How to Hack a $1.3T Market

Forget concrete. The new foundation for real estate success is digital, and Pacaso leads the way. Their tech unlocks a $1.3T real estate market. They've already earned $110M+ in gross profits in their operating history and reserved the Nasdaq ticker PCSO.

How should the opioid settlements be spent? Those hit hardest often don’t have a say

GEOFF MULVIHILL
December 09, 2024

People with substance use disorder across the country are not getting a formal say in how most of the approximately $50 billion in opioid lawsuit settlement money is being used to stem the crisis, a new analysis found.

Some advocates say that is one factor in why portions of the money are going to efforts they don't consider to be proven ways to save lives from overdose, including equipment to scan jail inmates for contraband, drug-sniffing police dogs and systems to neutralize unneeded prescription medications.

In Jackson County, West Virginia, officials voted earlier this year to use more than $500,000 in settlement funds for a first-responder training center and a shooting range. They also allocated $35,000 to a quick response team that works with overdose survivors.

Josh George, who has been in recovery for three years after 23 years of drug use, primarily heroin, now runs a recovery group with his wife and other family members.

Some of the money could have gone to the county's only recovery house, he said.

"All these people were doing it on their own dime," George said, "trying to help these people."

Over the past eight years, drugmakers, wholesalers, pharmacy chains and other companies have agreed to settlements to resolve thousands of lawsuits filed by state, local and Native American tribal governments claiming the companies' practices contributed to the crisis.

Opioids have been a major problem in the U.S. since the late 1990s, with the deadliest stretch earlier this decade reaching more than 80,000 annually. The major causes have shifted from prescription pills to heroin to fentanyl and other lab-produced substances often added to other illicit drugs.

Funds from the multi-billion dollar nationwide settlements began rolling out in 2022 and will continue until at least 2038. The agreements require most of the money be used to fight the crisis but offer great flexibility in how to do it.

Christine Minhee of Opioid Settlement Tracker and Vital Strategies, a public health organization, planned to release a state-by-state guide on Monday outlining how government funding decisions are being made. The guide aims to help advocates know where to raise their voices.

Using that information and other data, Minhee, who has tallied just under $50 billion in settlements excluding one with OxyContin maker Purdue Pharma that the Supreme Court rejected, found advisory groups help determine spending of about half of it. But they have decision-making authority over less than one-fifth of it.

Less than $1 in $7 is overseen by boards that reserve at least one seat for someone who is using or has used drugs, though some places where it's not required may have such members anyway.

Brandon Marshall, a professor of epidemiology at the Brown University School of Public Health and a former member of the Rhode Island Opioid Settlement Advisory Committee, said he has observed that processes involving experts and people with drug use experience have made quick allocations to groups working on harm reduction and other areas because they know the groups.

"It's not just a way to ensure that the funds are used effectively," he said. "Those kinds of systems are also ensuring the funds are getting out the door faster."

Public health advocates say the money should be used in ways proven to save lives, prevent drug use and focus on racial equity and that the decisions should be transparent.

But many communities are following regular government spending practices rather than assessing local needs or consulting with experts or people impacted by the epidemic.

Renville County, Minnesota, used $100,000 in settlement money to pay about two-thirds of the cost of a body scanner for the county jail to detect drugs on incoming inmates, even if they have swallowed bags of them.

"You can't possibly tell me that whoever made those decisions thinks that's the best use of the funding," said Alicia House, executive director of the Steve Rummler Hope Network, which provides overdose prevention and education across Minnesota.

Renville County Sheriff Scott Hable said in an interview that keeping drugs out of the jail -- without subjecting people entering to strip searches -- fits with the facility's emphasis on treatment for inmates with substance use disorder.

The scanner has been used nearly 1,400 times since last year, identifying contraband in six cases. Twice, it found packets of drugs inmates swallowed before entering, he said.

The county's governing body made the spending decision. Sara Benson, the county's public health director, said the government is assembling an advisory group for future settlement use and wants to include people with lived experience.

In West Virginia, Jackson County Commission President Dick Waybright said the training center will help law enforcement, EMS and 911 employees respond to the opioid crisis.

"It wouldn't just be throwing money to a program that wasn't going to last," he said in an interview. Besides, he said, no one else besides the quick response team requested funds from the first opioid settlement payment.

George's mother, Kelly DeWees, said there are many needs in an area hit hard by addiction, including transportation for people in recovery, prevention education and counseling for children of those with substance use disorder. Breath of Life, the group her son and daughter-in-law run, could use help launching a recovery home.

The group is requesting the $15,000 that currently remains in the county's fund and Waybright said he expects it to be awarded to them soon.

For others, the spending decisions are even more personal.

Tonia Ahern, a community coordinator for the National Center for Advocacy and Recovery, lost her son to an overdose when he was 29. She co-founded a group planning to produce a handbook of suggestions for New Jersey communities on how to use the funding.

