Hancock County Illustrates Effective Steps in Managing $50 Billion Opioid Epidemic Recovery Using Legal Settlements

Hancock County, Ohio Offers Blueprint for Optimizing Use of Settlement Funds; Uses Comprehensive Strategy including Community Center, Needle Exchange, Outreach Workers, and Housing to Impact Opioid Addiction Recovery.

• Hancock County in Ohio illustrates successful measures to manage the opioid epidemic recovery, using a $50 billion legal settlement fund for comprehensive approaches to address addiction.
• Initiatives launched by the county include the establishment of a community center, the implementation of a needle exchange program, the addition of outreach workers, and the provision of housing to support those in recovery.
• A key part of Hancock County’s program is peer support, including helping those in recovery re-engage with society and their families, and providing transportation to necessary appointments. These efforts have been cited as vital in aiding recovery and preventing relapses.
• Since its plan started a decade ago, Hancock County has received over $19 million in grants, used to kickstart several programs, such as the drug court and community initiatives. With community engagement, they have built recovery homes and expanded programs without facing community opposition.
• Hancock's harm reduction measures have led to a decrease in overdose deaths, from 28 last year to three confirmed and five suspected this year. The introduction of naloxone, a drug that can reverse overdoses, and a needle exchange program have been critical in reducing harm.

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