Will County Takes Steps to Release Opioid Settlement Funds Amid Growing Crisis

The Will County Executive Committee approved a framework Thursday that will help release long-delayed opioid settlement funds to local organizations, as officials reported distributing over 13,000 doses of the overdose reversal drug Narcan in the first ten months of 2024.

The committee’s action establishes a formal program aligned with national settlement guidelines, potentially ending months of delays in distributing funds to organizations like HERO and Family Guidance Centers. The delay had sparked frustration among committee members.

“If our board voted to do it, we do it,” said board member Steve Balich, questioning why previously approved funding hadn’t been released. “We voted to give them the money months ago and it ain’t done. I want to know why.”

County staff presented research on how neighboring counties are using their settlement funds:

• Winnebago County distributed funds to corner’s office, judicial circuit clerk, sheriff’s office and health department, focusing on “warm handoff” programs
• Lake County prioritized Office of Education programs for Narcan training and age-appropriate lesson plans
• McHenry County established mobile harm reduction and peer support programs
• Kendall County emphasized prevention through medication drop box programs

Will County Health Department officials reported strong demand for Narcan, maintaining distribution boxes throughout the county. The department received the 8-milligram doses through a special IDPH grant for first responders, while providing most other Narcan supplies free of charge.

The committee also learned of additional settlement funds becoming available, including a recent $40 million settlement with Kroger in Illinois, though the county’s share hasn’t been determined.