"If you haven't ever experienced it, you have no idea what they need," Ahern said.

Continue Reading...

Popular

Dave Ramsey Says Real Estate Can Outperform Stocks, But Warned That Higer Returns 'Don't Come Free'

Dave Ramsey said real estate can outperform stocks with higher returns due to its imperfect market and multiple income streams, but warned it requires significantly more time, effort, and risk to manage effectively.

A judge resisted Trump’s order on gender identity. The EEOC just fired her

The federal agency charged with protecting workers’ civil rights has terminated a New York administrative judge who , including President Donald Trump’s executive order decreeing male and female as .

A Historic Gold Announcement Is About to Rock Wall Street - Ad

The greatest investor of all time is about to validate what Garrett Goggin has been saying for months: Gold is entering a once-in-a-generation mania. Front-running Buffett has never been more urgent - and four tiny miners could be your ticket to 100X gains.

Marjorie Taylor Greene: 'Muslim Takeover' Threatens American Women

Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) has expressed her fears regarding what she believes to be the most significant threat to the freedom of American women.

This Stock Just Popped 30% In 5 Days — Now Expert Says It 'Looks Potentially Explosive'

Experts have been betting on the growth prospects of Oscar Health, as it surged by 16.51% on Wednesday and 32.56% in the last five days.

This Rare Metal Spiked 300%-And One Tiny Firm May Be Riding the Surge - Ad

Antimony prices soared last year, but few investors noticed. One firm, sitting on a historic deposit, is perfectly positioned to benefit as demand grows for defense.

Mark Cuban Raises Employee Wages After Learning Of Government Aid Dependence

Mark Cuban, owner of the NBA's Dallas Mavericks, expressed his dismay upon learning that some of his employees were reliant on government aid programs.

Trump vents online about service provider after conference call marred by glitch

WASHINGTON (AP) — On Monday afternoon, the president of the United States was just another person complaining online about his service provider.

Copper's Spiking - And This Junior Has the Grades to Match - Ad

Copper is climbing again - and this time, it looks tariff-proof. A $31M junior just posted nearly 1B lbs of copper equivalent. With insiders and institutions piling in, this could be the next breakout.

Amazon's AI-Powered 4-Day Prime Day Will Drive Billions In Sales

Bank of America analyst maintains Buy rating on Amazon with $248 price forecast, noting 11th Prime Day event to have extended 4-day window with AI savings tools and estimated $21.4B in GMV.

The Tesla Shock Nobody Sees Coming - Ad

While headlines scream "Tesla is doomed"...Jeff Brown has uncovered a revolutionary AI breakthrough buried inside Tesla's labs. One that is helping AI escape from our computer screens and manifest itself here in the real world all while creating a 25,000% growth market explosion starting as early as July 23rd.

After Diddy's conviction, here's where his business ventures stand

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Sean “Diddy” Combs has been in his federal sex trafficking trial, but that doesn't mean the once-celebrated music mogul will see his business empire restored.

Judge allows antitrust lawsuit against Apple to proceed

A federal judge on Monday rebuffed Apple's request to throw out a U.S. government lawsuit alleging the technology trendsetter has built a maze of illegal barriers to protect the iPhone from competition and fatten its profit margins.

Gold Just Hit Another Record. This Junior Could Be Next. - Ad

This copper junior was the smallest company invited to a top global mining conference. With nearly 1B pounds CuEq and 50,000m of funded drilling, this story won't stay quiet for long.

Boeing Rises 2.8% After Key Trading Signal

A significant trading signal occurred for Boeing stock, as it demonstrated a power inflow at $209.02, after which BA rose up to 2.8%.

Copper's Rally Is Back. This $31M Junior Is Sitting on a Potential Fortune - Ad

A high-grade copper-gold discovery in Quebec just delivered extremely high grade intercepts. Valuation? Just $31M. With copper breaking out, the timing here could be perfect. Get the symbol here.

Medicaid, food aid recipients worry about safety net cuts in bill sent to Trump

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) — Supporters of the that Congress has sent to President Donald Trump say the changes to Medicaid, food aid and other programs will encourage personal responsibility and halt those scamming the system.

Trump's Tariffs, Boeing's Blowout, Tesla's Robotaxi, BYD's European Triumph And GM's Massive Recall: This Week In Mobility

This week's business and finance highlights include Japan's rejection of Trump's auto tariffs, Boeing's scrutiny over a mid-air incident, Tesla's Robotaxi launch, BYD's dominance in Europe, and GM's massive vehicle recall.

Buffett's Favorite Chart Just Hit 209% - Here's What That Means For Gold - Ad

Buffett's favorite market signal just hit its highest level in history-stocks are more overvalued than 1929. He's sitting on $325B in cash... and may be about to buy one overlooked gold miner. I've identified it-plus 4 others with up to 100X potential.

