BARBARA DOMER: Valparaiso City Council District 3

The State of Indiana has acquired and is disbursing funds from the opioid settlement process to fight the opioid epidemic. Disbursements are currently scheduled to be received by governmental agencies through 2038. Detailed information can be found at https://www.in.gov/attorneygeneral/about-the-office/complex-litigation/opioid-settlement/

The City of Valparaiso is seeking to fight this epidemic by providing
funds to organizations working to support people in treatment and recovery. Over the years, Valparaiso expects to receive approximately $1.4 million dollars in restricted funds and over $600,000 in unrestricted funds of opioid settlement funding. The city recently closed the first call for applications for funding. The applications are currently being reviewed and city council will vote on the appropriation of funds to selected applicants.

To date, the City has appropriated opioid settlement funding for the Community Recovery Care Coordinator position. The function of the Community Recovery Coordinator is to efficiently connect Valparaiso residents struggling with Substance Use Disorder with inpatient recovery services once they are ready for such treatment. The recovery care coordinator position is held by Kristi Chervenak. Kristi presented the program updates to the Mayor and City Council at the May 28, 2024 city council meeting. I had the pleasure of meeting with Kristi recently and we discussed gaps in funding and how the city can help to fill some gaps using opioid settlement funds. Funding for transportation expenses and media campaigns were discussed.

Did you know there are FREE Narcan opioid rescue kits available to the public? The kits are located in a box outside the Recovery Connection building at 505 Don Hovey Drive. Kristi informed me these kits are sold at pharmacy’s for @ $50, however, through the Overdose Lifeline program (https://www.overdoselifeline.org/), Kristi has secured these kits for FREE. She is doing amazing work and we are lucky to have her in this critical role.