How Will Edmond's Opioid Settlement Dollars Be Used?

Oklahoma has released the first round of grants stemming from its opioid settlement funds. The Attorney General's office awarded $11 million to 77 entities across the state.

Edmond Public Schools and the City of Edmond will receive $45,695.00 and $124,894.68, respectively.

"As we could expect, drug abuse is a coping strategy for, our students and families," said Kim Hastings, an elementary instructional specialist for the district.

Data from the 2022 Oklahoma Needs Prevention Assessment reaffirmed the district's beliefs. Across all of Oklahoma County, 25% of students were considered at-risk for substance abuse.

"Not only will we be instructing our students, we will be sharing the message with their families about, 'Hey, this is what we are instructing in our lessons,'" Hastings added. The district plans to purchase a curriculum with its grant money, which will be used to train its counselors on substance abuse and mental health-related education for 3rd graders to seniors in high school.

Down the road, City Hall plans to use its dollars similarly.

"In particular, our youth was at risk with mental health issues as well as substance abuse," said Christy Batterson, a housing and community development manager for the city. The city conducted a mental health assessment in 2021 which underscored the need.

Batterson hopes the city's dollars can help youth through expanded juvenile court services, or Edmond Family Counseling.