POLK COUNTY, Iowa — Polk County is now accepting applications for opioid settlement grant funds from organizations that support people dealing with or in recovery from substance abuse.

The funding comes from the county’s share of the national opioid settlement, which is the result of litigation with pharmaceutical companies. More than $17 million will be available to Polk County organizations with the goal of prevention, harm reduction, treatment, and recovery.

“It is critical for governments to prioritize, and involve, people that have been harmed by the opioid and addiction epidemic in decisions about how the settlement funding is utilized. This will include people that are actively using substances, in treatment, and in recovery. These one-time funds are an opportunity to jump-start programs that fill service gaps in Polk County and ultimately improve and save lives,” said Gabbie Ruggiero, Polk County’s Opioid Settlement Program Planner.

The strategic plan outlines $1 million will go to organizations in charge of immediate interventions to expand or begin treatment and recovery programs. County leaders say the remaining money will be used to fund pre-arrest diversion programs, jail re-entry programs, and recovery housing.

Find out more about the grants and how organizations can apply here.