Pennsylvania Opioid Trust Board Changes Focus on Addiction Victims

The Pennsylvania Opioid Trust is undergoing changes in its board membership, with Rep. Jim Gregory, who has openly discussed his own struggles with addiction, stepping down after losing his re-election bid. He emphasized the urgency of distributing funds to combat the opioid crisis, as overdose deaths in Pennsylvania have exceeded 5,000 annually. Gregory believes that the state is performing better than others in managing opioid settlement funds, but he acknowledges the need for improved communication between the trust and county governments to ensure effective use of the funds. Despite some delays in project approvals, Gregory noted that the trust is fulfilling its responsibilities, although some counties are preparing to appeal decisions regarding unauthorized spending. He highlighted the importance of local priorities in determining how the settlement money is utilized, pointing out that while counties quickly allocate funds for farmland preservation, they are slower to address opioid-related issues. The Pennsylvania General Assembly is also tasked with deciding how to allocate a portion of the $1 billion from opioid settlements over the next 18 years. With limited session days remaining, there is concern that opportunities to utilize these funds may be lost if decisions are not made promptly. Gregory expressed disappointment over the prospects of his proposed bill to secure funding for opioid treatment and prevention efforts. Ultimately, Gregory stressed the importance of treating opioid settlement funds as a priority, urging local leaders to act decisively to address the ongoing crisis and support affected communities.