The City of Staunton, Augusta County, and the City of Waynesboro (the SAW region) will hold town hall meetings as part of planning for the use of funds from the National Opioid Settlement. These funds may be used for programs designed to treat, prevent, or reduce opioid use disorder or the misuse of opioids.

Opioid misuse can include taking more than the prescribed dose, using it to get high, or taking someone else’s opioids. The risk of opioid use disorder (which is sometimes referred to as opioid dependence or addiction) is higher when opioids are misused. Common prescription opioids include OxyContin, Percocet, Morphine, Methadone, Codeine, and Fentanyl.

In January 2024, the Knowledge Advisory Group (KAG) and Carter Foundation (CF) consulting team started collecting background information for this effort through a review of published data related to opioid use, as well as interviews and surveys of community health professionals across the SAW region. The goal was to better understand how opioid use has impacted residents in the area, the resources that currently exist to address opioid use, and gaps in services to address opioid use.

The KAG/CF consulting team will present preliminary findings and recommendations for the use of opioid settlement funds at two town hall meetings, which will include an opportunity for public comment from residents of the SAW region:

In Person Town Hall

Wednesday, July 17, 2024
Time: 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Place: Staunton City Hall, Council Chambers, 116 W. Beverley St
Light refreshments will be provided
Link to sign up: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/SAWTownHall2

There will be another town hall specifically geared toward service providers. Please contact Sandra Wright with the Knowledge Advisory Group for more information.