FAMILY & HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE
Meeting Date: May 12, 2025
Subject: Behavioral Health Transformation
Submitted For: Ori Tzvieli, Interim Health Services Director
Department: Health Services
Referral No: N/A
Referral Name: N/A
Presenter: Dr. Suzanne Tavano, Director of Behavioral Health
Contact: Dr. Suzanne Tavano, (925) 957-5169
Referral History:
In response to the nationwide opioid crisis, Contra Costa County has joined California's broader effort to leverage resources secured through national settlement agreements. These settlements, finalized in 2022 and 2023, resolve litigation against major opioid manufacturers, distributors, and retail pharmacies for their role in exacerbating the epidemic.
Through these agreements - which include companies such as Janssen Pharmaceuticals (Johnson & Johnson subsidiary), McKesson, Cardinal Health, AmerisourceBergen, Teva, Allergan, Walgreens, Walmart, and CVS - California is expected to receive more than $2 billion in settlement funds over the coming years. These funds are designated to support activities that prevent, treat, and remediate opioid use disorders (OUD).
Contra Costa County participates in the California Opioid Settlement Funds (OSF), through direct access to funding from the California Abatement Accounts Fund. The California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) oversees these funds statewide, providing guidance and ensuring that allocations align with state law and the settlement terms. BrownGreer PLC, the national administrator, manages payment distribution.
According to the terms of the OSF, the funds must be used for opioid remediation activities outlined in Exhibit E3 of the National Settlement Agreement. Local priorities are expected to focus on Opioid-related prevention, treatment expansion, harm reduction services, and recovery support. Specific examples of eligible activities include:
* Naloxone distribution and overdose prevention initiatives
* Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) progra...
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