Public health director outlines opioid settlement spending; several grantees nearing full expenditure

Mojave County Public Health delivered an annual update on April 6 summarizing how opioid settlement funds were spent in fiscal year 2026 and outlining the FY27 award cycle.

Director Palmer listed FY26 awardees and percent spent as of recent reporting dates: Arizona Youth Partnership (39% spent), Cherish Families (56%), Creek Valley Healthcare (50%), WestCare (40%), Southwest Behavioral (51%), Catholic Charities (69%), Kingman Regional Medical Center (99%), Interos Health (100%), and others. Some recipients are multi‑district awardees; the Lake Havasu Justice Court program was reported at 15% spent due to timing and program uptake.

Palmer told the board the county allocated approximately $230,000 per district for FY27. Work plans and budgets from selected projects are due to public health by April 10; funding agreements will be drafted by the county attorney and returned to the board for approval on the June 15 agenda.

Board members asked for clarification of specific program goals (e.g., crisis‑to‑recovery care, neonatal abstinence care) and timing. The public‑health office said many programs are in execution with varying reporting cadences and that staff will forward recommended agreements to the county attorney for formalization.

Next steps: grantees submit detailed FY27 work plans by April 10; staff will return funding agreements for board approval on June 15.