Opioid-related court settlements could reach
100s of millions of dollars in Virginia

Last year, the Opioid Abatement Authority was established as an independent body to distribute all funds from these settlements for efforts to treat, prevent, and reduce opioid use in the Commonwealth.

An 11-member Board consisting of lawmakers, public health and safety officials, behavioral health experts, and only one individual representing the addiction and recovery community was created to authorize expenditures that support this mission.

With only one member representing the addiction and recovery community, this is a missed opportunity for the Board to benefit from the lived-experience of those on the frontlines of the opioid crisis!

HB 1211 will expand the Board to 15 members - where 5 members - or one-third of the Board - is composed of individuals representing the addiction and recovery community.

The Opioid Abatement Authority was created to serve Virginians most impacted by the opioid crisis. Individuals directly impacted have a unique understanding of the crisis. This bill recognizes and values the unique perspective of these individuals in the decision-making process for distribution of these funds.

It just makes sense that those impacted most should have a greater say at how these funds are distributed!

Tell members of the House Health, Welfare, and Institutions Subcommittee to Support HB 1211.