DHHS reports $23 million received to date from opioid settlements; additional awards set to start July 1

Pam Segnus, executive director of behavioral health at the Department of Health and Human Services, updated the Budget Section on opioid settlement funds and spending plans.

Segnus said the state had received just over $23 million in settlement proceeds as of June 16, 2025, and that the department anticipates an additional approximately $46 million as other agreements are finalized. She reviewed how the $8 million the Legislature appropriated from settlement money in the prior biennium was spent on allowable items: naloxone (Narcan) purchases, prevention, harm reduction, treatment and recovery activities in partnership with tribes, and administrative support for the state opioid settlement committee. The appropriation contained a 20 percent set‑aside for prevention and workforce development; at least $2 million focused on those areas.

Segnus also said the department is publishing reports from local political subdivisions and local public health units that received direct formula distributions; 50 jurisdictions had submitted plans explaining their intended uses and the reports are posted on the DHHS website. She told members the department recently announced awardees for new statewide grants and that those awards begin July 1, 2025.

Senator Cleary asked whether plans from political subdivisions are required or voluntary; Segnus said plans are required but the statute does not prescribe a specific penalty for noncompliance and that DHHS works with the League of Cities and Association of Counties to ensure compliance.

Segnus offered to answer committee questions and provided contact information and the web address for the published local plans.