Isanti County authorizes $1,000 in opioid settlement funds for outreach and awareness

Isanti County Health & Human Services Director Jody Donaire asked the county board to authorize use of up to $1,000 in opioid settlement funds for community awareness, education and outreach tied to opioid and substance-use prevention; the board approved the request by voice vote.

Donaire described planned uses: boosted online advertising to promote an upcoming RFP, advertising for ICERN (Isanti County substance-use recovery network) public meetings, supplies for outreach events and materials for Operation Community Connect in October. “I am here today to request approval of $1,000 in opioid settlement funds to support community awareness, education, engagement, and outreach activities related to opioid and substance use prevention,” Donaire said.

Commissioners asked whether state requirements or the memorandum of understanding governing settlement funds limit allowable expenses and whether the board could set a dollar threshold for staff authorization. Donaire said the funds are governed by a memorandum of understanding that sets allowable uses and that the recovery network will continue to vet purchases; the board requested research into whether a higher internal threshold could be authorized by resolution to speed routine expenditures. After discussion a motion to approve the resolution passed by voice vote.

What happens next: staff will research the MOU details and bring back options for setting an approved threshold for recurring small purchases at a future meeting; the $1,000 authorization is available for the described activities.