OTC to receive $3 million over 18 years

By Tom Hintgen

Otter Tail County Correspondent

County Board Chairman Kurt Mortenson of rural Underwood, as a member of a advisory council and core planning workgroup, is proud to see usage of Opioid Settlement Funds to save lives and support strategies to fight the opioid and substance use.

Mortenson commented about this subject during the county board meeting on Tuesday, Dec. 3, when Opioid Settlement Funds grant agreements were discussed and approved. Round one, which begins on Jan. 1, 2025, received county board approval from Mortenson and fellow commissioners Wayne Johnson of Pelican Rapids, Dan Bucholz of Perham, Bob Lahman of Parkers Prairie and Lee Rogness of Fergus Falls.

Previously, attorney general offices from several states sued major pharmaceutical distributors and won the lawsuits. Each state’s share of the funds is determined by the number of substance use disorders, quantity of opioids delivered and the population of the state.

“It was good to see our county health department taking the lead in coordination with communities throughout Otter Tail County,” Mortenson said. “Our advisory committee discussed how the opioid settlement funds should be used.”

In Otter Tail County, much of the money will likely be used for education, prevention and recovery services. The county’s portion of the settlements is close to $3 million. These funds will be received over the course of 18 years. 

“Supporting the prevention and treatment of substance use in our communities will be ongoing,” said County Administrator Nicole Hansen. “We will consult with municipalities within our county in the development of any community health assessment.”

A review of the opioid settlement and availability of funding is provided on the county website.

Two communities, Perham and Pelican Rapids, were among the towns in Otter Tail County which made funding applications in efforts to save lives and support strategies to fight the opioid and substance use.

The Perham 180 program works to broaden housing stabilization services to individuals who are experiencing housing insecurities because of opioid use, bipolar and other disorders. The program also includes scholarships for individuals with substance use disorder to attend mental health therapy and support programming.

The Pelican Rapids Bridge Center is a community hub focused on opioid prevention for the Pelican Rapids area. The center will focus on community-based prevention strategies through a youth center and training adults as mentors. 

Funding will be used to train adult mentors and youth leadership. A youth stipend will be implemented to compensate youth.

“Our goal, as county commissioners, is to see programs in all areas of Otter Tail County save lives and support strategies to fight the opioid and substance use,” said Commissioner Wayne Johnson of Pelican Rapids.