Over 120 thousand dollars in funds are coming to organizations across the St. Joseph area following a legal settlement with pharmaceutical companies that pushed opioids on patients across the country. The money is part of national and state payouts related to the opioid epidemic. Funds are going towards community support programs with a specific focus on health and mental health initiatives.
The Samaritan Center is receiving over 30 thousand dollars to fund a staff position supporting those in recovery from opioid addiction. The Buchanan County Sheriff's Department is receiving 5 thousand dollars for supporting addicted inmates, and the Community Missions Corporation is receiving almost 60 thousand dollars to uplift homeless residents struggling with addiction.
Other funds are going to education and youth programs.
The funds were approved at last week's City Council Meeting.
