Arapahoe County, Colorado is using funds from a multi-state settlement with opioid manufacturers. The county is set to receive over $9 million from these settlements, which are being managed by the Region 9 Opioid Abatement Council. A majority of the funds are being used to support local programs focused on prevention, treatment, and harm reduction efforts to combat the opioid epidemic.
- The county allocated over $2.3 million in 2023 to programs such as detox centers, sober living facilities, peer navigators, and harm reduction services.
- Arapahoe County Public Health received $344,723 to expand their mobile harm reduction program, providing addiction and harm reduction services across the county.
- The county used around $345,000 to fund a new mobile harm reduction unit called "Prevention Point" to offer overdose prevention resources and infectious disease testing.
- Funding was provided to open a transitional safety zone home to guide individuals through withdrawal and enter sober living, supporting 12 individuals with various services.
Awareness Campaigns
Rise Above Colorado is a statewide organization dedicated to empowering teens to lead lives free from drug and alcohol abuse through education and prevention programs. They engage with teens in schools and communities across Littleton to promote healthy decision-making.
Community-based programs like Sandstone Care play a vital role in raising awareness about substance abuse and available treatment options. They work closely with local organizations and families to provide support and resources.
Legislative Measures
Littleton collaborates with the Arapahoe County Opioid Response program, which employs harm reduction strategies like syringe access and disposal services to combat addiction and prevent overdoses. The county recently launched a mobile harm reduction van to expand these services.
The Littleton Police Department has a Crisis Intervention Team and co-responder program that partners with mental health professionals to assist individuals experiencing crises related to substance abuse or mental health issues.
