City Council to vote on opioid settlement awards for Community Missions, Youth Alliance and more
ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) -- The latest round of opioid settlement funds for seven different groups could be awarded pending approval at tonight's City Council meeting.
Monday's agenda includes a three-party contract agreement between the city, Buchanan County, and groups selected for opioid settlement funds in 2025, the second round of funding since awards began last year.
A total of $125,600 will be awarded in 2025, $84,000 from the city and $41,600 from the county. Approximately $156,000 was awarded in 2024.
St. Joseph and Buchanan County received roughly $2 million in opioid settlement funds as part of a massive $26 billion settlement in 2021 following lawsuits from dozens of states against the country's top opioid manufacturers.
Groups selected to receive funding include:
- Community Missions
- Buchanan County Sheriff's Office
- Samaritan Center
- St. Joseph Youth Alliance
- St. Joseph Metro Treatment Center
- Alano Club of St. Joseph
- Mid-City Excellence (MCE) Community Learning Center
Awards are given to groups that prioritize treatment, education or prevention of opioid/substance abuse. To receive funds, applications must be submitted each year and reviewed by the Opioid Settlement Review Board, which is made up of representatives from the fields of law enforcement, health, education and local government.
