The Marion County Board of Supervisors is looking to effectively utilize funds that are in the county’s opioid account.

At Tuesday’s regular meeting, the board approved the Marion County Sheriff’s Office request for $6,000 to implement a Peer Recovery Support Services (PRSS) program for individuals impacted by opioid use disorder. This program will involve individuals who have experienced addiction in the past mentoring current inmates at the Marion County Jail, along with being a resource for them once released. 

The county has an opioid committee that was represented by Marion County Attorney Jared Harmon at the meeting and it was stated that the county currently has approximately $662,000 in the opioid fund, which can be used to implement programs or services that can prevent opioid addiction or further help individuals who have been affected by the addiction. The funds come from multiple class action lawsuits against drug manufacturers, pharmacies, and other entities that have settled with multiple municipalities. 

The opioid committee meets quarterly and they are currently accepting any suggestions of ways these funds can be utilized to best serve the citizens of Marion County to further reduce opioid addiction. Any thoughts or suggestions can be sent to Harmon at jharmon@marioncountyiowa.gov.