Thank you for your interest in the Greene County Opioid Settlement Program (OSP) funds. We appreciate the services you provide to Greene County residents and look forward to reviewing your application. If you need additional assistance or have any questions while completing the application, please call 417-799-1563 or email [email protected] . Please answer every question.
The 2021 and 2022 National Settlements resolved opioid-related lawsuits against major pharmaceutical distributors (McKesson,Cardinal Health, and AmerisourceBergen), manufacturer Janssen Pharmaceuticals (J&J), pharmacy chains (CVS, Walgreens, and Walmart), and manufacturers (Allergan and Teva).
The opioid epidemic has taken an enormous toll on individuals and communities across the nation. More than 24,600 Missourians have lost their lives due to an overdose during the past 20 years. In 2023, 1,948 Missourians died from an overdose; more than 70% of these overdose deaths involved opioids.
Every state in the United States, including Missouri, sued one or more companies that allegedly contributed to the opioid crisis. Many counties, municipalities, and other political subdivisions also sued. A bipartisan committee of state attorneys general has negotiated, and continues to negotiate, national settlements. These settlements only bind political subdivisions that agree to join, and the more subdivisions that join, the more money the state as a whole receives. Missouri and its subdivisions could receive $900 million over 18 years if full settlement participation is achieved. This funding will provide the state with desperately needed resources for opioid abatement and treatment. In 2020, the Missouri General Assembly established the Opioid Addiction Treatment and Recovery Fund to receive settlement payments received by the State of Missouri. In 2021, the state received its initial settlement payment. As of December 2024, settlements continue to be negotiated and finalized by the state and its political subdivisions. Greene County is one of the 98 participating counties in the State of Missouri.
The Greene County OSP funds are intended to combat and recover from the opioid overdose epidemic that has claimed more than half a million lives nationally over the past two decades. By financing projects proposed by Greene County community organizations, these funds will improve the public health and welfare of Greene County residents. Eligible community organizations have the opportunity to apply for funding to provide needed assistance to groups impacted by the opioid epidemic. Approved applicants may be asked to provide an end-of-year report.