Request for applications now open – Primary prevention
Beginning June 1 and running through July 15, Otter Tail County will be accepting grant applications focused on primary prevention programs with an emphasis on youth.
Microsoft Excel is required to complete the application. If you need additional assistance with the information in the guideline documents and/or with the application process, please watch the video below and/or reach out to Public Health.
Submit applications to [email protected].
Opioid Settlement Funds
As a part of the $26 billion national settlement reached with opioid manufacturers and distributors, Otter Tail County is receiving funds to support the prevention and treatment of substance use in our communities.
About the Opioid Settlement
In July 2021, the Minnesota Attorney General’s Office joined a historic $26 billion multistate settlement agreement with pharmaceutical distributors McKesson, Cardinal Health, and AmerisourceBergen, and opioid manufacturer Johnson & Johnson for their role in the opioid epidemic. This settlement will bring more than $300 million into Minnesota over the next 18 years.
In December 2022, the Attorney General’s Office joined five additional multistate agreements with major opioid manufacturers Teva Pharmaceuticals and Allergen, and three of the nation’s largest retail pharmacy chains, Walmart, CVS, and Walgreens. Minnesota’s share of this settlement could be around $235 million.
The Attorney General’s Office reached an agreement with Minnesota cities and counties on how funds from these settlements will be allocated. The agreement was 75% to counties and cities, and 25% to the state. The agreement also details how the funds can be used to combat the opioid crisis, including detailed programs and strategies focused on treatment, prevention, and harm reduction.
Otter Tail County’s expected portion of the settlements is around $3.1 million.
For more information and specific details of the settlements, visit the Minnesota Attorney General’s Office webpage.
Advisory Council
The Otter Tail County Opioid Settlement Advisory Council is a multi-sector group of community members that advise the Otter Tail County Board of Commissioners as to how to most effectively, efficiently, and equitably spend the Opioid Settlement funds awarded. The Advisory Council began meeting in August 2023.
If you are interested in learning more about the Advisory Council, or would like to apply to be considered for the Advisory Council reach out to Otter Tail County Public Health.
Advisory Council Meeting Minutes
2026: April 22, February 25
2025: November 5, May 1
2024: October 30, June 26, May 29, March 27, January 24
2023: October 25, August 30
Funds Usage
Otter Tail County is pleased to announce the first round of grant recipients for the Opioid Settlement Fund, marking a significant step in addressing the opioid crisis in our communities. Through the dedication of the Otter Tail County Opioid Settlement Funds Advisory Council and the County Board of Commissioners, $400,000 in funding has been awarded to support treatment, recovery, and prevention efforts.
Launched in July 2024, the first round of the Request for Applications (RFA) enabled eligible organizations to apply for up to $50,000 per year over a two-year period. After a rigorous review process, five organizations have been selected to receive funding, with projects kicking off on January 1, 2025, and continuing through December 31, 2026.
| Grantee / Priority Area | Amount | Project Summary |
|---|---|---|
| Community and Life Services Treatment and Recovery | $69,420 | Fund a Community Educational Coordinator who will work to provide comprehensive support for individuals with opioid use disorder/substance use disorder (OUD/SUD), launch public awareness campaigns, cultural exchange workshops, SUD workshops, and job search/resume/career workshops for individuals with OUD/SUD. |
| Lake Region Halfway Homes Treatment and Recovery | $85,000 | Expand availability of treatment for OUD and any co-occurring SUD/mental health (MH) conditions for clients by including more comprehensive treatment and including family members in treatment (providing travel vouchers for families). |
| Otter Tail County Probation Treatment and Recovery | $60,580 | Fund transitional housing at Rewind for probation clients who cannot access services otherwise. Probation works to facilitate additional services and supports during Rewind stay to achieve a sober transition into the community. |
| Perham 180 Treatment and Recovery | $90,000 | Broaden Housing Stabilization services to individuals who are experiencing housing insecurities because of OUD and any co-occurring SUD/MH conditions. Proposal also includes a scholarship for individuals having a substance use disorder to attend a newly added psychotherapy program. |
| The Bridge Center Prevention | $95,000 | Add a self-sustaining community center for the Pelican Rapids area. The Bridge Center will focus on community-based prevention strategies by focusing on youth engagement in the design of a youth center and training adults as mentors. |
More Information
About Opioids
Opioids are a class of drugs used to reduce pain. Opioids are highly addictive and can lead to overdose. They include opioids prescribed by a doctor such as oxycodone, hydrocodone, morphine, and methadone. They also include Fentanyl, a synthetic opioid pain reliever, and Heroin.
Beginning in the 1990s, increased prescriptions of opioid medications led to widespread misuse of both prescription and non-prescription opioids. From 1999 – 2020 more than 564,000 people died from an opioid involved overdose, including prescription and illegal opioids.
In 2017, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services declared the opioid crisis a public health emergency. In 2021, state and local governments throughout the United States filed lawsuits against parties that helped cause the opioid crisis.
Opioid Resources
Opioid Usage Data
The Minnesota Department of Health’s drug overdose dashboard contains information on overdose deaths, opioid-related hospital visits, the number of opioid prescriptions dispense, and more. It also includes links to county level data.
Settlement Resources
For more information and specific details of the settlements, visit the Minnesota Attorney General’s Office webpage.
The Minnesota Opioid State-Subdivision Memorandum of Agreement outlines “Approved Uses”, method of distribution, and allocation of funds of the Opioid Settlement Funds. Visit the MOA for more information including a list of potential Opioid Remediation Uses and abatement strategies.
The John Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health Principles for the Use of Funds From the Opioid Litigation document provides planning and process level guidance for state and local policymakers on how to effectively spend money from the opioid settlements.
Public Health Department’s Role
According to the Minnesota Opioid State-Subdivision Memorandum of Agreement, local public health departments shall serve as the lead agency and Chief Strategist to identify, collaborate, and respond to local issues as Local Governments decide how to leverage and disburse Opioid Settlement Funds. In their role as Chief Strategists, the public health department will:
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Convene multi-sector meetings.
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Lead efforts that build upon local efforts like the Community Health Assessment and Community Health Improvement Plans.
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Foster community focused and collaborative evidence-informed approaches that prevent and address addiction across the areas of public health, human services, and public safety.
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Consult with municipalities located within the county in the development of any Community Health Assessment.
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Collaborate with law enforcement agencies in the county where appropriate.
Need Help?
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Call the national help line 1-800-662-4357
Questions
Contact Otter Tail County Public Health