Stay A Day Longer for Additional Free Learning |
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On October 1, 2024, Northern Colorado Collaborative for Addiction and Recovery Services and its partners including the North Colorado Health Alliance, the Health District of Northern Larimer County, North Range Behavioral Health, and SummitStone Health Partners will come together to host the annual Rethinking Addiction and Recovery Conference.
This free one-day education summit in Northern Colorado featuring local, state, and national experts on addiction and recovery. This event highlights new, emerging, innovative and equitable practices in substance use across sectors and works to elevate actionable ways to improve care in the region.
More information forthcoming on a dinner on Monday, September 30, bridging these two events to recognize leaders in this space!
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Award Nomination Deadline |
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Nominations for the Medication for Opioid Use Disorder and Connections to the Community Recognition awards for Colorado county jails will close on May 15, at 11:59pm MSDT.
These awards are intended to recognize county jails within Colorado that have shown excellence or demonstrated progress in providing medications for opioid use disorder and connections to the community upon release.
Eligible nominees are exclusively limited to Colorado county jails. Nominators can include anyone from the public. The DOL encourages nominations from peer jail staff, sheriffs, individuals in the community, and individuals who have been incarcerated.
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Provide Feedback on Our Dashboard |
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As we enter this next stage of dashboard revisions, please provide recommendations on improving transparency.
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Prescription Drug Take Back Day this Sat, April 27th |
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The Drug Enforcement Administration is hosting Take-Back Day this Saturday, April 27. Come join Colorado Attorney General, Phil Weiser at the King Soopers at 2810 N. Quebec Street, in Denver.
If you are unable to attend Take-Back Day on Saturday, April 27, there are still options to safely dispose of unneeded medications.
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Note from Jack Patterson, Opioid Response Operations Administrator |
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Dear partners,
I am thrilled to announce my transition into a new role of Opioid Response Operations Administrator within the Opioid Response Unit. I will be focusing on a range of strategic initiatives with support from our new Opioid Response Program Coordinator, Natalie Sandoval - keep reading for an introduction!
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In my new capacity, my primary focuses will be on:
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Expanding technical assistance & peer learning programming to support the 19 Regional Opioid Abatement Councils, local governments, and other funding recipients
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Operationalizing the COAC and opioid settlement distribution structure
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Coordinating strategic initiatives and communication efforts, including the third annual 2024 Colorado Opioid Abatement Conference and further collaboration with local governments, regional, and state partners
I am grateful to Attorney General Phil Weiser, Director of Opioid Response Jamie Feld, the members of the COAC, and my colleagues in the Attorney General's Office for the opportunity to be a part of this remarkable team that will govern the over $770 million in opioid funds set to be received by Colorado through 2038.
Over the past two years, significant milestones have been achieved, including the establishment of the COAC and the development of structures for the distribution and oversight of opioid settlement funds. We've launched multiple grant programs, developed peer learning networks, and brought together leaders from across the state in an innovative model.
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However, as we confront the ongoing fentanyl and opioid crisis and face emerging trends, there remains much work ahead to address the evolving needs of our communities.
Looking ahead, I am excited to continue working with you all on our shared commitment to serving the people of Colorado. I hope to see you in Loveland on September 30 and thank you for your partnership.
With sincere gratitude,
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Jack Patterson
Operations Administrator
Opioid Response Unit
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Welcome Natalie Sandoval,
Opioid Response Program Coordinator
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Natalie Sandoval joins the Opioid Response Unit with experience in hospital and government settings. Her educational background is a mix of public health and environmental policy & management, with a focus on health and safety.
With experience in both the health and public sectors, Natalie brings a range of professional experience to her role as Opioid Response Program Coordinator. Before joining the Opioid Response Unit, Natalie served as an AmeriCorps Apprentice within the City and County of Denver providing education and resources to the community to reduce fatal and non-fatal overdoses and is excited to have a statewide impact on Colorado's opioid response by joining the Attorney General's Office.
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Funding Release & Other Updates |
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Release of Funds
The COAC released an additional nearly $15 million in funds to seven Regional Opioid Abatement Councils in their April 2024 meeting, bringing the total released to date to the 19 Regions to over $74 million.
You can learn more about the 19 Regions and their planned expenditures on the Colorado Opioid Settlement Dashboard, which details how opioid settlement funds have been distributed across Colorado.
Local Government Allocation Decisions
Participating Local Governments (PLG) were notified on April 22 of the annual option to change their election to either receive their allocation of opioid settlement funds from the Local Government Share or redirect to the Region. PLGs that wish to change their election should reach out to the Opioid Response Unit at Opioids@coag.gov to request a form.
Change of election decisions for 2024 are due by PLGs by May 18, 2024.
Only for Forward-Looking Strategies
As a reminder, 100% of opioid settlement funds received must be used only for forward-looking strategies, programming, and services to abate the opioid epidemic. Per these terms, supplanting is not allowable.
Commitment to Open Meetings
As a reminder all COAC meetings are open to the public. Visit here for info on call-in info and upcoming agendas!
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Don't forget, you can reach the entire Opioid Response Unit team at Opioids@coag.gov or at (720)-508-6196!
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