Shasta County debates best use of $39 million opioid settlement fund

On By Karl

REDDING, Calif. — How to best tackle Shasta County’s nearly $39 million opioid addiction crisis: That’s the challenge before the Shasta County Board of Supervisors.

Shasta County has almost $10.5 million in opioid lawsuit settlement money and will receive almost $39 million total by 2039.

The task before the board is to find the best ways to use this in the most cost-effective manner, and every board member had ideas at Tuesday’s meeting on how best to do that.

“School-based drug and alcohol education using evidence-based curriculum… Develop materials and prepare instructors and equip volunteers at youth-serving organizations to spread the message to youth and parents about the dangers of substance use,” said Supervisor Mark Rickert.

“Some of the problems on the streets start in the doctor’s office,” said Supervisor Chris Kelstrom. “Whether it’s a sports injury or a car accident injury… People are prescribed these opioids and then you find out they’re addicted… So I think someone has to go there.”

“I propose we spend $10 million on a mental health facility for those with opioid problems,” Supervisor Patrick Jones said. “This is something that has been missing in our town for 30, 40 years, if not longer.”

“We need better prevention,” Garman said. “We need banking space, we need a medical facility with a doctor to help with detox medications. And we need to have a program with accountability.”

“One of the things that I definitely think we need to have more of is job readiness and workforce readiness programs,” said Board Chairman Kevin Crye. “Incarcerated people who need to enter the workforce…What are some jobs that can sustain them later?”

A parade of organizations was also staged. Ultimately, supervisors agreed by a 4-1 vote to schedule a special meeting to hear presentations from different agencies before deciding how to begin spending the money.

Supervisor Mary Rickert voted against it, saying the process was moving too quickly.

This special meeting will be held on November 12 at 9 a.m.