DeKalb County to Receive Funds from Tennessee Opioid Lawsuit Settlement

March 27, 2023
By: Dwayne Page

County governments across Tennessee including DeKalb County will be able to help their communities in the ongoing opioid crisis that has affected them in recent years after the state received millions of dollars from lawsuit settlements.

DeKalb County is receiving $119,163 from a trust fund set up by the state.

All 95 Tennessee counties are to receive a share of more than $31.4 million in payments from the Tennessee Opioid Abatement Council, which began processing the direct payments from the Opioid Abatement Trust Fund to county governments last month.

During Monday night’s regular monthly meeting, the county commission officially adopted an opt-in resolution for the county to receive funds from this settlement to be used in combating the growing problem of opioid addiction. The deadline to adopt this resolution is April 18th.

County Mayor Matt Adcock said a committee of stakeholders will be established to recommend to the county commission how the funds should be spent locally with advice from the state. Members of that committee appointed by County Mayor Adcock are Sheriff Patrick Ray, General Sessions Judge Brandon Cox, Jennifer Matthews of the DeKalb Prevention Coalition, Justin Cantrell of Haven of Hope, and Kate Arnold of the Recovery Court along with himself.

The state said the funds are being distributed in accordance with the terms of settlement agreements negotiated by the Tennessee Attorney General. County governments are receiving 35% of the proceeds directly.

“While no amount of money will be enough to completely heal broken communities, funds distributed through the Opioid Abatement Trust Fund will provide further resources toward recovery and assist in bringing this epidemic to a halt. The Tennessee Attorney General’s Office will not let up on holding opioid manufacturers and distributors accountable,” Tennessee Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti said in a news release.

“There isn’t a county in Tennessee that hasn’t been touched by the opioid crisis. The funding going to these counties will have an immediate and much-needed impact. We are excited to get this funding out to all 95 counties of our great state, and we can’t wait to see how local leaders put it to good use,” Stephen Loyd, M.D., Opioid Abatement Council chairman, said.

County governments and their leaders are able to choose from a specific list of approved activities (https://www.tn.gov/content/dam/tn/mentalhealth/documents/OAC_Remediation_List_Revised_10-10-22.pdf) that was set by the Tennessee Opioid Abatement Council. The list was set by the council in September 2022 and includes opioid use disorder treatment programs, medication-assisted treatment, recovery supports and prevention measures.

The state clarified recently that payments from these settlements, while not as large as this initial payment, will be continuing annually for the next 18 years.

“Our hope for these dollars and all the funding that will flow from the Opioid Abatement Trust Fund for years to come is that Tennessee communities begin to repair the damage that has happened and is still happening due to opioid addiction and that people are able to find new lives in recovery and achieve their full potential,” Marie Williams, LCSW, Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services commissioner, said. “We are so grateful to Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti, former Attorney General Herbert Slatery, and the tireless team at the Office of the Attorney General because we know their efforts on this essential issue will help define how our state recovers from the opioid crisis.”

March 26, 2023
By: Dwayne Page

A DeKalb County Neighbor’s Helping Neighbors blood drive will be Monday, March 27 from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m. at the Smithville Senior Center, 718 South Congress Boulevard, Smithville on the bloodmobile in the parking lot.

You may schedule an appointment at www.bloodassurance.org/dekalbcountyneighbors. You may also contact Jimmy Poss at 615-464-7426 or Jimposs72@yahoo.com.

Remember to eat a good meal, drink additional water, avoid energy drinks and bring your ID. Blood Assurance is the sole blood provider for the local hospitals and your donation is needed for an adequate supply. One donation can save three lives. Each donor will receive a “Lucky Lifesaver” t-shirt while supplies last.

March 25, 2023
By: Dwayne Page

A WJLE Radiothon to raise money for the DCHS Class of 2023 Project Graduation will be Monday, April 10 from 9:00 a.m. until noon.

DCHS teacher John Pryor will be the host of the radiothon.

High school seniors and parents on the Project Graduation committee will be answering phones, taking pledges during the drive. Any member of the Class of 2023 is urged to stop by the station to make an appearance on the radiothon to talk about their school activities and future plans.

Last year’s event raised a record breaking $12, 785 for the 2022 Project Graduation event

Project Graduation is an all-night drug-free, alcohol-free graduation party for members of the DCHS Class of 2022 committed to having a safe, wholesome, yet entertaining celebration together for the last time as a class. The event begins following the graduation ceremony Friday, May 12

Call 615-597-4265 during the Radiothon to make your pledge from 9:00 a.m. until noon on Monday, April 10. Listen LIVE on FM 101.7/AM 1480 and LIVE streaming at www.wjle.com.

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