By Brenda Erdahl
Treatment and recovery and prevention were the top priorities of Wright County residents when asked their opinions of what to do with the nearly $4 million the county is set to receive as part of the national opioid settlement.
Wright County is expected to receive $3.77 million spread over the next several years as part of a national settlement with large pharmaceutical companies over the spread of opioids that cause addiction and death.
In December, the Wright County Opioid Settlement Advisory Council (OSAC) sought public input through a Funding Prioritization Survey. The results of the survey, which was open until Feb. 3, were released in March.
According to the report, a total of 790 individuals responded. Of them 88% identified as white, 62% were between the ages of 35-59 years and all but 2% had a relationship to Wright County (living, working, providing/ receiving services, etc.). Those with a personal income of $50,000-$89,999 made up 36% of the respondents.
The surveyed were asked what percentage of the funds should be spent on four categories to address the opioid epidemic. Responses indicated 34 percent on treatment and recovery, 30 percent on prevention, 19 percent on criminal justice and 17 percent on harm reduction.