Navigating the Complexities of Opioid Abatement Funds
The opioid crisis has devastated individuals, families, and communities across the country. Following historic lawsuits against opioid manufacturers, distributors, and pharmacies for their role in fueling the crisis, states and municipalities have begun receiving settlement funds—also referred to as abatement funds—to address the harms caused by opioids. While these funds present an extraordinary opportunity, state and local governments may face challenges engaging their communities, collecting data, designing and implementing strategies, and evaluating the effectiveness of funded interventions.
For over 35 years, AHP has been improving health and human services systems of care for public and private partners to help organizations and individuals reach their full potential. Our consulting, technical assistance, research and evaluation, and administrative services are tailored to support our clients’ vision.
Advocates for Human Potential, Inc. (AHP) helps local, county, and state agencies develop and implement thoughtful and strategic plans to effectively use the funds to match the community needs. Our multidisciplinary teams include subject-matter experts with a broad range of public and behavioral health specialties and work together with local partners and those with lived experience to support the best possible outcomes for the individuals and families affected by the opioid crisis.
Solutions Designed for You and Your Community
AHP uses evidence-based and community-informed solutions to equip and support states and communities looking to make the most of their opioid abatement funds. We do this through a variety of means, including the following:
- Data collection and community engagement through surveys, interviews and focus groups with those closest to the problem; analysis to determine feasible and effective strategies to implement with your funding
- Technical assistance and training to help you build and strengthen your planning and decision-making infrastructure and guide your strategy implementation
- Stakeholder outreach and engagement, including building and managing websites and dashboards, developing notices of funding opportunities, sharing program success, and supporting other administrative and communication needs
- Policy interpretation and compliance in alignment with state-approved abatement strategies, regulations, and allocation agreements
- Success tracking and evaluation to assess abatement investments and inform future response efforts
We Believe in Positive, Long-Term Outcomes
AHP leverages experts from communities facing this crisis around the country, enabling us to develop an inside perspective and better understanding of the unique needs faced by each community. Our goal is to pull up a chair and prepare to execute boots-on-the-ground work with you.
AHP has been involved in opioid abatement fund efforts since the first settlement award was announced. We have partnered with changemakers across the country, at both the state and local level, to support assessment, planning, implementation, administration, and evaluation of abatement funding.
Massachusetts, Opioid Abatement Strategic Planning
AHP is working in several communities across Massachusetts to provide opioid abatement fund needs assessment and strategic planning services. This work includes conducting in-depth, mixed-methods needs assessment and data analysis followed by strategic planning in conjunction with local partners to review, refine, and launch implementation plans for selected strategies.
Illinois Regional Care Coordination Agency (RCCA)
AHP serves as the administrative entity for the Illinois RCCA. We support this agency in its three primary functions: subaward administration, management of the Illinois Opioid Settlements Initiative website and dashboards, and coordination of seven regional opioid advisory coalitions.
The Need is Now
While the risk of overdose fatalities is persisting, navigating the processes surrounding accessing, utilizing, and tracking opioid abatement funds can be complex and time-consuming. We recognize that states and municipalities are at a critical juncture—balancing the urgency to get abatement funds out into the community while ensuring that a data-informed and thoughtful process guides this resource allocation. AHP’s experience with opioid abatement work uniquely positions us to relieve the pressure by offering you services tailored to your needs.
Our teams of experts are located across the country. We have a personal connection to this work—as people with lived experience, longtime practitioners in the substance use disorder field, and concerned community members. We understand firsthand the importance of this opportunity to remediate harms and repair lives, and we have deep knowledge of the systems that must be navigated to effectively and efficiently access, plan, and disburse these funds.
Navigating the complexities of opioid abatement funds can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone. Reach out to our dedicated team members today to learn how we can help you maximize these funds and make a meaningful impact in your community and your state.
About Us
Advocates for Human Potential, Inc. (AHP) creates powerful solutions to improve health and human services systems. By partnering with the federal government, states, municipalities, healthcare systems, and nonprofits, we help people experiencing the greatest disadvantages lead full and productive lives. We are national leaders in training and technical assistance, research and evaluation, publishing, and dedicated consulting. On issues from workforce development to mental health, substance use disorders to housing and homelessness, we help our clients enhance behavioral health care through systems change. AHP was founded nearly 40 years ago to develop solutions for some of the biggest social infrastructure challenges across the nation. Our company has offices in metro Boston, Chicago, and Los Angeles. Find out more at www.ahpnet.com.
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