Washington State Opens Sign-On Period for Cities and Counties to Join Opioid Settlements
Olympia, WA – July 28, 2025 – Washington State has officially commenced a sign-on period, inviting cities and counties across the state to participate in recent significant opioid settlements. This crucial initiative, spearheaded by Attorney General Bob Ferguson’s office, aims to provide much-needed resources to communities grappling with the devastating effects of the opioid crisis.
The announcement, made through a news release by the Attorney General’s office, marks a pivotal moment for local governments seeking to access funds allocated from national opioid settlements. These settlements, the result of extensive legal actions against pharmaceutical companies and distributors for their role in fueling the opioid epidemic, are designed to support prevention, treatment, harm reduction, and recovery efforts at the local level.
The sign-on period, which has now begun, provides a structured process for eligible cities and counties to formally opt into the settlement agreements. By signing on, these local entities can secure their share of the allocated funds, enabling them to implement tailored strategies and programs that directly address the specific needs of their communities.
Attorney General Bob Ferguson emphasized the importance of this period, stating, “The opioid crisis has left an indelible mark on communities throughout Washington. This sign-on period is a vital opportunity for our cities and counties to access critical funding that can be used to combat this epidemic, save lives, and support those in recovery. We strongly encourage all eligible local governments to take advantage of this important process.”
The funds obtained through these settlements are intended to supplement existing efforts and bolster new initiatives aimed at mitigating the multifaceted impacts of opioid misuse. This can include a range of critical services such as:
- Substance Use Disorder Treatment: Expanding access to evidence-based treatment programs, including medication-assisted treatment (MAT), counseling, and therapy.
- Prevention Programs: Implementing educational campaigns, outreach initiatives, and strategies to prevent opioid misuse among youth and vulnerable populations.
- Harm Reduction Services: Supporting initiatives like needle exchange programs, naloxone distribution, and overdose prevention education to reduce the immediate harms associated with opioid use.
- Recovery Support: Providing resources for individuals in recovery, including peer support, housing assistance, and employment services.
- Data Collection and Analysis: Enhancing the ability to track the scope of the crisis and evaluate the effectiveness of intervention strategies.
Local governments that choose to participate will be able to direct these funds towards programs and services that have been identified as most impactful within their own jurisdictions. This localized approach ensures that the resources are deployed effectively, addressing the unique challenges and priorities faced by each city and county.
The Attorney General’s office has provided guidance and resources to assist cities and counties throughout the sign-on process. Further details regarding eligibility criteria, the sign-on procedure, and available support can be found on the Washington State Attorney General’s website.
The commencement of this sign-on period represents a significant step forward in Washington State’s collective response to the ongoing opioid crisis. By enabling local governments to access these settlement funds, the state is empowering communities to build a stronger, healthier future for their residents.
Sign-on period for cities, counties to join recent opioid settlements has begun
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AGO News Releases published ‘Sign-on period for cities, counties to join recent opioid settlements has begun’ at 2025-07-28 15:54. Please write a detailed article about this news in a polite tone with relevant information. Please reply in English with the article only.