The proposed funding allocations now require City Council approval before implementation can begin. The Council is expected to review the proposal during their upcoming sessions, with potential approval anticipated by late summer. If approved, program implementation would begin in phases starting in fall 2023, just as the weather starts to cool off here in southern Indiana.

Evansville residents can get involved with this process in several meaningful ways:

• Attending City Council meetings where the proposals will be discussed
• Contacting Council representatives to express support for the funding
• Volunteering with recipient organizations to strengthen their capacity
• Participating in community forums about addressing the opioid crisis

Looking ahead, Evansville is scheduled to receive additional settlement funds in 2025. These funds will be part of Indiana's $507 million share of the $54 billion federal settlement agreement. The process established now will likely serve as a template for future distributions, making community engagement particularly valuable at this formative stage.

Timeline Phase	Expected Date	Key Activities
Proposal Review	Summer 2023	City Council deliberation and public comment
Approval Decision	Late Summer 2023	Final vote on funding allocations
Implementation Start	Fall 2023	Phased rollout of approved programs
Next Funding Round	2025	Additional settlement funds distribution

For those looking to stay informed about these developments or access current resources for addiction support, the Mayor's office maintains a dedicated information page on the city website, and local organizations offer 24/7 helplines for those in need of immediate assistance. Like many communities along the I-69 corridor, Evansville has been hit hard by the opioid crisis, but these resources are bringing new hope.

As we move forward with these initiatives, our collective support and engagement will be essential to creating lasting positive change in addressing the opioid crisis in Evansville. These settlement funds represent not just financial resources, but an opportunity to strengthen the bonds of compassion and support that make our Indiana community resilient in the face of challenges. It's that Hoosier spirit of neighbors helping neighbors that will ultimately make these programs successful.