Opioid Settlement Funds

AGO Opioid Settlements:

• The AGO settled lawsuits against opioid manufacturers, distributors, and retailers (“Defendants”), who contributed to the unimaginable loss that occurred during the MA opioid crisis...
• From 2023 to 2038, defendants must pay billions of dollars to the US.
• MA is expected to receive approximately $900 million for opioid abatement efforts.
• Under the terms of the State-Subdivision Agreement, 40% of the funds will be directly allocated to municipalities like Belmont. These funds must be spent on abatement strategies developed with input from the state’s Opioid Recovery and Remediation Fund Advisory Council.

Abatement Strategies:

• Efforts to strengthen state & local resources for opioid treatment & recovery.
• Harm reduction, prevention, & support for impacted families.

Expectations: 

• Belmont expects to receive approximately $60,000 on an annual basis in settlement funds over the duration of the disbursement period.
• Belmont’s Town Administration is working with the Selectboard and Board of Health to allocate these funds to help support the health and well-being of Belmont residents.

Abiding by the State-Subdivision Agreement:

• Belmont Health Department partnered with the Winchester Health Department to hire a public health consultant to conduct a Community Opioid Needs Assessment for each town.
• Results & recommendations were presented to Belmont’s Selectboard and Board of Health in March 2025.  
  • Belmont Health Department Opioid Settlement Funds Needs Assessment Survey Report
  • Belmont Opioid Settlement Funds presentation to Selectboard on March 24, 2025

Click here for a Substance Misuse and Mental Health Resource Guide