County approves $20,000 opioid prevention grant for school‑based program; MNsure navigator application still pending

On May 20 the Waseca County Board approved a $20,000 recommendation from the opioid advisory committee to fund a school‑based early intervention and recovery program serving at‑risk youth at JWPM/Charlotte High School.

Sarah (public‑health staff, opioid advisory committee) said the proposal focuses on early intervention, prevention and recovery with staff at each school one day per week and referrals coming from counselors and administrators. The advisory committee reviewed funding levels and noted concerns about duplicative funding; awards will be made on a reimbursement basis after the grantee spends funds and submits invoices.

Sarah said the advisory committee originally set an informal annual target of $50,000 for awards and that approximately $30,000 had already been awarded this year; the $20,000 award uses the balance of that target. Staff told the board the opioid settlement fund balance is currently healthy and that the county continues to receive settlement dollars, but they recommended being thoughtful about long‑term budgeting when settlement income decreases.

The board also heard an update that the county's application to become MNsure navigators remains pending because state MNsure staff had not reviewed the application due to their staffing constraints; county staff said they continue outreach to get navigator status, which would expand the county's ability to assist residents with enrollment.

Board members moved, seconded and approved the $20,000 award by voice vote.