CENTRE COUNTY, Pa (WJAC) — Across the nation, millions of dollars continues to be distributed to states and counties from the national opioid settlement case.
Its funding aimed at helping to pay the costs for those struggling with opioid addiction, but how that money is being spent is an ongoing issue.
“To date we have received four payments from the opioid settlement fund. Total funds received total 1,165,071 dollars.”
The administrator for Centre County’s drug and alcohol office, Cathy Arbogast, outlined the latest financial information for the county from the opioid settlement.
In recent months, there’s been a rise in methamphetamine cases.
Just last week, during a traffic stop on I-80 in Centre County, police say three pounds of meth was found in the vehicle.
We asked whether any settlement money is earmarked for meth prevention or treatment programs.
“We are also seeing a lot more reported methamphetamine use. While opiate settlement funds do not reach that particular population.”
But Arbogast adds that some of those dealing with meth issues could be receiving assistance linked to the opioid settlement, while gauging where help is needed is ongoing.
“We are regularly looking at opportunities to make the best use of all the funding we receive and make adjustments. If there is a way to creatively meet the needs of the individuals that we serve, we look to make changes.”
Pennsylvania is expected to receive well over a billion dollars in opioid settlement money.
