TULSA, Okla. (KTUL) — Tulsa County is addressing the ongoing opioid crisis by distributing millions of dollars in settlement funds from six opioid-related class action lawsuits.
Officials say the money will go toward supporting local organizations focused on addiction recovery, prevention, and other abatement efforts.
Robert Harmon, the administrator of the Tulsa County Opioid Abatement Fund, says the county currently holds about $5 million from these lawsuits and expects to receive roughly $1 million annually through 2034, with smaller amounts continuing after that.
To put this money to work, the county has launched an application portal inviting local nonprofits and organizations to submit proposals for how they would use the funds to support those affected by opioid addiction.
“We recognize that a lot of these nonprofits have been working with people with addiction for a long time,” Harmon said. “They understand what’s needed, and their expertise is invaluable in this process.”
According to the Oklahoma State Department of Health, Tulsa County saw a 45% increase in drug overdose death rates between 2018 and 2022 compared to the previous five-year period.
Harmon emphasized that while the opioid crisis spanned decades before substantial action was taken, these funds represent an opportunity for recovery and change.
“It’s going to take time to fix a lot of these things, and we understand that this funding can bring a lot of change and help a lot of people,” he said.
Organizations interested in applying for a portion of the funds are encouraged to submit their proposals by the end of the month.
The Tulsa County Opioid Abatement Committee will begin reviewing applications and awarding funding later this summer.
