SUBJECT:
Title
Request Approval of the First Amendment of the 2025-2026 Marion County Opioid Abatement Plan (Budget Impact - None)
Body
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INITIATOR: |
DEPARTMENT: |
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Cheryl Butler, Director |
Community Services |
DESCRIPTION/BACKGROUND:
The State of Florida, along with numerous cities and counties, including Marion County and the City of Ocala, participated in the National Prescription Opiate Litigation (MDL No. 2804). Following the settlement, the State established two funding streams: (1) regional funds overseen locally by the Regional Settlement Committee, and (2) direct allocations to individual counties and municipalities.
The Department of Children and Families (DCF) oversees both funding streams and requires each recipient to submit an annual Opioid Abatement Plan in accordance with State guidelines.
On July 1, 2025, the Board approved the 2025-2026 Marion County Opioid Abatement Plan, which outlined the County’s strategy for using its local share of settlement funds in alignment with the Statewide Response Agreement and in coordination with the Regional Opioid Abatement Plan. The Plan established the following funding priorities:
• Prevention programs
• Support people in treatment and recovery
The proposed amendment to the 2025-2026 Marion County Opioid Abatement Plan replaces the previously approved “Prevention Programs” priority with “Leadership, Planning & Coordination,” as outlined in letter J, item 3 of Schedule B in the Statewide Response Agreement (included as an exhibit to the amended plan), to better address the County’s current needs and align with a proposal from Marion County Fire Rescue (MCFR) to purchase advanced transport ventilators.
This investment strengthens emergency response for opioid-related respiratory failure by providing consistent, high-quality care across all frontline advanced life support units and enhancing coordination among responders, healthcare providers, and treatment partners. By directing funds toward this critical infrastructure, the County ensures settlement resources are used effectively to treat and respond to opioid-related emergencies.
BUDGET/IMPACT:
None
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Recommended action
Motion to approve submission to DCF of the amended 2025-2026 Marion County Opioid Abatement Plan.
end