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Opioid settlement dollars available for local projects fighting substance abuse disorder

Local agencies and programs fighting substance use disorder, with a focus on opioid and fentanyl use and addiction, can apply for funds that Chelan and Douglas counties and the cities of Wenatchee and East Wenatchee received from the national opioid class action settlements.

The four governments are issuing a call for projects that may be eligible for funding. Potential grantees must show how the money will be used and how it will benefit local communities.

Proposals are due by 4 p.m. on Oct. 11. Proposals must include:

  • A detailed description of the project.
  • A detailed description of how the funds will impact opioid/fentanyl abuse, including whether the project impacts Chelan or Douglas counties or the cities of Wenatchee or East Wenatchee.
  • A description of whether this is a multi-year project or effort, or if this funding will be spent only in 2025.
  • The amount of funding requested with a detailed breakdown of proposed expenses.

Email project proposals to Jill FitzSimmons of the Chelan County Commissioners Office at Jillm.FitzSimmons@co.chelan.wa.us. Any questions about the call for projects should be emailed to FitzSimmons.

After Oct. 11, all proposals will be reviewed. Finalists may have to prepare a presentation for the board of the city or county impacted by the proposed project. 

Earlier this year, the Washington State Attorney General’s Office announced the state will receive $371.8 million from five companies that produced or sold opioids. The money will be divided between the state and 125 eligible local governments that signed onto the state’s opioid settlement.

Locally, Chelan County will receive $2.9 million, Douglas County will receive $1.5 million, and the cities of Wenatchee and East Wenatchee will receive $1.1 million and $320,644, respectively.

Following the state’s announcement, the four entities, joined by Grant County, Moses Lake and Okanogan County, formed the North Central Washington Opioid Abatement Council. The council signed a contract with Carelon Behavioral Health of Boston, Mass. Carelon will manage the distributing and reporting of the opioid settlement funds for the seven participating governments.

The dollars will be distributed over the next five years by each individual government, with a call for projects expected to be made annually for the next five years.

Last Updated: 09/23/2024 10:50 AM

Chelan County Calendar

Upcoming events and schedules at the county!

  • 28
    May 2025
    06:30 PM - 08:00 PM

    Planning Commission - May 28, 2025

    Posted by: Community Development

    By Zoom Video Conference or in person at 400 Douglas St. Wenatchee WA 98801
  • 21
    May 2025
    01:00 PM - 02:00 PM

    Hearing Examiner - May 21,2025

    Posted by: Community Development

    By Zoom Video Conference or in person at 400 Douglas St. Wenatchee WA 98801
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    May 2025
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    Chelan County Civil Service Commission

    Posted by: Human Resources

    The Chelan County Civil Service Commission will be meeting on May 14, 2025.

    Chelan County Commissioners Office, CM Conference Room 1
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    Final day to withdraw from the ballot

    Posted by: Chelan County Elections

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    May 2025
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    Lot Drawing for Candidates

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    Lot drawing for candidates placement on the ballot.

    Chelan County Elections Office