Letter: Proposals sought for funding from opioid settlement
Published 8:57 pm Tuesday, February 4, 2025
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I am writing to inform the residents of Freeborn County about an exciting opportunity to address the ongoing opioid crisis in and around our community. Freeborn County has received funds from the national opioid settlement, and we are now seeking proposals for how best to utilize these resources.
The opioid crisis has deeply impacted our county, affecting individuals, families and our community as a whole. These settlement funds offer a crucial opportunity to support evidence-based strategies that prevent addiction, provide treatment and recovery services, and mitigate the harms caused by opioid misuse.
To ensure these funds are used effectively and make the greatest possible impact, Freeborn County is issuing a Request for Proposals (RFP). We invite local organizations, community groups, health care providers and other interested parties to submit proposals outlining their plans for utilizing these funds. We are particularly interested in proposals that focus on:
• Prevention: Programs that educate youth and the community about the dangers of opioid misuse and promote healthy lifestyles.
• Treatment and recovery: Expanding access to medication-assisted treatment, counseling and other support services for individuals struggling with opioid addiction.
• Harm reduction: Strategies that reduce the negative consequences associated with opioid use, such as access to naloxone and safe syringe programs.
• Community support: Initiatives that address the broader impact of the opioid crisis, such as supporting families affected by addiction and providing resources for those in recovery.
We encourage all eligible organizations to apply. The RFP, including detailed guidelines and application instructions, can be found on the Freeborn County Government website under the Public Health Department page: https://www.co.freeborn.mn.us/584/Opioid-Settlement-Fund-Application or call the Public Health Office at 507- 377-5100 to find out more information. You can also email questions directly to opioid@co.freeborn.mn.us.
We believe that by working together, we can make a real difference in addressing the opioid crisis in Freeborn County. We look forward to receiving innovative and impactful proposals that will help us build a healthier and stronger community.
Lana Howe
Educator
Freeborn County Public Health
Coordinator
Statewide Health
Improvement Partnership