Datadog Stock Surges On S&P 500 Inclusion

Datadog Inc (NASDAQ:DDOG) shares are trading higher in Wednesday's after-hours session after it was announced that the company will join the S&P 500.

Is Elon's Empire Crumbling? - Ad

Jeff Brown - the legend who called Tesla and Nvidia early - says Elon is about to launch a $25T AI revolution. This isn't another chatbot. It's real-world AI that could 14X the impact of ChatGPT. But after July 23rd, it may be too late.

What to Stream: Ryan Coogler’s 'Sinners,' a Kesha album, 'SharkFest' and John Cena with Idris Elba

Kesha enjoying her freedom on her first new album since she left her old label and Ryan Coogler’s guts-spilling vampire film “Sinners,” are some of the new television, films, music and games near you.

A hard-right lawmaker is sworn in as Greece's migration minister

ATHENS, Greece (AP) — A hard-right lawmaker was sworn in Monday as Greece’s migration minister, replacing a fellow right-wing political heavyweight who resigned following

Back This Medical AI Tech - Ad

You don't often find healthcare tech company valued at $4M. HeartSciences is an exception. With $75M invested, including R&D, clinical trials, and product development, their patented AI software is approaching FDA submission, a potential major inflection point.

How a GOP rift over tech regulation doomed a ban on state AI laws in Trump's tax bill

NEW YORK (AP) — A controversial bid to deter states from regulating artificial intelligence for a decade seemed on its way to passing as the championed by worked its way through the U.S. Senate.

US brings charges in North Korean remote worker scheme that officials say funds weapons program

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Justice Department announced criminal charges Monday in connection with a scheme by North Korea to fund its weapons program through the salaries of remote information technology workers employed unwittingly by U.S. companies.

How to Hack a $1.3T Market - Ad

Forget concrete. The new foundation for real estate success is digital, and Pacaso leads the way. Their tech unlocks a $1.3T real estate market. They've already earned $110M+ in gross profits in their operating history and reserved the Nasdaq ticker PCSO.

Asia Markets Mixed, Europe Gains, Dollar Hit by Fed Concerns And Cooling Inflation - Global Markets Today While US Slept

US markets closed mixed on Wednesday, tech shares lifted Nasdaq while S&P 500 remained flat. Fed Chair Powell reiterated wait-and-see approach. Asian markets mostly up, European markets also positive with oil prices steady.

A Historic Gold Announcement Is About to Rock Wall Street - Ad

The greatest investor of all time is about to validate what Garrett Goggin has been saying for months: Gold is entering a once-in-a-generation mania. Front-running Buffett has never been more urgent - and four tiny miners could be your ticket to 100X gains.

Nearly 368,000 pounds of Oscar Mayer turkey bacon recalled over possible listeria contamination

Nearly 368,000 pounds of Oscar Mayer turkey bacon products are being recalled over possible contamination with , federal health officials said Wednesday.

This Rare Metal Spiked 300%-And One Tiny Firm May Be Riding the Surge - Ad

Antimony prices soared last year, but few investors noticed. One firm, sitting on a historic deposit, is perfectly positioned to benefit as demand grows for defense.

KKR Bets On Sustainable Protein Demand With ProTen Investment In Australia

KKR is acquiring Australian poultry giant ProTen to strengthen its agri-infrastructure portfolio and tap growing demand for sustainable protein.

Republicans hit major setback in their effort to ease regulations on gun silencers

WASHINGTON (AP) — Republican efforts to loosen regulations on and short-barreled rifles and shotguns have been dealt a big setback with the Senate parliamentarian advising that the proposal would need to clear a 60-vote threshold if included in their big tax and immigration bill.

Copper's Spiking - And This Junior Has the Grades to Match - Ad

Copper is climbing again - and this time, it looks tariff-proof. A $31M junior just posted nearly 1B lbs of copper equivalent. With insiders and institutions piling in, this could be the next breakout.

Ivy League MBA Was A 'Waste Of Time,' Says Veteran Banker, Lists Two Key Traits Far More Relevant In The AI Age

Standard Chartered CEO Bill Winters says his MBA was a waste of time, and today's leaders need curiosity and empathy, not just technical skills.

Trending Now

Information, charts or examples are for illustration and educational purposes only and not for individualized investment management This message contains commercial elements, such as advertising. We only send these offers to those who have opted in to our newsletter. Past performance is not indicative of future results. For these reasons we strongly suggest trading in a DEMO/Simulated account. The information provided by us is for educational and informational purposes only. We make no representations or warranties concerning the products, practices or procedures of any company or entity mentioned or recommended and have not determined if the statements and opinions of the advertiser are accurate, correct or truthful. If you use, act upon or make decisions in reliance on information contained or any external source linked within it, you do so at your own peril and agree to hold us, our officers, directors, shareholders, affiliates and agents without fault.

Copyright technicaltrading.org
Privacy Policy | Terms of Service