Trigg and Todd counties are among 20 communities across Kentucky working to determine how best to use millions of dollars from nationwide opioid settlements—funding that could shape addiction recovery efforts for years to come.
The money comes from legal settlements with drug manufacturers, distributors and pharmacies accused of contributing to the opioid crisis. According to the Kentucky Association of Counties, Kentucky is expected to receive roughly $1 billion over several years, with about half going directly to counties and cities.
Brenna Angel, communications director for KACo, said the funding represents a rare opportunity for long-term impact at the local level.
Distributions began in 2022, and local governments—including those in Trigg and Todd counties—have already started receiving funds.
Unlike tax revenue, opioid settlement funds must be used for specific abatement purposes, including treatment, recovery, prevention and harm reduction efforts. That can include programs such as expanding access to care, providing transportation to treatment or supplying overdose-reversal drugs like Narcan.
To help guide those decisions, KACo has launched the Opioid Solutions Network, a new leadership program bringing together counties across the Commonwealth—including Trigg and Todd counties—to share ideas and proven strategies.
In Trigg County, Judge/Executive Stan Humphries and Ashley Tyler of the Pennyroyal District Health Department are participating in the program. Todd County is represented by Judge/Executive Todd Mansfield and Brooke Calvery of the Todd County Health Department.
Participants will take part in peer learning, technical assistance and site visits to communities with successful recovery programs.
Angel said collaboration is especially important for smaller and rural counties like those in western Kentucky, where access to treatment can be limited.
The initiative also encourages counties to form local advisory groups that include people with firsthand experience in addiction and recovery.
“These are the folks that are having the lived experience … they’re the boots on the ground seeing this every day, and so they’re also helping drive these local decisions,” Angel said.
Counties are also required to report how settlement funds are spent through a statewide system managed by Kentucky’s opioid abatement commission, helping ensure transparency and accountability.
Angel said community involvement will play a key role in shaping how funds are used locally.
While progress has been made in addressing the opioid crisis, Angel said its effects are still being felt across Kentucky, including in rural communities.
She added that the goal is not only to address current needs but to prevent future generations from facing the same challenges.
The Opioid Solutions Network will continue meeting throughout the year, with participating counties expected to develop strategies for using settlement funds effectively and share their results with leaders from across the state.
