Between 2016-20, thousands of lawsuits filed across the country led to national settlements with opioid manufacturers, distributors and pharmacies. Kentucky has secured more than $1 billion from these settlements that will be distributed over several years. Half of these funds go directly to counties and cities, while the other half is administered by the Kentucky Opioid Abatement Advisory Commission.
Since 2022, the commission has awarded $85 million to 130 organizations working in prevention, treatment and recovery. As counties received their respective shares, both state and local leaders recognized the importance of creating a clear and consistent reporting system that would demonstrate how funds are being invested in Kentucky communities.
With support from KACo, the Kentucky Opioid Abatement Advisory Commission and the Office of the Attorney General, all 120 counties achieved full compliance.
KACo provided one-on-one technical assistance, direct support and statewide virtual trainings to help counties prepare for and complete the new reporting requirements.
This accomplishment places Kentucky among national leaders in transparent administration of opioid settlement funds. Counties showed strong commitment to accountability and responsible stewardship during the first year of this new system.
KACo Executive Director Jim Henderson recognized the work counties invested in getting this right.
“Counties have seen the devastating impact of addiction for decades,” Henderson said. “Their full participation in this new reporting system shows how seriously they take their role in addressing the crisis. KACo is proud to partner with the attorney general’s office to ensure that counties have the guidance they need to use these dollars wisely.”
The new reporting portal supports shared learning statewide. Counties are working every day to make thoughtful, data-informed decisions about how to invest opioid settlement funds. The new reporting portal and dashboard highlight these efforts and help counties learn from one another.
Updated reporting requirements
Counties can support emergency response, jail operations, treatment and recovery supports and a wide range of community partnerships to address the complex issue of opioids.
The arrival of opioid settlement funding created both opportunity and challenge as counties worked to balance urgent needs with long-term planning grounded in best practices.
Local officials across the state have been navigating regulations, new compliance requirements and increasing expectations for transparency while continuing to address the ongoing overdose crisis.
Any county receiving opioid settlement funds directly must complete an annual report for the commission due every year by Aug. 31.
The annual report asks counties to provide key information that includes:
- Total settlement funds received
- Funds expended or awarded and
- Financial and program impacts of investments made during the fiscal year.
These requirements are outlined in KRS 15.293 and 40 KAR 9:020. All information submitted through the reporting portal will be compiled by the commission and shared on a public dashboard so Kentuckians can see how funds are being used to support prevention, treatment, recovery and harm reduction efforts in every county.
National recognition for Kentucky
KACo is one of nine state associations nationwide to serve as an Opioid Solutions Ambassador through the National Association of Counties. This national network brings leaders together to share strategies, discuss challenges and strengthen guidance for managing opioid settlement funds.
Other states with this distinction include Alaska, Hawaii, Michigan, Minnesota, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Tennessee and Utah.
Kentucky’s success in achieving complete statewide compliance already has become a model for other states building their own reporting systems.
Looking ahead
With more than a decade of settlement payments still ahead, ongoing collaboration among counties, KACo, the attorney general’s office and the Opioid Abatement Advisory Commission will remain essential.
Kentucky’s commitment to transparency and statewide coordination positions the state as a national leader in responsible and effective use of opioid settlement funds.
For tools, guidance and resources to support local planning and reporting, visit the KACo Opioid Settlement Resource Library or the NACo Opioid Solutions Center.
